Small Airplane Revitalization Act

Dec. 5, 2013
Many individuals, industry groups, and regulatory agencies from around the world participated in the ARC activities. They should all be commended at this show of how organizations can work together.

Over the past two years the FAA Part 23 Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) has worked toward reorganizing the Part 23 regulatory structure. Recommendations resulting from this effort focused on increasing safety and reducing government and industry certification costs. The legislation unanimously passed the Senate in October and the House in November, and last week President Obama signed the legislation into law. The FAA is required to implement the recommendations of the ARC by December 31, 2015.

Many individuals, industry groups, and regulatory agencies from around the world participated in the ARC activities. They should all be commended at this show of how organizations can work together to influence and make positive change to our dynamic industry. One of the co-chairs of the ARC was the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Pete Bunce, GAMA CEO and president, said in an October 2013 article in Aircraft Maintenance Technology magazine, "Taking a more flexible approach on certification will allow regulators to focus on what truly matters — increasing the safety of light GA airplanes by enabling companies to bring new, safety-enhancing products to market with greater certainty, timeliness, and at a lower certification cost." 

I recently had the opportunity to speak with one of the bill’s lead sponsors, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), during a Minnesota Business Aviation Association meeting. Senator Klobuchar highlighted the importance of this new law streamlining certification processes, the increased safety potential, and overall positive impact to GA manufacturing.

To read the Bunce article visit:  http://www.aviationpros.com/article/11150549/lets-bring-part-23-rules-up-to-date?page=2

Stephen Prentice also covered the bill in an article in the November/December issue, visit: http://www.aviationpros.com/article/11196880/small-airplane-revitalization-act-of-2013-hr-1848