14 CFR Part 23 — Airworthiness Standards: Normal Category Airplanes
Section 01: Organizations & Authorities
Definition
The FAA airworthiness standard for normal category airplanes, which encompasses what were previously classified as normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes. Part 23 was comprehensively restructured under Amendment 23-64 (effective August 2017) to adopt a performance-based regulatory approach with four certification levels based on passenger seating and speed. The restructured Part 23 relies on consensus standards (primarily from ASTM International) as means of compliance.
Where This Shows Up
The 2017 restructuring of Part 23 was a significant shift from prescriptive design requirements to high-level safety objectives, with detailed technical criteria moved into industry consensus standards. This approach is intended to facilitate innovation and reduce certification burden for smaller aircraft.
Primary Sources
The restructured performance-based airworthiness standards for normal category airplanes.
Across Jurisdictions
CS-23 Amendment 5
EASA CS-23 was harmonized with the restructured FAA Part 23 under Amendment 5.
Airworthiness Manual Chapter 523
TCCA's equivalent airworthiness standard, harmonized with FAA Part 23.
Related Terms
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