EAA: Movement in Part 23 Rewrite a Good Step Forward

March 9, 2016 – The FAA today announced a formal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for revising the outdated FAR Part 23 rules that govern small aircraft design and alterations, something mandated nearly three years ago by the Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013. This is something long supported and encouraged by EAA, most recently during the EAA/FAA Recreational Aviation Winter Summit at Oshkosh in February.

“We’ve been urging the FAA to get this mandated update to the certification rules and airworthiness standards, because it is a major advancement for GA aircraft owners that include thousands of EAA members,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president for advocacy and safety. “Changes in Part 23 will maintain and enhance high levels of safety, but allow for more innovation and freedom in design and maintenance of aircraft. It will help the entire spectrum of aircraft owners, from those with orphaned vintage models to those looking to design the aircraft of the future.”

The NPRM will open for comments upon publication in the Federal Register on March 14. EAA participated in the FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on Part 23 reform, promoting common-sense reforms that included safety, innovation, and economy for GA aircraft.