FAA Proposes New Cybersecurity Standards for Aircraft

The proposed rules would tackle cybersecurity threats for transport category aircraft, engines, and propellers.

Amelia Walsh

Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 11:08 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Under the FAA's proposed rules, any aircraft with more than 19 passenger seats or a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 19,000 pounds will be required to undergo a cyber security risk assessment. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has proposed new cybersecurity standards for transport category aircraft, engines, and propellers to address growing threats from increased connectivity.
These proposed rules aim to standardize cybersecurity criteria, which would help lower certification costs and time while maintaining current safety levels.
Aircraft with more than 19 passenger seats or exceeding 19,000 pounds maximum takeoff weight will be required to undergo a cybersecurity risk assessment, with manufacturers mandated to address identified vulnerabilities.

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The FAA introduced changes to its cybersecurity standards for new aircraft and equipment in a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) issued Wednesday.

According to the agency, the proposed rules would tackle cybersecurity threats for transport category aircraft, engines, and propellers. The goal is to standardize the FAA’s cybersecurity criteria, which would help lower certification costs and time while maintaining the current safety levels.