FAA Revises Part 23

The FAA December 16 released its long-awaited final rule making significant revisions to small aircraft certification standards. The new FAR Part 23 rule addresses how airplanes weighing up to 19,000 pounds can be certified and implements performance-based airworthiness requirements instead of the prescriptive design requirements it replaces. It apparently offers little regulatory relief to owners or operators of existing or aging aircraft. Given the scope of the rule changes, the FAA is delaying its implementation eight months, to August 30, 2017.

Key Takeaways:

• The FAA released a new performance-based Part 23 rule for small aircraft certification, designed to facilitate the development and modification of new aircraft models up to 19,000 pounds.
• The new rule explicitly states it offers no immediate regulatory relief or benefits for owners or operators of existing or aging aircraft.
• A series of fatal general aviation accidents occurred at the end of 2016, with early statistics indicating no substantial safety improvements for the year compared to the previous one.
• The NBAA provided five winter flying tips, including reviewing runway conditions (TALPA/FICON), confirming avionics compatibility, proper handling of cold-soaked aircraft, and pilot-made go/no-go decisions.

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