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 new regulations (NPRM) requiring aircraft manufacturers to meet improved fuel efficiency targets for a wide range of aircraft, affecting new designs and those manufactured from January 1, 2028.
This initiative aims to implement EPA emission standards, fulfill FAA's Clean Air Act obligations, and support the Biden administration's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 as part of the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan.
The general aviation industry, including groups like GAMA and NBAA, largely supports these efforts, aligning with their own commitments to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and recognizing the importance of global competitiveness and technological advancements.

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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.”