Story ID: 182May17
EASA Completes New 'Revolutionary' CS-23
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: The EASA rule is timed to take effect as the U.S. FAA Part 23 rewrite is set to take effect.
Word Count: 414
The European Aviation Safety Agency released its “revolutionary” rewrite of CS-23 rules last month, laying the foundations for a performance-based, flexible approach to certifying small aircraft. The EASA rulemaking comes four months after the FAA released its long-awaited comprehensive overhaul of Part 23 regulations governing small-aircraft certification. The rulemakers worked closely with other international aviation regulators to take a global approach to standards setting for general aviation aircraft. The CS-23 rewrite is set to take effect August 15, timed close to when the U.S. counterpart is set to go into effect.

Announcing the release of the EASA rule at Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany, EASA certification director Trevor Woods said, “EASA CS-23 is new, smart and flexible, prepared with and for a safe, innovative GA industry.” The rules, the agency added, remove design limitations for manufacturers, opening the way for innovation.

“This is a landmark day for the general aviation industry,” said Pete Bunce, president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. “This rule is nothing less than a total rethink of how our industry can bring new piston, diesel, turboprop, light jet and hybrid and electric propulsion airplanes to market, as well as facilitate safety-enhancing modifications and upgrades to the existing fleet.”

Again similar to its U.S. counterpart, CS-23 establishes design objectives without prescriptive rules. It also facilitates the use of international standards.

“It’s revolutionary,” added Ivo Boscarol, CEO of the Slovenian manufacturer Pipistrel, “which is why we have been an active supporter of the CS-23 initiative. Right now, we see tremendous opportunities in electric and hybrid propulsion and increased automation. The new CS-23 will enable us to move at the pace of these developments and more readily apply these innovations.”

The rule involved the collaboration of not only the international regulators, but also industry, Bunce noted, adding, "It would not have been possible to reach this milestone without the dedication and tireless efforts of many in the industry and the EASA. This initiative is truly the poster child of future rulemaking, with a cooperative, global approach between authorities and all relevant stakeholders.”

Flight Design president Matthias Betsch agreed: “I am sure the result we see here today is a testament to what we can accomplish when government and industry work hand in hand to achieve a common goal. In fact, it might be the best example yet of global cooperation between aviation authorities.”

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