FAA Reestablishes Flight Test Harmonization Working Group

FAA REESTABLISHES FLIGHT TEST HARMONIZATION WORKING GROUP 

Today, the FAA assigned the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) a new task to prioritize potential topic areas for development of new or revised requirements and guidance material for airplane performance and handling characteristics in new transport category airplanes.  The output of this task is intended to support FAA planning for subsequent ARAC taskings in these topic areas. 

The FAA tasked the ARAC to consider several areas within the airplane performance and handling qualities requirements of the 14 CFR Part 25 airworthiness standards and guidance for possible revision.  The task includes prioritizing the list of topic areas based on criteria previously established by the Flight Test Harmonization Working Group (FTHWG).  The prioritization criteria should consider harmonization of regulatory requirements and associated guidance material for airworthiness certification of airplane designs.  

The FAA and ARAC will reestablish the FTHWG in order to consider the following subject areas:

  • Fly-by-wire (FBW) flight controls

  • Takeoff and landing performance

  • Handling Characteristics

Requests to participate in the FTHWG must be received on or before April 5, 2013.  If you have any questions related to the ARAC tasking, please contact our office.