AOPA supports performance-based regulation

A proposed regulation revising operational requirements for enhanced flight vision systems (EFVS) reflects an approach to aviation regulation that AOPA supports: Rather than specifying particular technologies or equipment, the notice of proposed rulemaking issued by the FAA in June takes a performance-based approach, allowing owners and operators more flexibility and reducing the cost of compliance.

Noting that AOPA is an active participant in the agency’s effort to reform Part 23, AOPA Manager of Regulatory Affairs David Oord wrote in comments on the proposed vision system regulation that the association “strongly supports the [FAA] creating and supporting a flexible regulatory structure that will encourage innovation, improve operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve safety.”

Oord encouraged the agency to work with subject matter experts as the proposed rule is refined into final form to ensure the result is not overly prescriptive. The cockpit vision technology is typically used in airline and charter operations, with more limited use in the general aviation fleet where AOPA will continue to advocate for the FAA to grant operational benefits to pilots and aircraft owners who install safety enhancing technologies. 

Comments on the proposed rule on cockpit vision systems are being accepted through Oct. 15.