14 CFR Part 23

Definition

14 CFR Part 23 refers to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations that govern the airworthiness standards for small airplanes. These standards ensure that aircraft meet safety and performance requirements for various operational conditions, which is essential for the certification processes of both aircraft and spacecraft.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 14 CFR Part 23 was revised in 2016 to improve clarity and efficiency in the certification process for small airplanes.
2. It covers a variety of design and performance requirements including structural integrity, flight characteristics, and system reliability.
3. The regulations apply to different categories of small aircraft, including single-engine and multi-engine airplanes.
4. Part 23 also includes provisions for pilot operating handbooks, which provide essential information for safe aircraft operation.
5. Compliance with Part 23 is critical for manufacturers seeking to market their aircraft in the United States, as it is a key requirement for obtaining type certification.

Review Questions

• How do the airworthiness standards outlined in 14 CFR Part 23 impact the design process of small airplanes?
  • The airworthiness standards in 14 CFR Part 23 directly influence the design process of small airplanes by setting specific safety and performance criteria that must be met. Manufacturers must incorporate these standards into their designs from the beginning, ensuring that structural integrity, flight characteristics, and system reliability are considered. This proactive approach minimizes risks during testing and ultimately leads to a smoother certification process.
• Discuss the implications of the 2016 revisions to 14 CFR Part 23 on the certification process for aircraft manufacturers.
  • The 2016 revisions to 14 CFR Part 23 have made significant improvements to the certification process by streamlining requirements and introducing a more flexible approach to meeting safety standards. This change allows manufacturers to utilize a broader range of compliance methods, potentially reducing development time and costs. By focusing on performance-based outcomes rather than prescriptive measures, these revisions encourage innovation while maintaining high safety levels in small airplane design.
• Evaluate how adherence to 14 CFR Part 23 contributes to overall aviation safety and its role in public trust towards small aircraft operations.
  • Adherence to 14 CFR Part 23 is crucial for maintaining high aviation safety standards, as it ensures that small airplanes are designed and operated under strict regulatory guidelines. This rigorous certification process fosters public trust by demonstrating that manufacturers prioritize safety and compliance with established airworthiness criteria. As a result, when small aircraft successfully meet these regulations, it helps enhance overall confidence in aviation as a safe mode of transportation, ultimately benefiting both operators and passengers alike.

Related terms

Type Certificate: A document issued by the FAA that confirms an aircraft design meets specified airworthiness standards.

Airworthiness: The condition of an aircraft being safe and fit for flight, conforming to the approved design and being maintained in that condition.

Supplemental Type Certificate (STC): A type of approval that allows for a modification to an aircraft's type certificate, ensuring that changes comply with airworthiness standards.