Transport Airplane and Propulsion Certification Modernization

Current understanding

The FAA has proposed modernizing airworthiness certification standards for transport category airplanes (Part 25) and propulsion systems, aiming to reduce the number of standing exemptions, lower compliance costs, and harmonize U.S. rules with international (notably EASA) standards. The stated intent is to maintain or improve safety while streamlining the certification pathway. Status: proposed rule.

Evidence log

• 2026-08-25 — Special Conditions: Pratt and Whitney Canada, PW220A; New Engine Rating: Idle-Cruise Regime: cross-connection with faa-airworthiness-directives: The PW220A idle-cruise special condition illustrates the kind of ad hoc propulsion certification gap that the broader Transport Airplane and Propulsion Certification Modernization rulemaking is aiming to codify. (novelty: 2)
• 2026-05-06 — Special Conditions: Skyryse, Robinson Helicopter Company Model R66 Helicopter; Static Longitudinal Stability: cross-connection with helicopter-fly-by-wire-special-conditions: Both reflect FAA efforts to close gaps between legacy airworthiness standards and modern digital flight control / propulsion technologies; FBW helicopter special conditions could inform broader rotorcraft certification modernization. (novelty: 3)
• 2026-06-18 — Special Conditions: Honeywell Aerospace US LLC, Dassault Aviation Model Falcon 900EX Airplane; Electronic System Security Protection From Unauthorized External Access: cross-connection with aircraft-cybersecurity-special-conditions: Special conditions for connected-aircraft cybersecurity highlight gaps in existing airworthiness rules that broader certification modernization efforts may eventually codify. (novelty: 2)

Open questions

Related