The House on Tuesday unanimously passed the Small Airplane Revitalization Act which requires FAA to replace its current prescriptive regulations on small aircraft certification with performance-based regulations.
A similar bill was introduced in the Senate in May. If the bill eventually gets signed into law, FAA would be required to implement recommendations drafted by the Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee by the end of 2015.
“These new streamlined regulations will decrease costs, increase safety and improve global competitiveness," said Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), who introduced the legislation two months ago.
Provisions in the bill would help manufacturers bring new technology designed for Part 23 airplanes to the market much faster.
Several aviation industry trade groups, including the General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) expressed their support for the bill. Supporters say that FAA’s current regulation of small airplanes is burdensome, preventing the introduction of new technologies in the cockpit that improves safety and performance.
"The bill will allow manufacturers to bring innovative, safety-enhancing products to market, reduce certification costs and help revitalize the lighter end of the GA market. The overwhelmingly positive vote today makes it crystal clear that the FAA should implement these rules without delay," said Pete Bunce, president and CEO of GAMA.
The Part 23 ARC’s recommendations focus on implementing regulations that are performance-based, and allow greater consideration for the complexity of lighter aircraft.
Related: General Aviation News