U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVATION ADMINISTRATION 

Detailed Implementation Plan 

For 

The Federal Aviation Administration 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 

Public Law No. 112-95, Section 312 

January 6, 2015 

This document reflects the original plan for each of the initiatives 

responsive to Section 312 of the Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. 

The progress of each initiative is tracked in the Appendix. 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVATION ADMINISTRATION 

 REVISION HISTORY 

Revision Description of Change Date 

0 Original release. January 7, 2013 

1 Added reference to the appendix in the Executive 

Summary and FAA Initiatives. 

Added Appendix A to provide the status of the 

milestones and measures of effectiveness of each 

initiative. 

Removed “Completed” status from milestones in 

Section B, F, G, H, I, J, L, M, N since status is covered 

in the appendix. 

May 14, 2013 

2 Corrected the responsible organization in section F. 

Clarified details of the FAA Plan in sections J & K. 

Clarified the intent of the Closure of Recommendations 

in section K. 

Clarified details of the Measures of Effectiveness in 

sections K & N. 

Updated status for each initiative in appendix A. 

July 12, 2013 

3 Revised section A to increase the scope from AIR SMS 

Implementation to the AIR Strategic Roadmap. 

July 31, 2013 

4 Updated responsible organizations in section A, H, & 

L. 

Updated milestones for sections A, C, D, E, G, H, I, J, 

K & N. 

Added Status Summary section for each initiative. 

Updated status for each initiative in appendix A. 

January 31, 2014 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVATION ADMINISTRATION 

5 Revised measures of effectiveness in sections A, D, F, 

& J. 

In appendix A, updated status for each initiative and 

added measures of effectiveness to sections A – N. 

July 29, 2014 

6 Updated status, summary, milestones, or measures of 

effectiveness for each initiative in appendix A. 

January 6, 2015 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 4 

Table of Contents 

Executive Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5

Committee Recommendations ___________________________________________________ 5

FAA Initiatives _______________________________________________________________ 5

A. Develop an Integrated Roadmap for Major Change Initiatives in AIR ________________ 9

B. Deploy System to Monitor Process Improvement and Effectiveness _________________ 12

C. ODA Action Plan __________________________________________________________ 14

D. FAA Audit Training _______________________________________________________ 16

E. Delegation Expansion - ICAs ________________________________________________ 18

F. Delegation Expansion - Emissions ____________________________________________ 20

G. Delegation Expansion – Noise _______________________________________________ 23

H. Project Sequencing Process Improvement ______________________________________ 26

I. Update Part 21 ____________________________________________________________ 28

J. Validation Process Improvements _____________________________________________ 30

K. International COS Improvements ____________________________________________ 32

L. Expediting Rulemaking _____________________________________________________ 34

M. Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation ______________________________________ 35

N. Part 23 Reorganization _____________________________________________________ 37

APPENDIX A ______________________________________________________________ A-1
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 5 

Executive Summary 

This implementation plan is a follow-up of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) response 

on August 13, 2012, to Section 312 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Pub. L. 

No. 112-95 (“FAA 2012”), that required the FAA, in consultation with the aviation industry, to 

conduct an assessment of the aircraft certification and approval process under 49 U.S.C. Section 

44704. Consistent with the FAA response, the FAA has developed a comprehensive 

implementation plan, along with a plan to measure the effectiveness of the recommendations 

which the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation Rulemaking Committee 

submitted to the Director of Aircraft Certification on May 22, 2012. Furthermore, the FAA has 

begun implementation of these actions which FAA 2012 required to begin no later than February 

14, 2013, and which FAA monitors by other means than in this plan. The FAA considers this 

implementation plan a living document which is periodically updated to reflect its progress and 

completion. 

Committee Recommendations 

The Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform (ACPRR) Aviation Rulemaking 

Committee (ARC) submitted the following recommendations to the Director of Aircraft 

Certification on May 22, 2012: 

1. Development of Comprehensive Means to Implement and Measure the Effectiveness of 

Implementation and Benefits of Certification Process Improvements 

2. Enhanced Use of Delegation 

3. Integrated Roadmap and Vision for Certification Process Reforms 

4. Update Part 21 to Reflect a Systems Approach for Safety 

5. Culture and Change Management 

6. Process Reforms and Efficiencies Needed for Other Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) 

Functions 

FAA Initiatives 

The FAA is acting on these recommendations. The FAA has already initiated many activities as 

part of on-going, continuous certification process improvement efforts which are associated with 

the committee’s recommendations and will begin others to fulfill the intent of all of the 

recommendations. These FAA initiatives are linked to the committee recommendations and 

identified below in the table of Committee Recommendations to FAA Initiatives. 

The FAA initiatives related to the ARC’s recommendations are briefly described in this plan. 

The description includes the plan, milestones, the ARC recommendations, the closure of the 

recommendation and measures of effectiveness. This plan is a reflection of the FAA’s normal 

business planning. Consequently, the FAA will periodically update this implementation plan to 

reflect the current state of the initiatives that are described, particularly the appendix will show 

the status of the milestones and measures of effectiveness for each initiative. This 

implementation plan is a living document. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 6 

TABLE: Committee Recommendations Mapped to the FAA Initiative 

No.* Recommendation FAA Initiative 

1a Development of Comprehensive Implementation Plans 

The ARC recommends the FAA develop comprehensive 

implementation plans for certification process improvement 

initiatives, including Safety Management System (SMS), that 

address— 

Develop an 

Integrated 

Comprehensive 

Roadmap for Major 

Change Initiatives 

in AIR 

1a(1) People (FAA staff knowledge, skills, and abilities; 

roles/responsibilities; and culture change), 

1a(2) Process (including change management), 

1a(3) Tools, 

1a(4) Training, and 

1a(5) Implementation. 

1b Development of Tracking and Monitoring Process to 

Ensure Effectiveness 

The ARC recommends the FAA develop a means to track and 

monitor certification process improvement initiatives, including 

those in the Certification Process Improvement (CPI) Guide, to 

ensure effectiveness of implementation, including— 

Deploy System to 

Monitor Process 

Improvement and 

Effectiveness 

1b(1) A database for tracking recommendations and FAA response 

initiatives; 

1b(2) Metrics for implementation and measuring expected benefits; 

and 

1b(3) Establishment of a joint FAA/industry group to review the 

status of implementation. 

2 Enhanced Use of Delegation 

The ARC recommends the FAA continue to improve the 

effectiveness of delegation programs to achieve full utilization 

as a priority and realize the safety benefits of leveraging FAA 

resources and improved efficiency of the certification process 

by— 

2(a) Implementation of the Organization Designation Authorization 

(ODA) action plan, including assessment of metrics to 

determine the effectiveness of improvements and periodic joint 

FAA/industry review of the status. 

ODA Action Plan 

2(b) Ensuring appropriate training and resources are available to 

maintain robust oversight of delegation programs, including 

teams/individuals with specialized audit training to conduct 

ODA audits. 

Establish Internal 

Evaluation Program 

for FAA Personnel. 

 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 7 

2(c) Expanding delegation capability to include support for all 

certification airworthiness standards when appropriate, 

particularly low-risk or routine activities such those related to 

noise and emissions tests and instructions for continued 

airworthiness (ICA). 

Delegation 

Expansion – ICAs 

– Emissions 

– Noise 

2(d) Reviewing and updating the AIR certification project 

sequencing program to account for ODA. 

Project Sequencing 

Process Improvement 

3 Integrated Roadmap and Vision for Certification Process 

Reforms 

The ARC recommends the FAA develop an integrated, 

overarching vision of the future state for certification 

procedures and a roadmap such that— 

Develop an 

Integrated 

Comprehensive 

Roadmap for Major 

Change Initiatives 

in AIR 

3(a) A detailed roadmap clearly shows how initiatives/programs 

support the future state and provides gates or phases with clear 

milestones and success criteria; and 

3(b) There is a periodic review and update to the vision and 

roadmap for certification procedures which includes input from 

affected stakeholders. 

4 Update Part 21 to Reflect a Systems Approach for Safety 

The ARC recommends the FAA undertake a review to update 

Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 21 

certification procedures to reflect a system safety approach to 

product certification processes and oversight of design 

organizations which includes consideration of— 

Update Part 21 

Part 21/SMS ARC 

4(a) Minimum qualification and organizational requirements for 

design approval applicants and holders including 

responsibilities and privileges, 

4(b) Certified Design Organization (CDO) and the 

recommendations of the FAA’s CDO ARC for implementation 

of this concept, 

4(c) Training and resources necessary to maintain robust oversight 

of design organizations and certification activity, 

4(d) SMS for design approval holders (DAHs), and 

4(e) Issuance of an advance notice of proposed rulemaking 

(ANPRM) to solicit public input and views on some of the 

concepts to be considered. 

5 Culture and Change Management 

The ARC recommends the FAA develop and implement a 

comprehensive change management plan that takes full 

advantage of training development capability to prepare the 

workforce for its new and evolving roles and responsibilities in 

a systems safety approach to certification and oversight. The 

SMS principles, data analysis, evaluation of safety systems, 

and root cause analysis should be required training for those 

AIR staff overseeing safety systems. 

