The new CS-23 – smart and flexible rules that support innovation

The CS-23 (certification specifications) provide the technical requirements for certification of small aeroplanes. The latest amendment to CS-23 is indeed a game changer! So, what makes this amendment so special?

Instead of details (limited to today’s technology) we define objectives that provide direction for new developments.

  • The technical design-specific details are removed from the rules and moved to the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC).
  • Instead, the amendment provides what the objectives of the design should be.
  • That way, new designs will not be hampered by detailed prescriptive rules. This enables innovative solutions that will enhance safety.
  • In order to speed-up the introduction of new AMC, the development of AMC introduces the possibility to use a continuous cooperation between industry, users, EASA and other authorities. This leads to better up-to-date industry standards.
  • At the same time, it reduces red tape, time and certification costs for manufacturers.
  • When consensus standards are developed in a transparent and accessible process EASA can give credit and follow a short rulemaking process to accept the use of such standards.
  • The first set of consensus standards are being developed in an international cooperation via ASTM international.
  • AMC to CS-23 has been published in December 2017.

The global picture

Globally, this change is taking place in Europe (CS-23, in force 15/08/2017) and in the US (Part 23, in force two weeks later). EASA has delayed the issuance of CS-23 in order to get the highest level of harmonisation.