The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has unveiled a new plan aimed at modernising and accelerating the certification of new commercial airplanes, with a focus on harmonising regulations with European standards. This move is expected to benefit manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer, who often face lengthy and costly certification processes.
The proposal, announced by the FAA, seeks to streamline approvals by aligning some requirements with those of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This would provide consistent requirements, reducing certification costs and time, while maintaining or increasing safety standards.
According to the FAA, the new plan involves reducing exemptions, special conditions, and equivalent level of safety findings required during the certification process. This strategy aims to cut certification time and costs while maintaining or increasing safety.
The FAA's plan has been welcomed by industry leaders, including Boeing, which has faced issues with certifying its 737 MAX variants. The agency has confirmed that it is in the final stages of certifying the smaller MAX 7 and larger MAX 10, with EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet calling the validation of the MAX 10 a 'top priority' for his agency.
The proposed changes are expected to have a significant impact on the global aviation industry, with manufacturers set to benefit from a more streamlined and efficient certification process. As the UK's aviation industry continues to grow, this development is likely to have a positive impact on the sector, with potential benefits for jobs and the economy.