Develop an 

Integrated 

Comprehensive 

Roadmap for Major 

Change Initiatives 

in AIR 

6 Process Reforms and Efficiencies Needed for Other AIR 

Functions 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 8 

The ARC recommends AIR undertake a review of continued 

operational safety (COS) and rulemaking processes and 

implement reforms necessary to improve efficiency, 

including— 

6(a) Increased design approval holder responsibilities for continued 

operational safety activities. 

Update Part 21 

Part 21/SMS ARC 

6(b) Strengthening the effectiveness of validation programs under 

bilateral agreements through the establishment of metrics and 

joint FAA/industry review of performance to eliminate 

redundant activities and ensure the intended efficiencies for 

both FAA and the industry. 

Validation Process 

Improvements 

6(c) Eliminating duplication of efforts in issuing mandatory 

continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) by leveraging 

bilateral agreements and capability of the civil aviation 

authority (CAA) state of design. 

International COS 

Improvements 

6(d) Fast Track rulemaking process to update airworthiness 

standards in cases where special conditions (SC) have been 

used for a period of time and the design is no longer new and 

novel. Expediting 

Rulemaking 6(e) Implementing the recommendations provided by the Aviation 

Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) Rulemaking 

Prioritization Working Group (RPWG). 

6(f) Implementing the recommendations provided by the 

consistency of interpreting regulations (CRI) ARC to improve 

efficiencies in the certification process. 

Consistency of 

Regulatory 

Interpretation 

6(g) Implementing the Part 23 ARC recommendations to address 

the Part 23 certification process study (CPS) recommendations. 

Part 23 

Reorganization 

* The ARC’s recommendation numbers are modified in this table to facilitate reference between 

the ARC’s recommendations and FAA initiatives. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 9 

A. Develop an Integrated Roadmap for Major Change 

Initiatives in AIR 

Responsible Organization: AIR-500, Planning & Program Management Division 

Point of Contact: AIR-510, Administrative Services Branch 

FAA Plan 

The ARC’s recommendations will be addressed through identified elements of the AIR Strategic 

Roadmap. This roadmap will include high-level descriptions, outcomes, projects and milestones 

for the major change initiatives planned for aircraft certification. The Roadmap will be 

structured around the four key areas of Safety, People, Organizational Excellence, and 

Globalization based on AIR’s vision in AIR: 2018 and will include key certification process 

change initiatives recommended in the ARC report. Implementation plans for AIR change 

initiatives and annual business plans and activities will be integrated with this comprehensive 

and integrated roadmap and will address key phases, decision gates, processes, people and tools 

that demonstrate integrated implementation. 

As one of our major roadmap projects, AIR is developing a scaled change management process 

for application in all change initiatives. The intent is to begin working the roadmap projects 

using industry-proven best practices for project/change management and ultimately move to a 

formally developed and documented process for future initiatives. 

 

The initial AIR Roadmap will be completed by February 2014. However, as the scope of AIR: 

2018 extends beyond the recommendations found in the ARC report and to ensure the AIR 

Vision remains current and relevant, the AIR Strategic Roadmap is viewed as a dynamic work 

tool. 

Milestones 

Activity Start End 

Develop vision AIR: 2018. 6/2012 6/2013 

Develop measureable outcomes to establish end targets. 4/2013 6/2013 

Develop format, process, requirements, roles and responsibilities and 

business rules for use and integration of roadmap into current practices. 

5/2013 8/2013 

Apply risk-based prioritization process to roadmap projects to optimize 

sequencing and resource allocation. 

7/2013 8/2013 

Communicate details of roadmap projects and process information to 

stakeholders. 

7/2013 9/2013 

Provide select prioritized projects to project managers for project planning. 10/2013 2/2014 

Finalize AIR Strategic Roadmap for FY18. 2/2014 8/2014 

Integrate select projects into the annual business planning process. 2/2014 8/2014 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 10 

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, page 38] 

Recommendation 1a: The ARC recommends the FAA develop comprehensive 

implementation plans for certification process improvement initiatives, including SMS, that 

address— 

 People (FAA staff knowledge, skills, and abilities; roles/responsibilities; and 

culture change), 

 Process (including change management), 

 Tools, 

 Training, and Implementation (including the transition to new processes and tools). 

Recommendation 3—Integrated Roadmap and Vision for Certification Process Reforms 

The ARC recommends the FAA develop an integrated, overarching vision of the future state 

for certification procedures and a roadmap such that— 

 A detailed roadmap clearly shows how initiatives/programs support the future state and 

provides gates or phases with clear milestones and success criteria; and 

 There is a periodic review and update to the vision and roadmap for certification 

procedures which includes input from affected stakeholders. 

Recommendation 5—Culture and Change Management 

The ARC recommends the FAA develop and implement a comprehensive change 

management plan that takes full advantage of training development capability to prepare the 

workforce for its new and evolving roles and responsibilities in a systems safety approach to 

certification and oversight. The SMS principles, data analysis, evaluation of safety systems, 

and root cause analysis should be required training for those AIR staff overseeing safety 

systems. 

Closure of Recommendation 

The closure of this recommendation will be based on the development and implementation of an 

integrated roadmap for major change initiatives within AIR. 

Measures of Effectiveness 

AIR has developed an initial set of success measures to track how effectively AIR’s Strategic 

Roadmap has been embedded in AIR’s strategic and business planning processes. AIR is also 

developing a set of success measures to monitor and evaluate the benefits of the overall change 

activities contained in the Strategic Roadmap. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 11 

Level of 

Effectiveness 

Measure 

1 FY 2015 AIR Business Plan developed based on the Roadmap and 

accompanying process. Initial change and project management principles 

utilized – September 30, 2014. 

2 FY 2015 business planning process has been evaluated and modified to 

incorporate lessons learned and additional best practices. Comprehensive 

Roadmap refresh process is complete in preparation for the FY 2016 AIR 

Business Plan development– February 28, 2015. 

3 FY 2016 AIR Business Plan developed based on refreshed version of 

Roadmap and issued – September 30, 2015. 

4 Major program, resource, and staffing decisions are made in consideration of 

goals outlined in AIR: 2018 and Roadmap priorities. Use of full change 

management principles on 100% of Roadmap initiatives. 

5 AIR: 2018 Vision, Roadmap, and enhanced business planning process 

implemented. AIR’s new Roadmap refresh process followed by the business 

planning process is institutionalized in AIR – December 31, 2015. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 12 

B. Deploy System to Monitor Process Improvement and 

Effectiveness 

Responsible Organization: ANM-100, Transport Airplane Directorate 

Point of Contact: ANM-109, Oversight and Evaluation Office 

FAA Plan 

The FAA will deploy a tracking system to track and monitor the implementation of initiatives 

related to certification. This centralized tracking system will ensure that recommendations for 

process (system) improvements that come from various sources (e.g., Congress, GAO, NTSB, 

etc.) will be monitored until completion. The system will also provide a method for developing 

metrics (or indicators) to measure the benefits or improvements that these initiatives are meant to 

address. 

Milestones 

Activity Start End 

Develop Prototype Tracking System. 8/2012 10/2012

Develop Governance for Managing System and acquiring ‘new’ or existing 

recommendations. 

8/2012 1/2013 

Develop Guidance for Evaluating Recommendation Effectiveness. 8/2012 4/2013 

Deploy Tracking System. 1/2013 9/2013 

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, page 39] 

Recommendation 1b: The ARC recommends the FAA develop a means to track and 

monitor certification process improvement initiatives, including those in the CPI Guide, to 

ensure effectiveness of implementation, including— 

 A database for tracking recommendations and FAA response initiatives; 

 Metrics for implementation and measuring expected benefits; 

Closure of Recommendation 

The deployment of a System to Monitor Process Improvement Effectiveness will directly address 

the Committee recommendation 1b. This initiative will create: 

 A database for process improvement and effectiveness tracking; 

 Guidance for developing metrics to assess the effectiveness of process improvements 

based on recommendations; 

 A means to monitor initiative closure (implementation) and effectiveness of intended 

changes over time. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 13 

This initiative will provide AIR with a tool to ensure that recommendations are addressed, 

implemented, tracked and effective. 

Measures of Effectiveness 

AIR will develop measures of effectiveness for each recommendation before its closure. The 

measures will be defined in a manner to monitor and evaluate the benefits of the actions or 

initiatives outlined in this plan. To determine the effectiveness of this tool and any associated 

guidance it must, qualitatively, be able to capture the right recommendations from appropriate 

sources internal or external to AIR, have a process defined which allows for development of 

indicators for effectiveness of change driven by the associated recommendation(s) including 

changes which are not quantifiable, and managed for all of AIR. 

As the tool matures and is effective it should not be limited to AIR and, as such, be shown to 

work across other service / offices. At mid-level maturity we should be able to show, over a 

period of about 3-5 years that recommendations for process improvement have been routinely 

captured and monitored as part of a management review process and that the effectiveness of 

initiatives initiated and implemented to support said recommendations are continuously tracked. 

