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 and equipment.
These rules mandate cybersecurity risk assessments for new aircraft with more than 19 passenger seats or a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 19,000 pounds, requiring manufacturers to address identified vulnerabilities.
The initiative aims to standardize cybersecurity criteria, reduce certification costs and time, and maintain safety levels in response to increasing aircraft connectivity to internal and external networks.

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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.