FAA Proposes Rules for VLJ Certification

To streamline its approvals for very light jets (VLJs), the FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on August 17 to amend the applicable certification standards for Part 23 jet-powered airplanes. The agency said the NPRM is necessary to eliminate the current workload of processing exemptions, special conditions and equivalent levels of safety findings necessary to certify VLJs under Part 23. The proposed changes would standardize and simplify the certification of Part 23 jets; clarify areas of frequent non-standardization and misinterpretation, particularly electronic equipment and system certification; and codify existing certification requirements in special conditions for new jet aircraft that incorporate new technologies. It is accepting public comments until November 16.