Over a 5-10 year period, this system should demonstrate the ability to historically review the 

implementation and effectiveness of all initiatives associated with the captured 

recommendations. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 14 

C. ODA Action Plan 

Responsible Organization: AIR-100, Aircraft Engineering Division 

Point of Contact: AIR-110, Engineering Procedures Office 

FAA Plan 

The FAA, in collaboration with the General Aviation Manufacturer's Association (GAMA) and 

the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), has an existing action plan established to improve 

the effectiveness of ODA processes. The action plan outlines specific actions needed to increase 

the efficiency of ODA certification processes including; full utilization of ODA authority, 

increased FAA focus on ODA-related workload, updating of FAA procedural requirements, and 

identifying training needs for FAA personnel. Progress on the action plan and outcomes is 

routinely reviewed by FAA management and industry representatives. The action plan includes 

the establishment of joint teams, as needed, to focus on and resolve issues. 

This recommendation will be addressed by completion of the existing items in the ODA action 

plan. Multiple action items are being addressed by the issuance of revision B to Order 8100.15 

as well as a future policy change and associated training. 

Milestones 

Activity Start End 

Publish Order 8100.15 Rev B. 10/2011 2/2013

Update Academy Delegation Management Course 23005 to Address 

Rev B. of Order 8100.15.

1/2013 4/2013

GAMA/AIA/FAA team meets to assess effectiveness of Order 8100.15 

Rev B changes.

9/2013 9/2013

Publish Order 8100.15 Rev B Change 1. 10/2012 7/2013

Update Academy Delegation Management Course 23005 to address Order 

8100.15 Rev B Change 1.

8/2013 11/2013

GAMA/AIA/FAA team will meet to assess effectiveness Order 8100.15 

Rev B Change 1 changes.

7/2014 7/2014

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, pages 39-40] 

Recommendation 2—Enhanced Use of Delegation 

The ARC recommends the FAA continue to improve the effectiveness of delegation 

programs to achieve full utilization as a priority and realize the safety benefits of leveraging 

FAA resources and improved efficiency of the certification process by— 

 Implementation of the ODA action plan, including assessment of metrics to determine the 

effectiveness of improvements and periodic joint FAA/industry review of the status. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 15 

 Ensuring appropriate training and resources are available to maintain robust oversight of 

delegation programs, including teams/individuals with specialized audit training to 

conduct ODA audits. 

Closure of Recommendation 

This recommendation is closed when AIR completes the 23 action items in the current ODA 

action plan. 

Measures of Effectiveness 

The FAA/GAMA/AIA ODA team has established the following goals and metrics to be assessed 

by industry and/or the FAA: 

 Timeframes for FAA involvement in the Unit Member selection process: 

o FAA prescreening 

o FAA review of selection decisions. 

 Timeframe for FAA review of ODA manual revisions (Goal of 30 days) 

 Timeframe for FAA review of certification plans/project notification letters (PNLs) (Goal 

of 30 days) 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 16 

D. FAA Audit Training 

Responsible Organization: AIR-100, Aircraft Engineering Division 

Point of Contact: AIR-110, Engineering Procedures Office 

Training Development Point of Contact: AIR-520, AIR Training Branch 

FAA Plan 

The Aircraft Certification Training Advisory Committee has previously identified training in 

auditing skills, including ODA audits as a high priority. AIR will develop training that addresses 

auditing skills that would be applicable to ODA oversight and existing production systems, as 

well as internal evaluation supporting quality and safety assurance systems. Implementation of 

training will foster increased system-focused oversight of ODA holders. 

Milestones 

Activity Start End 

Submit training support request to AIR-520, for the FAA Audit Training. 10/2012 1/2013 

Issue training support contract to AIR-520, for the FAA Audit Training. 12/2012 5/2013 

Develop training needs analysis and curriculum development for the FAA 

Audit Training. 

4/2013 12/2013

Develop FAA Audit training. 10/2013 8/2014 

Establish FAA Audit training requirements in policy. 8/2014 8/2014 

Deliver first FAA Audit training session. 11/2014 12/2014

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, pages 39-40] 

Recommendation 2—Enhanced Use of Delegation 

The ARC recommends the FAA continue to improve the effectiveness of delegation 

programs to achieve full utilization as a priority and realize the safety benefits of leveraging 

FAA resources and improved efficiency of the certification process by— 

 2(b)—Ensuring appropriate training and resources are available to maintain robust 

oversight of delegation programs, including teams/individuals with specialized audit 

training to conduct ODA audits. 

Closure of Recommendation 

This recommendation is closed when AIR finalizes auditing skills training necessary to support 

ODA supervision and inspections. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 17 

Measures of Effectiveness 

In order to determine the success of the ODA audit training, a questionnaire will be used to 

obtain the auditor’s feedback on their perceived benefit to their auditing and oversight activity by 

having attended the ODA audit training. In addition, measures of effectiveness will be based on 

the percentage of audit team members who attended training. The measures of effectiveness are: 

 75% of the class questionnaires are positive on the effectiveness of the training. 

 50% of audit team members attended training by the end of 2016. 

 75% of audit team members attended training by the end of 2018. 

 90% of audit team members attended training by the end of 2020. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 18 

E. Delegation Expansion - ICAs 

Responsible Organization: AIR-100, Aircraft Engineering Division 

Point of Contact: AIR-110, Engineering Procedures Office 

 AFS-300, Flight Standards Service - Aircraft Maintenance Division 

FAA Plan 

FAA Order 8100.15A authorizes ODA holders, to find acceptability of ICAs. However, 

implementation of ICA authority has progressed slowly, partly due to a lack of ODA holder 

interest in getting the delegation. The AIR, in conjunction with the Flight Standards Service 

(AFS) has increased the focus on increased utilization of ICA delegation under ODA by 

establishing a pilot program for ICA development with four ODA organizations. As part of the 

pilot program, one ODA holder is operating with ICA acceptance authority on a limited basis, 

and the FAA has requested that three additional ODA organizations place a priority on obtaining 

ODA acceptance authority under the pilot program. Successful implementation of this 

recommendation will require commitment by both the FAA and the ODA organizations, who 

must develop acceptable ICA development and review procedures. 

Milestones 

Activity Start End 

Address ICA acceptance authority policy at 2013 ODA Seminars. 6/2012 9/2013 

Add ICA delegation process to procedures manual of the 3 additional lead 

ODA organizations.

6/2012 6/2014

Address ICA acceptance authority policy at 2014 ODA Seminars. 6/2012 9/2014 

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, pages 39-40] 

Recommendation 2—Enhanced Use of Delegation 

The ARC recommends the FAA continue to improve the effectiveness of delegation 

programs to achieve full utilization as a priority and realize the safety benefits of leveraging 

FAA resources and improved efficiency of the certification process by— 

 Expanding delegation capability to include support for all certification airworthiness 

standards when appropriate, particularly low-risk or routine activities such those related 

to noise and emissions tests and ICA. 

Closure of Recommendation 

This recommendation is closed upon completion of the ODA ICA pilot program. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 19 

Measures of Effectiveness 

AIR will develop measures of effectiveness for each recommendation before its closure. The 

measures will be defined in a manner to monitor and evaluate the benefits of the actions and be 

based on the release of coordinated orders, and the number of ODAs with ICA delegation 

approved. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 20 

F. Delegation Expansion - Emissions 

Responsible Organizations: ANE-100, Engine and Propeller Directorate 

 AEE-001, Office of Environment and Energy 

Points of Contact: ANE-110, Aircraft Certification Service Engine & Propeller Directorate - 

Standards Office 

 AEE-300, Office of Environment and Energy - Emissions 

 AIR-112, Delegation Procedures Branch 

 AGC-200, International Law, Legislation & Regulations Division 

FAA Plan 

Congress established the Clean Air Act in 1963 and amended it in 1967 to mandate that the 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must regulate aircraft engine exhaust emissions, with 

the FAA being identified as the regulator that enforces the EPA-established emissions standards. 

FAA’s Office of Environment and Energy (AEE) is responsible for working with the EPA to 

establish FAA regulations (14 CFR part 34), policy and guidance on turbine engine exhaust and 

aircraft emissions standards, as well as fuel venting requirements. AIR is responsible for making 

findings of compliance to part 34. 

The AIR will collaborate with AEE to develop criteria and qualifications to enable designees to 

approve emissions data. 

Milestones 

Note: The following milestones have been agreed between AEE and AIR. The interim 

milestones and dates may be adjusted to support the objective of section 312 of the FAA 

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and hold the end milestone of June 2015. 

Activity Start End 

Develop an agreed AEE and AIR plan to complete this recommendation. 9/2012 10/2012

Review legal issues for delegation including The Clean Air Act. 

 Coordinate with AGC-200. 

9/2012 1/2013 

Develop knowledge, skills and attributes (KSAs) for engine designated 

engineering representative (DER) for emissions approvals. 

10/2012 6/2013 

Develop recurrent training for engine DER for emissions approvals. 6/2013 6/2014 

Revise DER Handbook, Order 8110.37E, Designee Management 

Handbook, 8100.8D and ODA Procedures, Order 8100.15A, to include 

emissions delegation. 

 Coordinate with AIR-112. 

