November 17, 2011 – The first meeting of the FAA’s newly formed Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) took place this week in Washington, D.C., involving representatives from FAA’s Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification, and Flight Standards Service as well as aviation industry and community members, including EAA.

Oliver Reinhardt presenting for Flight Design

The ARC’s charter group is charged with creating a progressive, tiered certification system – from low-complexity, low-performance airplanes all the way to high-complexity, high-performance airplanes – so small recreational airplanes won’t have to be designed and certificated under the same regulatory requirements as heavier, more complex, and higher performance aircraft. The end-result should allow manufacturers to bring small planes to market faster and at less cost.

EAA Vice President of Industry and Regulatory Affairs Sean Elliott called the effort a “unique opportunity” for GA. “The possibilities are amazing,” Elliott said. “We’re bringing Part 23 into the 21st century, integrating modern technology, simplifying certification requirements, and improving safety. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aviation.”

When its work is completed after 18 months, the ARC will submit a report detailing recommendations and tasks to Earl Lawrence, manager of the Small Airplane Directorate. Lawrence can extend the charter up to six months if needed.