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, driven by the increasing connectivity of flight systems.
These proposed rules will mandate cybersecurity risk assessments for large aircraft (over 19 passenger seats or 19,000 lbs MTOW), requiring manufacturers to address identified vulnerabilities.
The initiative aims to standardize cybersecurity criteria, reduce certification costs and time, and maintain existing safety levels within aviation.

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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.

Under the 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. Manufacturers will then need to address any vulnerabilities.

The FAA noted that the new mandates were introduced as flight equipment has become more connected to internal and external data networks and services—including satellite communications and internet-connected devices.

The agency is accepting comments and feedback on the proposed rules until October 1.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

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