6/2013 6/2014 

Deliver initial training to engine DERs for emissions approvals. 10/2014 12/2014

Issue AEE/AIR delegation memo announcing expanded delegation of 

emissions compliance findings. 

6/2014 6/2014 

Evaluate designee applications for DER-appointment to be an approved 

engine DER for emissions approvals. 

6/2014 6/2015 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 21 

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, pages 39-40] 

Recommendation 2—Enhanced Use of Delegation 

The ARC recommends the FAA continue to improve the effectiveness of delegation 

programs to achieve full utilization as a priority and realize the safety benefits of leveraging 

FAA resources and improved efficiency of the certification process by— 

 Expanding delegation capability to include support for all certification airworthiness 

standards when appropriate, particularly low-risk or routine activities such those related 

to noise and emissions tests and ICA. 

Closure of Recommendation 

This recommendation is closed when AIR designees are authorized to approve emissions data. 

An FAA delegation memo will be jointly released to the aircraft certification offices (ACOs) by 

AEE-300/ANE-110. 

Measures of Effectiveness 

The primary indicator of effectiveness for Recommendation 2 - Enhanced Use of Delegation, 

will be the issuance of revised Orders 8110.37E, the DER Handbook, and 8100.15A, ODA 

Procedures, and 8100.8D, Designee Management Handbook, with clear criteria defined for 

delegating part 34 emissions compliance findings to designees. These order revisions will be 

followed by a delegation memo highlighting this change to the delegation criteria to the ACOs. 

Completion of the actions for this recommendation will lead to full delegation to designees for 

part 34 compliance findings. 

Once the policy and orders have been revised, an initial training of designees will follow where 

the expanded delegation will be rolled-out to the ACOs and designees. This will be followed by 

periodic recurrent regulatory and technical emissions training. 

Part 34 compliance is required for any new part 33 type certificate (TC) program or for any 

substantially new amended TC. Only one finding of compliance is required for all of part 34 

during the completion of a TC program. So there is a one-to-one correlation of part 34 approvals 

to engine TC programs. 

Starting in June 2014, after designees have been appointed as engine DER for emissions, 

ANE-100 will track for one year, or 20 new TC programs, whichever is longer, the number of 

delegated part 34 approvals against the total number of new turbine engine or aircraft type 

certification programs. 

On an on-going basis, lessons learned will be incorporated into the orders and the on-going 

training to assure improvements to the process are realized. 

 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 22 

Measures of Effectiveness 

1. Policy has been issued and distributed to ACOs, Designees, and industry. 

2. Initial delegation training for designees has been provided at DER seminars and ACO Hot 

Topics session. 

3. Ongoing regulatory and technical training for designees has been initiated. 

4. The number of effective TC program delegations where designees are fully delegated 14 CFR 

part 34 compliance findings has achieved 20, or one year of expanded delegation has occurred, 

whichever is greater. 

5. Incorporate lessons learned from delegations and revise delegation orders and the ongoing 

training to assure improvements. 

6. 100% of qualified applicants granted emissions authority. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 23 

G. Delegation Expansion – Noise 

Responsible Organization: AIR-001, Aircraft Certification Service 

Point of Contact: AIR-004, Aircraft Certification Service 

FAA Plan 

The FAA’s Office of Environment and Energy (AEE) is responsible for the FAA regulations (14 

CFR part 36), policy and guidance on noise. 

At the sole discretion of the Administrator, 14 CFR 183.29 permits FAA acoustical engineering 

representatives to witness and approve aircraft noise certification tests and approve measured 

noise data and evaluated noise data analyses. Consequently, we infer that the recommendation to 

expand delegation capability for noise is related to the FAA’s authority to determine the 

“acoustical change” of a type design change in accordance with 14 CFR 21.93(b). Therefore, 

because 14 CFR 21.93(b) is a procedural regulation, AIR will review and revise its “acoustical 

change” procedures to streamline the process. This will be accomplished by way of a pilot 

project with a candidate ODA to determine whether this type of delegation is appropriate and 

feasible. 

The FAA and a candidate ODA will collaborate on a two-year pilot project that will expand 

noise delegation functions for noise certification of the candidate’s aircraft under their ODA 

program. The purpose of this pilot project is to identify the cooperative activities, including 

planning, of a pilot project that the FAA, as the regulatory agency, and the candidate ODA, as 

the applicant, will conduct in order to increase noise delegation functions and prototype 

accountability processes that are expected to increase certification efficiency, while maintaining 

noise compliance and FAA oversight and accountability. 

The goals of the Noise Delegation Pilot Project are to: 

 Expand noise delegation functions for acoustical ARs in the candidate ODA; 

 Test and measure work flow efficiency for new noise actions; 

 Demonstrate the accountability of the candidate ODA’s delegated noise compliance 

function; 

 Create and exercise the new required oversight activities for the candidate ODA’s noise 

findings; and 

 Identify methods and procedures for discovering and correcting noise finding “escapes” 

from the candidate ODA. 

Pursuant to this pilot program, AEE will administer the related noise certification policy and 

coordinate pilot project activities. AIR will administer comprehensive aircraft certification 

policy and coordinate the field support services and pilot project ODA activities. The 

appropriate OMT will provide ODA administrative guidance for incorporation of the noise 

delegation functions and technical support services and oversight for all certification projects 

using the expanded authority. The cognizant directorate’s Noise Certification Specialist (NCS) 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 24 

will provide technical field support on noise policy, coordination, implementation, and noise 

certification services, requirements and limitations. 

The candidate ODA will provide the corporate engineering support necessary to substantiate 

noise certification delegation analyses, and coordinate the pilot project introduction within their 

ODA. The candidate will provide ODA process and service support for the expanded noise 

delegation functions and formally exercise the agreed upon activities of noise certification as 

required. All activities will adhere to ODA regulations and prescribed procedures manual 

requirements. 

Assuming all requirements have been met, the FAA will, as appropriate, grant specific functions 

of increased noise delegation authority to the candidate’s acoustical ARs. Periodically such 

actions and approvals by the ARs for the newly delegated noise functions will be assessed and 

checked for compliance acceptable to the FAA. In addition, regular cycle OMT audits for 

certification will be performed to train FAA OMT noise staff on the new noise oversight process 

requirements. Tracking performance results will aid future decisions to either— 

 Maintain/increase delegation scope, 

 Identify corrective limitations to remediate non-compliance, or 

 Rescind unsuccessful delegation functions. 

Milestones 

Activity Start End 

Draft memorandum of understanding (MOU). 4/2012 9/2012

FAA and ODA agree on program functions. 1/2013 2/2013

Management finalize and sign MOU. 2/2013 2/2013

Candidate ODA submits procedures manual to FAA for approval. 4/2013 4/2013

Expanded noise delegation granted to candidate ODA. 10/2013 10/2013

Launch Pilot Project. 10/2013 10/2013

Informal FAA audit on noise determinations. 5/2014 6/2014

Annual performance review. 10/2014 11/2014

Complete pilot and assess it before full approval. 10/2015 10/2015

Based on the results of the pilot program satisfactorily meeting all 

requirements, AIR grants delegation authority for specific noise functions. 11/2015 12/2015

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, pages 39-40] 

Recommendation 2—Enhanced Use of Delegation 

The ARC recommends the FAA continue to improve the effectiveness of delegation 

programs to achieve full utilization as a priority and realize the safety benefits of leveraging 

FAA resources and improved efficiency of the certification process by— 

 Expanding delegation capability to include support for all certification airworthiness 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 25 

standards when appropriate, particularly low-risk or routine activities such those related 

to noise and emissions tests and ICA. 

Closure of Recommendation 

This recommendation is closed when AIR delegates determination of no acoustical change to a 

candidate ODA. Follow-on activities may include revisions to FAA advisory and directive 

materials; however, completion of those subsequent activities is not necessary to close this ARC 

recommendation. Based on the successful outcome of this pilot activity, AIR-100 will develop 

suitable policy and guidance for publication and use. 

Measures of Effectiveness 

AIR’s measures of effectiveness for this recommendation are described as the audit functions 

included in the Milestones Table, above. Other success measures may be developed if data exist 

that can accurately portray how long findings of no acoustical change currently take, and after 

delegation of these determinations, whether that time is reduced. Although there may not be any 

baseline against which to compare improvements, the FAA intends to consider— 

 Identifying metrics, 

 Gathering and developing baseline data, and 

 Periodically measuring any changes, positive or negative, in rates of completion. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 26 

H. Project Sequencing Process Improvement 

Responsible Organization: AIR-100, Aircraft Engineering Division 

Point of Contact: AIR-110, Engineering Procedures Office 

FAA Plan 

The FAA will update the sequencing process of certification projects to include ODAs and other 

improvements. On September 1, 2011, the FAA announced the availability of and requested 

public comments on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the AIR Process for the 

Sequencing of Certification and Validation Projects. The FAA will revise the proposed process 

to address the public comments which closed on October 31, 2012. The FAA will again request 

public comments of the proposed process before issuing the updated sequencing process. 

