In FAA’s official letter sent by John Colomy, Acting Manager of the Small Aircraft Directorate, the Federal Aviation Administration states, “The majority of facility assessments are now complete and the FAA is confident that LSA manufacturer’s compliance can match that of the commercial aviation manufacturers.” Colomy continues, “This will be a major accomplishment since using consensus standards and compliance self-declarations is a new way of doing business for the LSA industry.” Well, actually, this is the only way the LSA industry has done business. It is “a new way” for the FAA to do business… and congratulations to this federal agency for stepping back from their normal regulatory control. *** At a briefing to industry officials including myself, FAA said they had finished 23 of 29 planned assessments. While FAA was generally pleased with industry participant cooperation and with the compliance of aircraft to the standards, officials conclude, “It is evident that there remain areas for improvement.” How could it be otherwise? We have an industry barely four years old while Cessna, for example, has had 80+ years to get it all right. While a few rocks may still litter the path to success, I’m confident industry and organizations like LAMA will coordinate to make this newest aviation segment a success. *** Questions on the assessment? Click to email FAA.
