EASA's Re-written CS-23 Paves the Way for a New Era in General Aviation, GA Industry Says

EASA certification director, Trevor Woods, presents EASA's re-written CS-23 certification rules for small aircraft at AERO, pointing out that the "EASA CS-23 are new, smart and flexible rules, prepared with and for a safe, innovative GA industry." The reorganized CS-23 remove design limitations for manufacturers and thus open the way to innovation.

GA industry representatives also emphasized the rules' great potential. "These new rules will allow us to bring new aeroplane models with features using increased automation to market. We anticipate that these new features will not only help increase the user experience but will help improve safety," says Simon Caldecott, president and CEO of Piper Aircraft as well as chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). "The introduction of the new CS-23 paves the way for a new era in general aviation."

The new CS-23 establish objective and design-independent requirements. New designs will not be hampered by detailed, prescriptive rules. This enables innovative solutions to enhance safety, while at the same time reducing red tape and time and certification costs. The innovations are supported by better up-to-date industry standards which are continually developed in cooperation between manufacturers, users, EASA and other authorities. 

"It’s revolutionary," says 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 leverage these innovations."

EASA has participated in an international effort and cooperation with the FAA (and others) to reorganize the CS-23/Part 23 in order to revive certified general aviation. Furthermore, a harmonized reorganization of both the related E.U. and U.S. rules is vital for global success. Matthias Betsch, president of Flight Design, says, "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."