Milestones 

Activity Start End 

Request for public comments. 9/2011 10/2012

Develop new standard operating procedures (SOP). 11/2012 4/2013 

Request for public comments. 4/2013 6/2013 

Revise SOP based on disposition of public comments. 6/2013 9/2013 

Obtain concurrence from unions, as needed. 12/2013 5/2014 

Complete training package for revised procedures. 12/2013 9/2014 

Issue revised ACO Project Sequencing SOP. 12/2013 9/2014 

Evaluate SOP effectiveness. 10/2014 5/2015 

Issue FAA Order on ACO Project Sequencing. 9/2015 12/2016

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, pages 39-40] 

Recommendation 2—Enhanced Use of Delegation 

The ARC recommends the FAA continue to improve the effectiveness of delegation 

programs to achieve full utilization as a priority and realize the safety benefits of leveraging 

FAA resources and improved efficiency of the certification process by— 

 Reviewing and updating the AIR certification project sequencing program to account 

for ODA. 

Closure of Recommendation 

The FAA will account for applicants with an ODA which have an established FAA-designee 

relationship and working procedures in a revised process for sequencing certification projects. 

This recommendation is closed when the revised sequencing process is issued. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 27 

Measures of Effectiveness 

AIR will develop measures of effectiveness before closing this recommendation. The measures 

will be defined in a manner to monitor and evaluate the benefits of the actions outlined in this 

section. The measures will be taken for at least a one year period and be related to the number of 

sequenced projects, as appropriate. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 28 

I. Update Part 21 

Responsible Organization: AIR-100, Aircraft Engineering Division 

Point of Contact: AIR-150, Safety Management Design and Analysis Branch 

FAA Plan 

The FAA will charter an ARC to evaluate certain improvements to the effectiveness and 

efficiency of existing “certification procedures for products and parts” along with incorporating 

SMS in the design and manufacturing environment. This includes considering the effects of 

certain changes to the existing regulations, such as applicant qualifications, hazard (or safety) 

reporting, compliance assurance and continued operation safety assurance systems for all DAHs. 

The intent is to facilitate shifting towards a systems approach for DAHs that is similar to that 

used for production approval holder requirement’s which involves a clear understanding of roles, 

responsibilities and privileges. Upon completion of the ARC, the FAA will convene a 

rulemaking team and begin the formal process for revising Part 21. 

The ARC will produce a final report with recommendations for changes to Part 21. The FAA 

will take this report and initiate a rulemaking project that will result in a final rule change. 

Milestones 

Activity Start End 

Charter Part 21/SMS ARC. 5/2012 10/2012

ARC Kick-off Meeting. 11/2012 11/2012

Develop ARC report on Part 21/SMS changes. (Report due to AIR-1). 11/2012 4/2014 

Submit application for Part 21/SMS rulemaking. 5/2014 6/2014 

Develop Part 21/SMS Rulemaking Action Plan. 6/2014 8/2014 

Release Part 21/SMS NPRM for comment. 8/2014 1/2016 

Issue Final Rule for Part 21/SMS. 1/2016 6/2017 

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, pages 41-42] 

Recommendation 4—Update Part 21 to Reflect a Systems Approach for Safety 

The ARC recommends the FAA undertake a review to update 14 CFR part 21 certification 

procedures to reflect a system safety approach to product certification processes and 

oversight of design organizations which includes consideration of— 

 Minimum qualification and organizational requirements for design approval applicants 

and holders including responsibilities and privileges, 

 CDO and the recommendations of the FAA’s CDO ARC for implementation of this 

concept, 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 29 

 Training and resources necessary to maintain robust oversight of design organizations 

and certification activity, 

 SMS for DAHs, and 

 Issuance of an ANPRM to solicit public input and views on some of the concepts to be 

considered. 

Recommendation 6—Process Reforms and Efficiencies Needed for Other AIR Functions 

The ARC recommends AIR undertake a review of COS and rulemaking processes and 

implement reforms necessary to improve efficiency, including— 

 Increased design approval holder responsibilities for continued operational safety 

activities. 

Closure of Recommendation 

The current Part 21 ARC will provide recommendations on how to achieve the systems approach 

to safety within the design and manufacturing community. These recommendations will include 

new organizational and application requirements for some or all design approval applicants. This 

recommendation is closed when the FAA implements a revised Part 21 that reflects a systems 

approach.

Measures of Effectiveness 

AIR will develop measures of effectiveness for each recommendation before its closure. The 

measures will be defined in a manner to monitor and evaluate the benefits of the actions outlined 

in this section. To determine the effectiveness of the final rule and its associated changes to Part 

21, we must first identify what we would like to see achieved from a rule change other than just 

SMS implementation. The Part 21 ARC will develop goals that they would like to see achieved 

from the change and provide that in the final report. AIR will then transform these goals into 

measurements that can be monitored throughout implementation and thereafter to determine if 

the changes accomplished what was intended. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 30 

J. Validation Process Improvements 

Responsible Organization: AIR-40, International Policy Office 

Point of Contact: AIR-40, International Policy Office, Standardization Branch 

FAA Plan 

The FAA has validation process improvement initiatives underway focused on the bilateral 

agreements with the technical implementation procedures for airworthiness of the bilateral 

aviation safety agreements with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Transport 

Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). We will use the recommendations of these initiatives to propose 

key metrics to monitor the effectiveness of validation processes with bilateral partners in an 

effort to implement continuous process improvement for the validation process and ensure 

intended efficiencies. 

Milestones

Activity Start End 

Validation Implementation Team to develop and submit recommendations 

to the Certification Oversight Board. 

1/2012 10/2012

Review recommendations from Validation Implementation Team 

(FAA/EASA) and the bilateral Program Efficiency Plan (FAA/TCCA). 

10/2012 9/2013 

Identify key metrics to measure bilateral agreement implementation. 10/2013 8/2014 

Develop process to monitor metrics, analyze data, conduct continuous 

process improvement and review performance with industry. 

10/2013 8/2014 

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, page 42] 

Recommendation 6—Process Reforms and Efficiencies Needed for Other AIR Functions 

The ARC recommends AIR undertake a review of COS and rulemaking processes and 

implement reforms necessary to improve efficiency, including— 

 Strengthening the effectiveness of validation programs under bilateral agreements 

through the establishment of metrics and joint FAA/industry review of performance to 

eliminate redundant activities and ensure the intended efficiencies for both FAA and the 

industry. 

Closure of Recommendation 

This recommendation is closed when metrics have been established to measure validation 

program effectiveness and a process to review performance with industry is implemented. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 31 

Measures of Effectiveness 

While key metrics will immediately provide quantitative data regarding specific areas of the 

Validation process, broader more qualitative effectiveness indicators have been identified to 

measure and ensure the overall success of this initiative. AIR has developed measures of 

effectiveness that will indicate when the benefits outlined in this initiative have been successfully 

accomplished. These measures comprehensively account for critical areas, roles, and 

responsibilities for each of the three participants in the Validation process; the applicant, the 

FAA, and the foreign CAA. 

In this manner, the Validations Tracking Tool will provide quantitative data for trend analysis, 

which in turn will promote discussion and form the foundation for the development of standard 

validation principles, improved application procedures, and broader understanding of 

expectations. 

The plan for this recommendation is considered effective if the defined process metrics are 

within bounds of established baseline thresholds. We will work to identify the baseline 

thresholds based on the metrics which are identified. We have some accepted baselines at this 

point based on our historical experience with bilateral partners but these may be further honed 

once the appropriate metrics are identified in accordance with the aforementioned FAA plan and 

milestones. 

Level of 

Effectiveness Measure 

1 All affected AIR employees are trained. 

2 Revised Outbound Validation procedures issued and distributed to ACOs. 

Database changes implemented for use in AIR. 

3 Validation performance metrics are briefed to ACO Managers on a monthly basis.

4 Based on validation metrics, revised validation procedure language is implemented 

in at least two bilateral partner agreements. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 32 

K. International COS Improvements 

Responsible Organization: AIR-100, Aircraft Engineering Division 

Point of Contact: AIR-110, Engineering Procedures Office 

FAA Plan 

The FAA will develop a report to address options for streamlining the process for adopting 

MCAI issued by other CAAs. The options may require a notice to be published in the Federal 

Register to inform the public of changes to the MCAI airworthiness directive (AD) process and 

ensure their awareness of the opportunity to comment on proposed MCAI. The report will list a 

number of U.S. requirements that impact the FAA’s ability to make the desired changes; among 

them are the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and Executive Order 12866, Regulatory 

Planning and Review. The report will identify in detail the statutory and procedural requirements 

that have to be addressed for a streamlined MCAI process and define steps to enable a 

streamlined MCAI process. 

Milestones

Activity Start End 

Coordinate Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 

Streamlining report with AGC-1. 

3/2012 4/2013 

Receive assessment from AGC-1. 10/2012 10/2013

Submit MCAI Streamlining report to AVS-1. 4/2013 6/2013 

Receive decision from AVS-1 on the MCAI Streamlining proposal. 6/2013 9/2014 

Initiate next-step activities on the MCAI Streamlining report, as necessary. TBD TBD 

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, page 42] 

Recommendation 6—Process Reforms and Efficiencies Needed for Other AIR Functions 

The ARC recommends AIR undertake a review of COS and rulemaking processes and 

implement reforms necessary to improve efficiency, including— 

 Eliminating duplication of efforts in issuing MCAI’s by leveraging bilateral agreements 

and capability of the CAA State of Design. 

