U.S. FAA to propose changes to speed certification of new commercial airplanes

Reuters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to propose updates to the certification process for new commercial aircraft, according to a notice released by the Trump administration on Thursday.

The agency said it intends to introduce the proposals by December, aiming to modernize specific certification standards for transport-category airplanes and their propulsion systems. Officials described the initiative as deregulatory, seeking to reduce the number of exemptions, special conditions, and equivalent-level-of-safety determinations that manufacturers must currently obtain during certification.

The move is part of a broader effort to streamline aircraft approval procedures and keep pace with evolving aviation technologies. Mike Whitaker, the FAA’s previous administrator, had told Reuters in December that the agency was looking for ways to simplify the certification process, making it more efficient while maintaining safety standards.

By modernizing these rules, the FAA aims to accelerate aircraft development and certification timelines, potentially benefiting both manufacturers and airlines seeking faster deployment of new aircraft models.

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