SUMMARY:
The European Aviation Safety Agency has published Decision 2017/013/R. The objective of this Decision is to improve the efficiency of the certification process by reorganising CS-23 "Certification Specifications for Normal-Category Aeroplanes."
This reorganisation of CS-23 introduces a new concept. The current EASA CS-23 is replaced by objective requirements that are design-independent. These objective requirements, due to their higher level of abstractness, also are suitable for aeroplanes within the scope of the current CS-VLA "Certification Specification for Very Light Aircraft." Therefore, CS-23 Amendment 5 also replaces CS-VLA.
This amendment will contain only CSs. The related acceptable means of compliance will capture the technical details and, when applicable, provide differentiated AMC for the variety of aeroplane designs within the scope of the new CS-23. This AMC will be annexed to a separate decision. The aim is to incorporate consensus standards into the AMC, which will allow for a faster adoption of new technologies and better up-to-date standards. This improved flexibility is intended to encourage the introduction of safety-enhancing features into new designs and reduce the certification costs for the aeroplanes at stake.
AEA COMMENTARY:
A review of CS-23 Amendment 5 is schedule as part of the regulatory review at the upcoming AEA Europe Connect Conference, 10-11 April, 2017, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. For more information about the two-day event, click here.
This change in CS-23 not only affects the next generation of aircraft but also the design, certification and installation of the next generation avionics.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, by email at ricp@aea.net or by phone at 202-589-1144.