FAA PROPOSES RULE TO OVERHAUL SAFETY CERTIFICATION STANDARDS FOR GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT

April 21, 2016

Based on industry recommendations, the FAA has proposed a rule to overhaul airworthiness standards for small, general aviation aircraft with a maximum capacity of 19 passengers or less, and a maximum takeoff weight of 19,000 pounds. The new recommendations are meant to reduce the time it takes to introduce safety enhancement technology while also reducing general aviation maintenance costs. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking restructures the existing certification standards for small planes and replaces current prescriptive design requirements with performance-based standards that maintain the same level of safety. The proposal responds to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, and the Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013, which directed the FAA to streamline the approval of safety advancements for general aviation aircraft. The comment period expires on May 13, 2016.

If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).

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