Closure of Recommendation 

This recommendation is closed when the FAA completes the rulemaking and policy changes 

required to implement this recommendation. However, if the FAA, after a good faith effort to 

address the statutory and procedural requirements, is unable to streamline the MCAI process, the 

FAA would consider this recommendation closed. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 33 

Measures of Effectiveness 

This proposal will be considered effective when AIR is able to publish policy that, consistent 

with all applicable legal requirements, allows for a reduction in the amount of time necessary to 

issue an MCAI AD. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 34 

L. Expediting Rulemaking 

Responsible Organization: AIR-100, Aircraft Engineering Division 

Point of Contact: AIR-110, Engineering Procedures Office 

FAA Plan 

The FAA will adopt the committee recommendations to expedite the rulemaking process. The 

FAA will establish a rulemaking prioritization tool to update airworthiness standards for special 

conditions and will implement the recommendations from the ARAC RPWG. 

Milestones

Activity Start End 

ARM tasks RPWG to evaluate prioritization tools and submit a 

recommendation.

5/2012 12/2012

AIR identifies common special conditions for rulemaking. 10/2012 9/2013 

ARM develops and finalizes implementation plan based on RPWG’s 

recommendations. 

1/2013 3/2013 

ARM implements rulemaking prioritization tools. 4/2013 10/2013

AIR integrates the rulemaking prioritization tools to annually assess and 

prioritize special conditions and all other rulemaking. 

10/2013 9/2014 

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, page 42] 

Recommendation 6—Process Reforms and Efficiencies Needed for Other AIR Functions 

The ARC recommends AIR undertake a review of COS and rulemaking processes and 

implement reforms necessary to improve efficiency, including— 

 Fast Track rulemaking process to update airworthiness standards in cases where SCs have 

been used for a period of time and the design is no longer new and novel. 

 Implementing the recommendations provided by the ARAC RPWG. 

Closure of Recommendation 

This recommendation is closed when the SC’s for rulemaking have been integrated with the 

FAA’s rulemaking prioritization plan. 

Measures of Effectiveness 

AIR will develop measures of effectiveness for each recommendation before its closure. The 

measures will be defined in a manner to monitor and evaluate the benefits of the actions outlined 

in this section. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 35 

M. Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation 

Responsible Organizations: AFS-1, Flight Standards Service 

Point of Contact: AFS-003P, Flight Standards Service Policy Oversight 

FAA Plan 

On April 30, 2012, the FAA chartered Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee (CRI ARC) with the task to make recommendations to improve the 

consistency of regulatory interpretation (specified in Section 313 of FAA 2012). On November 

28, 2012, the CRI ARC submitted to the FAA their final report, Recommendations on Improving 

Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation. Subsequently, AIR and AFS will establish plans to 

implement the CRI ARC recommendations which are summarized as follows: 

 Improve rulemaking procedures and guidance to ensure each proposed and final rule 

preamble contain a comprehensive explanation of the purpose, technical requirements, 

and intent. 

 Develop a standardized decision-making methodology for the development of all policy 

and guidance material to ensure such documents are consistent with adopted regulations. 

 Review all guidance documents and interpretations to identify and cancel outdated 

material and cross-reference (electronically link) material to its applicable rule and 

expand its current Aviation Safety Information Management System (AVSIMS) initiative 

to consolidate the service organization-level libraries into a single AVS master electronic 

database resource, organized by rule. 

 Review and revise regulatory training, make the curriculum available to industry, and 

study the feasibility of developing a specific training program designed for personnel 

with regulatory development and oversight responsibilities. 

 Establish a Regulatory Consistency Communications Board (RCCB) comprising 

representatives from AFS, AIR, and AGC that would provide clarification to FAA 

personnel and certificate/approval holders and applicants on questions related to the 

application of regulations. 

 Determine the feasibility of establishing a full-time Regulatory Operations 

Communication Center (ROCC) as a centralized support center to provide real-time 

guidance to FAA personnel and industry certificate/approval holders and applicants. 

Milestones

Activity Start End 

Submit CRI ARC Final Report to AVS-1. 4/2012 11/2012

Review CRI ARC Final Report and develop an AVS action plan that 

addresses recommendations. 

11/2012 9/2013 

 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 36 

Identify key metrics to measure implementation of CRI ARC 

recommendations within AIR and work with AFS to identify key metrics 

to measure implementation of CRI ARC recommendations requiring 

coordination between AIR and AFS. 

1/2013 9/2013 

Coordinate with AFS to develop performance measures to track 

implementation of CRI ARC recommendations. 

1/2013 9/2013 

Develop process to monitor metrics and review performance measures with 

respect to CRI ARC action plan. 

1/2013 9/2013 

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, page 42] 

Recommendation 6—Process Reforms and Efficiencies Needed for Other AIR Functions 

The ARC recommends AIR undertake a review of COS and rulemaking processes and 

implement reforms necessary to improve efficiency, including— 

 Implementing the recommendations provided by the Consistency of Regulatory 

Interpretation (CRI) ARC to improve efficiencies in the certification process. 

Closure of Recommendation 

This recommendation is closed when the CRI ARC recommendations are submitted to AVS-1 

and AVS finalizes and publishes the Section 313 Implementation Plan. 

Measures of Effectiveness 

AFS will develop measures of effectiveness for each of the CRI ARC recommendation before its 

closure. The measures will be defined in a manner to monitor and evaluate the benefits of the 

actions outlined in this section. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 37 

N. Part 23 Reorganization 

Responsible Organization: ACE-100, Small Airplane Directorate 

Point of Contact: ACE-110, Small Airplane Directorate - Standards Office 

FAA Plan 

On August 11, 2011, the FAA chartered the Part 23 Reorganization ARC with the task to make 

recommendations on reorganizing Part 23 based on the recommendations of the Part 23 CPS 

completed in July 2009. Subsequently, the ARC will produce a final report with 

recommendations for changes to Part 23. AIR will establish plans to implement the 

recommendations and initiate new rulemaking of Part 23 in 2015. 

Milestones

Activity Start End 

Charter Part 23 Reorganization ARC. 8/2011 8/2011 

Develop and submit ARC recommendations to ACE-100. 11/2011 5/2013 

Submit application for Part 23 rulemaking. 12/2012 2/2013 

Develop Part 23 Rulemaking Action Plan. 2/2014 4/2014 

Approval to proceed with Notice of Public Rulemaking. 4/2014 7/2015 

Issue final rule for Part 23. 7/2015 8/2016 

Committee Recommendations 

[From: A Report from the Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform Aviation 

Rulemaking Committee to the Federal Aviation Administration, Recommendations on the 

Assessment of the Certification and Approval Process, May 22, 2012, page 42] 

Recommendation 6—Process Reforms and Efficiencies Needed for Other AIR Functions 

The ARC recommends AIR undertake a review of COS and rulemaking processes and 

implement reforms necessary to improve efficiency, including— 

 Implementing the Part 23 ARC recommendations to address the Part 23 

CPS recommendations. 

Closure of Recommendation 

The FAA will assess the Part 23 Reorganization ARC recommendations and take appropriate 

action including new rulemaking of Part 23. This recommendation is closed when the FAA 

issues a revised Part 23 that reflect high level, performance based regulations. 

Measures of Effectiveness 

AIR will develop measures of effectiveness for each recommendation before its closure. The 

measures will be defined in a manner to monitor and evaluate the benefits of the actions outlined 

in this section. 

Rulemaking will take several years, and given the size of the current general aviation fleet 

(roughly 185,000 airplanes), it could take 10 years or more before measureable safety 

improvement occurs. In other words, it will take time to get new, safety enhancing equipment or 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 38 

newly designed airplanes into the general aviation fleet at a rate fast enough to affect the overall 

accident rate of the 185,000 airplanes currently in existence. 

Although the safety benefits of this rulemaking will take time to manifest themselves as 

improvements in the accident rates, there are certain items that the FAA can track which will 

show a positive benefit from this rulemaking. 

Metric 1 - Increase in the installation of safety enhancing equipment. 

The goal of the Part 23 Reorganization ARC is to increase safety by a factor of two and reduce 

cost by fifty percent. The ARC has determined that the FAA’s own regulations (e.g., part 23) 

can be a barrier to installing safety enhancing equipment. Performance-based FAA regulations 

and industry-developed consensus implementation standards will provide a simpler certification 

process that delivers safe products at a much more reasonable cost than today. 

Following issuance of the final rule in July 2016, there should be an increase in the installation of 

angle of attack sensors, two-axis autopilots, glass displays, and other important safety-enhancing 

systems that can aid the pilot. These installations will continue to increase over time. As these 

safety enhancing products are installed, a slight downward trend in the number of Loss of 

Control (LOC) accidents should occur. LOC accidents are the leading cause of general aviation 

fatalities. As these products continue to be installed, steeper declines in LOC accidents should 

occur. 

