FAA Proposed Rule Targets Turbine, Turboprop, and Piston Aircraft Fuel Efficiency

Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 03:57 PM ET

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Large, transport category aircraft with type certification applied for as of January 11, 2021—such as the Boeing 777-X—would be affected by the rule if enacted as proposed. [File photo: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has proposed a new rule (NPRM) requiring aircraft manufacturers to improve fuel efficiency for a wide range of new turbine, turboprop, and piston aircraft.
This regulation aims to implement EPA emissions standards, fulfill Clean Air Act obligations, and advance the Biden administration's climate goals, including net-zero emissions by 2050.
The rule applies to aircraft receiving new type certifications and those manufactured from January 1, 2028 (or Jan 1, 2023, for small aircraft), but explicitly excludes aircraft already in service.
Industry groups like GAMA support the proposal for aligning with international standards, while NBAA is reviewing it with their existing net-zero commitments in mind.

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The FAA has published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that will require aircraft manufacturers to improve fuel efficiency targets for a wide range of turbine, turboprop, and piston aircraft—both those still on the drawing board as well as those currently type certificated and those to be manufactured as of January 1, 2028.

The NPRM states the purpose of the proposed rule is to set “fuel efficiency requirements for certification of certain airplanes. These certification requirements would implement the emissions standards adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency, allowing manufacturers to certificate their aircraft for fuel efficiency in the United States, and fulfilling the statutory obligations of the FAA under the Clean Air Act.”