A bill that would speed the adoption of new certification standards for light aircraft is on a fast track itself after the House on July 16 passed the measure by a vote of 411-0. The bill now heads to the Senate, where quick passage is also expected.
Authored by Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), the bill would give the FAA until the end of 2015 to rework the certification process for light airplanes. AOPA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, both major backers of the changes, say adoption of the standards will cut certification costs in half and pave the way for more affordable general aviation products.
Pompeo spent two years working with the FAA to address dozens of concerns the agency had with his plan. The FAA has said it provided “technical assistance” with the legislation.
Today’s Part 23 regulations, which have evolved to meet the needs of sophisticated light business jets and turboprops, are being eclipsed by technological and design advances, said AOPA President Craig Fuller. “They are holding back important safety features from pilots and aircraft owners. Revising the regulations will make our aircraft safer and more affordable, and it will allow pilots and aircraft owners to more easily upgrade to avionics that offer features like collision avoidance and real-time weather.”
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