Although it is not feasible to directly measure the number of these safety enhancing installations, 

AIR will develop a means to estimate the baseline number of installations in the existing fleet 

before final rule issuance and the number of new installations on an ongoing basis after final rule 

issuance. To measure the rulemaking’s effect on LOC accidents, AIR will use existing 

methodologies for measuring general aviation (GA) accident rates and will compare those rates 

to fiscal year (FY) 2014 accident data from before the final rule was issued. 

Metric 2 – Increase in the number of Primary Category applications. 

The ARC is working to ensure “scalability” of a Production Certificate (PC). This means that 

applicants for a Primary Category TC will not need to meet the same production rigor as a 

commercial transport. As a result, the number of applicants for Primary Category certification 

should initially increase since PC scalability and industry design standards will be in place prior 

to issuance of the Part 23 final rule. This will lead to newer and safer airplanes entering the 

general aviation fleet, which should result in a decrease in accidents and an increase in passenger 

survivability. After final rule issuance, the number of Primary Category TC applications is 

expected to flatten as the number of Part 23 TC and amended type certificate (ATC) applications 

increases. 

To assess this metric, AIR will track the number of Primary Category TC applications on an 

ongoing basis and compare it to an FY12 baseline of zero Primary Category TC applications. 
Section 312 – Implementation Plan Page 39 

Metric 3 – Increase in new TCs/ATCs after rule issuance 

One indicator of a successful rulemaking will be an increase in the number of new Part 23 TCs 

and ATCs sought by industry. If a regulatory structure has been established that leads to safer 

and more affordable products, it will be easier for industry to build a business case to bring new 

products to market. As a result, the number of part 23 TCs and ATCs applied for and issued 

should increase after final rule issuance. New product designs, equipped with the latest in safety 

enhancing technologies, will replace airplanes in the GA fleet that are 40-50 years old. This will 

have a real and tangible positive impact on GA safety. 

To assess this metric, AIR will track the number of Part 23 TC and ATC applications on an 

ongoing basis and will compare those numbers to FY14 baseline data from before the final rule 

was issued. To measure the rulemaking’s effect on GA safety, AIR will use existing 

methodologies for measuring GA accident rates and will compare those rates to FY14 accident 

data. 
APPENDIX A. 

Section 312 Implementation Plan

Milestone and Effectiveness Status

As of January 6, 2015

PURPOSEThis appendix shows the status of the milestones and measures of effectiveness for each initiative of the Section 312 ImPlan. The purpose of this appendix is to serve as a stand-alone summary of the progress of the Section 312 Implementa

be updated on a regular basis, independent of the main body of the implementation plan.

DEFINITIONS

Actual – Actual date completed.

Gray – No status and considered not complete.

Start – Start date.

Yellow – In danger of going off track/schedule, requires management attention and/or support.

Green – On track/on schedule.Red – Will not meet end milestone as planned.

ECD – Estimated completion date. Only used to provide a revised end date if end date has or will not be met.

Blue – Complete.

End – Planned completion date.

Milestone DatesStatus Colors

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: AIR‐510, Administrative Services Branch

Responsible Organization: AIR‐500, Planning & Program Management Division

Initiative Status:

A. Develop an Integrated Comprehensive Roadmap for Major Change Initiatives in AI

Summary: AIR completed development of the Roadmap which is guiding its long‐term str

developed revised guidance to incorporate the Roadmap into its business plan

schedule to undertake its first annual refresh process in February 2015. For FY 

were assigned, scoped and launched, including change management principles

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Develop vision AIR: 2018. 6/1/2013 6/28/2013 6/Develop measureable outcomes to establish end targets. 4/1/2013 6/28/2013 6/Develop format, process, requirements, roles and responsibilities and business 5/1/2013 8/30/2013 8/rules for use and integration of roadmap into current practices.Apply risk‐based prioritization process to roadmap projects to optimize 7/1/2013 8/30/2013 8/sequencing and resource allocation.Communicate details of roadmap projects and process information to 7/1/2013 9/28/2013 8/

stakeholders.

Provide select prioritized projects to project managers for project planning. 10/1/2013 2/28/2014 1/Finalize AIR Strategic Roadmap for FY18. 2/3/2014 8/1/2014 8/Integrate select projects into the annual business planning process. 2/3/2014 8/29/2014 8/

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

FY 2015 AIR Business Plan developed based on the Roadmap and accompanying process. Initial change and 

project management principles utilized – September 30, 2014.

1

FY 2015 business planning process incorporates lessons learned & additional best practices. Roadmap process is

refreshed in preparation for the FY 2016 AIR Business Plan development. Feb 28, 2015.

23 FY 2016 AIR Business Plan developed based on refreshed version of Roadmap and issued – September 30, 2015.

Major program, resource, and staffing decisions are made in consideration of goals outlined in AIR: 2018 and

Roadmap priorities. Use of full change management principles on 100% of Roadmap initiatives.

4

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
AIR: 2018 Vision, Roadmap, and enhanced business planning process implemented. AIR’s new Roadmap refresh

process followed by the business planning process is institutionalized in AIR – December 31, 2015.

5

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: ANM‐109, Oversight and Evaluation Office

Responsible Organization: ANM‐100, Transport Airplane Directorate

Initiative Status:

B. Deploy System to Monitor Process Improvement and Effectiveness

Summary: Completed.

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Develop Prototype Tracking System 8/31/2012 10/17/2012 10Develop Governance for Managing System and acquiring ‘new’ or existing 8/31/2012 1/31/2013 7/

recommendations.

Develop Guidance for Evaluating Recommendation Effectiveness. 8/31/2012 4/30/2013 6/Deploy Tracking System 1/31/2013 9/30/2013 6/

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

1 Database developed and implemented for use in AIR. 2 Database incorporates recommendation from other ARC reports and evaluates effectiveness. Rev. as needed.3 AIR assesses other data to be included and entered. Evaluating and action plans developed, addressed.4 AIR Standard Operating Procedures or Order Issued.5 All affected AIR employees are trained.6 AIR works with AVS to use this tool across AVS.7 All affected AVS employees are trained.8 Implementing recommendations and measuring effectiveness is standard operating procedure for AVS.

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: AIR‐110, Engineering Procedures Office

Responsible Organization: AIR‐100, Aircraft Engineering Division

Initiative Status:

C. ODA Action Plan

Summary: The FAA issued revision B to Order 8100.15, as well as a follow‐on change 1 to 

and AIA representatives have advised that the feedback from its membership 

of these changes has ranged from positive to neutral. The ODA Action Plan ini

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Publish Order 8100.15 Rev B. 10/31/2011 2/28/2013 5/Update Academy Delegation Management Course 23005 to address Rev B. of 1/31/2013 4/30/2013 5/

Order 8100.15.

GAMA/AIA/FAA team will meet to assess effectiveness of Order 8100.15 Rev B 9/30/2013 9/30/2013 7/30/2014 7/

changes.

Publish Order 8100.15 Rev B Change 1. 10/31/2012 7/31/2013 2/3/2014 2Update Academy Delegation Management Course 23005 to address Order 8/30/2013 11/29/2013 2/3/2014 2

8100.15 Rev B Change 1.

GAMA/AIA/FAA team will meet to assess effectiveness of Order 8100.15 Rev B 7/31/2014 7/31/2014 12/30/2014 12

Change 1 changes.

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

1 100% of action items closed. 2 Recommended changes are incorporated in Order 8100.15 or other guidance. 3 All affected AIR employees are trained.4 FAA review of selecƟon decision is 30 days.5 FAA review of ODA manual revisions is 30 days.6 FAA review of certification plans/project notification letters (PNLs) is 30 days.

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: AIR‐110, Engineering Procedures Office

Responsible Organization: AIR‐100, Aircraft Engineering Division

Initiative Status:

D. FAA Audit Training

Summary: The audit training courses have been completed and made available to AVS pe

issued to establish the new training requirements and due dates. The ODA Au

complete.

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Submit training support request to AIR‐520, for the FAA Audit Training. 10/31/2012 1/31/2013 1/Issue training support contract to AIR‐520, for the FAA Audit Training. 12/31/2012 5/31/2013 9/Develop training needs analysis and curriculum development for the FAA Audit 4/30/2013 12/31/2013 9/

Training.

Develop FAA Audit training. 10/31/2013 8/29/2014 1/30/2015 9/Establish FAA Audit training requirements in policy. 8/29/2014 8/29/2014 12/9/2014 1Deliver first FAA Audit training session. 11/28/2014 12/31/2014 12/29/2014 12

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

1 50% of audit team members aƩended training by the end of 2016.2 75% of audit team members aƩended training by the end of 2018.3 90% of audit team members aƩended training by the end of 2020.4 75% of the class questionnaires are positive on the effectiveness of the training.

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: AIR‐110, Engineering Procedures Office

Responsible Organization: AIR‐100, Aircraft Engineering Division

Initiative Status:

E. Delegation Expansion ‐ ICAs

Summary: Completed. Existing ODA policy which allows the FAA to grant ODA holder’s th

has been addressed with industry at all four of the ODA seminars held in 2013 

FAA has met its milestone goal by delegating ICA authority to four lead ODA ho

effectiveness metric on incorporation of guidance in procedures manual.

