FAA proposes to speed new commercial aircraft certifications

• The FAA will mirror some requirements with EASA to provide consistent regulations and reduce the number of exemptions, special conditions, and equivalent safety findings needed during certification
• Current airplane model approvals can take years with substantial testing requirements; Boeing's 737 MAX 7 certification has been delayed since its 2022 target date
• The FAA and EASA are in final stages of certifying the Boeing 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants, with both agencies cooperating more closely on safety and certification processes

Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced proposed regulatory changes on June 25 to modernize and accelerate commercial aircraft certification processes while harmonizing standards with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Key Details:

The proposal aims to streamline approvals by mirroring EU requirements, reducing the number of exemptions, special conditions, and equivalent safety findings currently required. This harmonization is expected to decrease certification costs, time, and complexity for manufacturers while maintaining or enhancing safety standards.

Companies Affected:

Major aerospace manufacturers including Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, and Bombardier stand to benefit from the expedited process. Current aircraft certifications can take years and require extensive testing and data submission.

Immediate Impact:

The FAA and EASA reported significant progress on approving two Boeing 737 MAX variants. Deputy FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau confirmed the agency is in final certification stages for the 737 MAX 7 (smaller variant) and MAX 10 (larger variant). Boeing originally targeted 2022 for MAX 7 certification but faced delays due to various issues.

Market Implications:

The regulatory modernization represents a potential boost for aircraft manufacturers dealing with lengthy approval timelines. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford has actively pursued reform initiatives, with previous administrators exploring technological solutions to streamline processes. The closer FAA-EASA cooperation on safety and certification could establish more efficient global standards, potentially accelerating time-to-market for new aircraft models and reducing development costs across the industry.

The changes signal regulatory adaptation to industry needs while maintaining safety as the primary priority through collaborative international frameworks.