FAA releases Detailed Implementation Plan to streamline aircraft certification, efficiently bring new products to market

WASHINGTON, 5 Aug. 2013. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) officials have unveiled a Detailed Implementation Plan for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.

The plan is intended to help streamline aircraft certification and approval processes to keep pace with technological advancements in aviation products and to help the U.S. maintain global competitiveness. The plan responds to Section 312 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 which required the FAA, in consultation with the aviation industry, to conduct an assessment of the aircraft certification and approval process. It also relates to recommendations in the May 2012 Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation Rulemaking Committee report to enhance the efficiency of getting new products to market while improving safety.

Many initiatives are already complete or underway, says a spokesperson. The FAA is preparing to update the Part 23 regulations that cover design and safety standards for small, general aviation aircraft. The goal is to increase safety, decrease costs, and increase the installation of safety equipment for general aviation.

The FAA also published for public comment a new process for initiating and managing FAA resources assigned to projects; it promotes more predictable planning for the applicant.

The FAA also has issued an update to the Organization Delegation Authorization Order (8110.4D) and established an Aviation Rulemaking Committee to consider updates for certification procedures and safety management systems in Part 21.

The plan will be reviewed and updated every six months. The plan is available at: http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/committees/documents/media/ACPRR.ARC