Small plane makers can now use modern safety standards, not 1960s rules

The US aviation regulator now accepts a new set of industry standards for certifying small airplanes. This means manufacturers can use up-to-date methods to prove their designs are safe, rather than older, less flexible rules.

For decades, small aircraft manufacturers had to prove their designs were safe using methods largely based on 1960s technology. This made it expensive and slow to bring new designs to market, especially those with modern materials or electronics. This change means companies can now use standards developed by the industry itself, which are more aligned with current engineering practices and materials. It should make it easier and faster to get new small aircraft certified.