FAA Revises Part 23

The FAA December 16 released its long-awaited final rule making significant revisions to small aircraft certification standards. The new FAR Part 23 rule addresses how airplanes weighing up to 19,000 pounds can be certified and implements performance-based airworthiness requirements instead of the prescriptive design requirements it replaces. It apparently offers little regulatory relief to owners or operators of existing or aging aircraft. Given the scope of the rule changes, the FAA is delaying its implementation eight months, to August 30, 2017.

Key Takeaways:

• The FAA's new Part 23 rule, effective August 30, 2017, shifts small aircraft certification standards from prescriptive designs to performance-based airworthiness requirements.
• This new rule is intended to facilitate the introduction of new aircraft models and upgrades but provides little regulatory relief or fundamental changes for owners and operators of existing or aging aircraft.
• The end of 2016 saw a series of fatal U.S. general aviation accidents, suggesting no substantial safety improvements compared to the previous year.
• The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) offered five tips for safer winter flying, covering topics like reviewing TALPA, knowing when to contact airports, and properly handling cold-soaked airplanes.

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