Bunce outlines opportunities to rethink GA regulatory approach in Europe

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, GERMANY, April 24, 2013–At a press conference held today at the AERO Friedrichshafen general aviation show, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President & CEO Pete Bunce praised EASA and the FAA for their efforts to put into place the CS-23/Part 23 Reorganisation.  The reorganisation would regulate the safety of general aviation (GA) aeroplanes based on requirements that are proportionate to the complexity and performance of the aeroplane, rather than on existing arbitrary divisions based on weight and propulsion.  The lighter segments of GA have suffered in terms of new product innovation as a result of overly prescriptive and rigid rules. 

“Adopting new certification rules will help spur new product innovation and the installation of safety-enhancing technologies in existing aeroplanes,” Bunce said.  “We are pleased with the steps EASA and the FAA have taken to date, with the stated goal of doubling safety while cutting certification costs by half.”

GAMA has worked with EASA, the FAA and industry stakeholders over the past year on these new certification rules, which would allow compliance through consensus-based standards.  EASA has also worked with the FAA to establish formal rule-making initiatives to develop the new system.  Other authorities in countries such as Canada, Brazil and China have also been involved in this initiative, and remain committed to adopting a harmonised global approach.

In addition to the CS-23 effort, Bunce emphasised the importance of implementing the broader General Aviation Safety Strategy developed last year by EU Member States, EASA and industry.  “The Strategy represents an opportunity to rethink how we approach GA regulation in Europe, to ensure proportionality in areas such as operations, licensing and maintenance,” Bunce said.

Both of these initiatives represent significant opportunities to address some of the challenges faced by GA in Europe.  GAMA will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure the objectives of both projects bring about positive change for the GA community.

For additional information, please contact Brian Davey at +32 2 550 3900 or bdavey@gama.aero.