FAA LAUNCHES REGULATORY CONSISTENCY COMMUNICATION BOARD (RCCB)
The FAA recently issued an order establishing the Regulatory Consistency Communication Board (RCCB) within the Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) and Flight Standards Service (AFS) divisions. This order defines how the RCCB operates and is designed to address long-standing complaints from the aviation industry about an inconsistent approach to oversight.
Background. In 2012, the FAA chartered the Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation Aviation Rulemaking Committee. The Committee created a forum for the U.S. aviation community to assess, determine the root causes of, and provide recommendations to reduce inconsistent interpretation and application of regulations. One of the Committee’s recommendations was that the FAA should establish a review board comprised of representatives from AFS, AIR, and AGC to provide clarification to internal and external stakeholders on questions related to the application of regulations.
Summary. The RCCB will serve as a central board to clarify questions about regulatory interpretations from the various regions and district offices and applies to all AFS, AIR, and Office of the Chief Counsel’s (AGC) Regulations Division (AGC-200) employees. Issues brought to the RCCB must involve regulations and policies overseen by AFS or AIR and include an inconsistency in how regulatory requirements are described or applied. Examples of issues that may be worked through the RCCB are inconsistencies between regulations and guidance documents, or inconsistencies in the application of regulations or policies. Industry stakeholders with questions or concerns about regulatory interpretation will be able to submit them through an online form created by the FAA. FAA also notes that RCCB is not intended to address issues dealing with low-flying aircraft, UAS operation questions, questions regarding accidents or incidents or airline customer service or delay concerns.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Shelley Ewalt.
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