Comments filed by the NTSB in reaction to the FAA’s proposal to overhaul Part 23 aircraft certification were not wholly supportive of the changes, and now AOPA, EAA and the Aircraft Electronics Association have weighed in with a response. The three groups sent a joint letter to NTSB Chairman Christopher Hart noting that they share his goal for enhancing aviation safety, but “we are respectfully concerned with several of the NTSB’s comments.” The letter cites the NTSB’s comments regarding whether the use of industry-consensus standards, as proposed in the new rules, will make general aviation safer. “We strongly believe Part 23 reform promises many economic and safety benefits for the GA community,” the letter says.
After the NTSB comments were filed, John DeLisi, director of the NTSB Office of Aviation Safety, weighed in about the proposal on the NTSB Safety Compass blog. “We see great potential for the proposed rule to allow manufacturers to more rapidly introduce safety improvements into the fleet,” he wrote. “The NPRM proposes to make the introduction and certification of new safety technologies quicker and less burdensome for manufacturers.” He added that the comments submitted by the board “highlight areas in which safety improvements recommended by the NTSB can help further enhance the streamlining of Part 23,” and added, “We are optimistic that the proposed process will address many of our outstanding safety recommendations.” The proposal and the comments are now under review by government entities, and industry advocates hope to see the new Part 23 enacted by early next year.