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Address ICA acceptance authority policy at 2013 ODA Seminars. 6/19/2012 9/30/2013 9/Add ICA delegation process to procedures manual of the 3 additional lead ODA 6/29/2012 6/30/2014 11/30/2014 1

organizations.

Address ICA acceptance authority policy at 2014 ODA Seminars. 6/29/2012 9/30/2014 9/

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

1 All affected AIR employees are trained.2 65% of eligible ODA organizations have applied for ICA authority ‐ goal by 2020.3 100% of qualified applicants granted ICA authority ‐ goal by 2022.

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: ANE‐110, Engine and Propeller Directorate ‐ Standards Office

Responsible Organization: ANE‐100, Engine and Propeller Directorate

Initiative Status:

F. Delegation Expansion ‐ Emissions

Summary: Full delegation for Part 34, Emissions, is now available to ODA and DER holders

and DER applicants to revise their delegation procedural manuals, submit an a

procedures to get individuals appointed. They inform us that this process can 

We are on track to have most of the U.S. aircraft engine manufacturers on boa

delegation by June 30, 2015.

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Develop an agreed AEE and AIR plan to complete this recommendation. 9/4/2012 10/31/2012 10Review legal issues for delegaƟon including The Clean Air Act. * Coordinate with 9/4/2012 1/31/2013 7/

AGC‐200.

Develop knowledge, skills and attributes (KSAs) for engine designated engineering 10/31/2012 6/30/2013 6/

representative (DER) for emissions approvals.

Develop recurrent training for engine DER for emissions approvals. 6/28/2013 6/30/2014 1/30/2015Revise DER Handbook, Order 8110.37E, to recognize this delegation. 6/28/2013 6/30/2014 7

Revise ODA Procedures, Order 8100.15A, to include emissions delegation. *

Coordinate with AIR‐142.Deliver initial training to engine DERs for emissions approvals. 10/31/2014 12/31/2014 1Issue AEE/AIR delegation memo announcing expanded delegation of emissions 6/30/2014 6/30/2014 7compliance findings.Evaluate designee applications for DER‐appointment to be an approved engine 6/30/2014 6/30/2015

DER for emissions approvals.

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

1 Policy has been issued and distributed to ACOs, Designees, and industry. 

Initial delegation training announcement for designees has been provided at DER seminars and ACO Hot Topics 

session.

23 Ongoing regulatory and technical training for designees has been developed.

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
The number of effective TC program delegations where designees are fully delegated 14 CFR part 34 compliance

findings has achieved 20, or one year of expanded delegation has occurred, whichever is greater.

4

Incorporate lessons learned from delegations and revise delegation orders and the ongoing training to assure

improvements.

56 100% of qualified applicants granted emissions authority.

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: AEE‐100, Office of Energy and Environment

Responsible Organization: AIR‐001, Aircraft Certification Service

Initiative Status:

G. Delegation Expansion ‐ Noise

Summary: FAA started the annual performance review of the pilot noise delegation progr

estimated completion date due to limited resources and to give proper time to 

of program evaluation data. However, the FAA still expects to meet the follow

performance review is positive.

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Draft memorandum of understanding (MOU). 4/30/2012 9/28/2012 7/FAA and ODA agree on program functions. 1/31/2013 2/28/2013 9/Management finalize and sign MOA. 2/28/2013 2/28/2013 6/Candidate ODA submits procedures manual to FAA for approval. 4/30/2013 4/30/2013 7/Expanded noise delegation granted to candidate ODA. 10/31/2013 10/31/2013 8/Launch Pilot Project. 10/31/2013 10/31/2013 8/Informal FAA audit on noise determinations. 5/30/2014 6/30/2014 7Annual performance review. 10/31/2014 11/28/2014 2/2/2015Complete pilot and assess it before full approval. 10/31/2015 10/31/2015Based on the results of the pilot program satisfactorily meeting all requirements, 11/30/2015 12/31/2015

AIR grants delegation authority for specific noise functions.

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

1 ODA order incorporates noise delegation.2 All affected AIR employees are trained.3 100% of qualified ODA applicants granted noise authority.

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: ACE‐115N, Anchorage Aircraft Certification Office

Responsible Organization: AIR‐100, Aircraft Engineering Division

Initiative Status:

H. Project Sequencing Process Improvement

Summary: Certification projects are no longer queued since AIR issued and implemented 

and Resource Management Standard Operating Procedure. The remaining mile

meet their scheduled milestones.

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Request for public comments 9/30/2011 10/31/2012 10Develop new SOP. 11/30/2012 4/30/2013 4/Request for public comments 4/30/2013 6/28/2013 7/3/2013 7Develop revised ACO Project Sequencing standard operating procedures (SOP) 6/28/2013 9/25/2013 9/30/2013 9/Obtain concurrence from unions, as needed 12/20/2013 5/30/2014 7/Complete training package for revised procedures 12/20/2013 9/30/2014 8/Issue revised ACO Project Sequencing SOP 12/20/2013 9/30/2014 9Evaluate SOP effectiveness 10/30/2014 5/30/2015Issue FAA Order on ACO Project Sequencing 9/1/2015 12/30/2016

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

Elimination of the existing certification backlog 30 days before implementation of the revised project

sequencing process.

1

Full implementation of revised project sequencing process nationwide consistent with change management

process recommended by the ARC by December 30, 2014.

2

No certification project backlog after the implementation of the revised project sequencing. This measure

would be satisfied by implementation of the Project Prioritization process in each of the Certification Offices.

3

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: AIR‐150, Safety Management Design and Analysis Branch

Responsible Organization: AIR‐100, Aircraft Engineering Division

Initiative Status:

I. Update Part 21

Summary: AIR is developing policy and guidance to support voluntary alignment with a sy

certification and SMS while formal rulemaking is developed. The FAA is review

developing an implementation plan. The formal rulemaking Project timeline ha

2015 to allow for additional work with industry on developing guidance mater

certificate holder requirements to support an NPRM.

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Charter Part 21/SMS ARC. 5/31/2012 10/31/2012 10ARC Kick‐off Meeting. 11/30/2012 11/30/2012 11Develop ARC report on Part 21/SMS changes. (Report due to AIR‐1). 11/30/2012 4/30/2014 6/30/2014 7Submit application for Part 21/SMS rulemaking. 5/30/2014 6/30/2014 9/30/2015Develop Part 21/SMS Rulemaking Action Plan. 6/30/2014 8/29/2014 12/30/2015Release Part 21/SMS NPRM for comment. 8/31/2015 1/29/2016 1/29/2017Issue Final Rule for Part 21/SMS. 1/29/2017 6/30/2017 6/30/2017

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

1 Part 21 rule and guidance are issued.2 All affected AIR employees are trained.

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: AIR‐40, International Policy Office

Responsible Organization: AIR‐40, International Policy OfficeInitiative Status:

J. Validation Process Improvements

Summary: Completed. AIR analyzed information provided by FAA‐EASA Validation Improv

TCCA Program Efficiency Plan to support development of metrics for measurin

validation programs for aircraft designs approved under a bilateral aviation saf

metrics were identified, a centralized collection tool established, and Quality M

process implemented to manage the effectiveness of the FAAs civil aviation pa

validation information is regularly shared with industry with the latest present

November, 2014.

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Validation Implementation Team to develop and submit recommendations to the 1/31/2012 10/31/2012 10

Certification Oversight Board.

Review recommendations from Validation Implementation Team (FAA/EASA) and 10/31/2012 9/30/2013 9

the bilateral Program Efficiency Plan (FAA/TCCA).

Identify key metrics to measure bilateral agreement implementation. 10/31/2013 8/29/2014 6Develop process to monitor metrics, analyze data, conduct continuous process 10/31/2013 8/29/2014 8/

improvement and review performance with industry.

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

1 All affected AIR employees are trained.

Revised Outbound Validation procedures issued and distributed to ACOs. Database changes implemented for

use in AIR.

23 Validation performance metrics are briefed to ACO Managers on a monthly basis.

Based on validation metrics, revised validation procedure language is implemented in at least two bilateral

partner agreements.

4

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: AIR‐110, Engineering Procedures Office

Responsible Organization: AIR‐100, Aircraft Engineering Division

Initiative Status:

K. International COS Improvements

Summary: Completed. In a good faith effort to address the statutory and procedural requ

MCAI process, AIR completed their review of COS and rulemaking processes an

reforms to improve efficiency for eliminating duplicate efforts in issuing MCAIs 

and statutory limitations associated with airworthiness directives. Deleted effe

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Coordinate Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Streamlining 3/30/2012 4/30/2013 10

report with AGC‐1.

Receive assessment from AGC‐1. 10/31/2012 10/31/2012 5/31/2014 7/Submit MCAI Streamlining Report to AVS‐1. 4/30/2013 6/28/2013 6/30/2014 6Receive decision from AVS‐1 on the MCAI Streamlining proposal. 6/28/2013 9/30/2014 8/Initiate next‐step activities on the MCAI Streamlining report, as necessary. TBD 8/

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: AIR‐110, Engineering Procedures Office

Responsible Organization: AIR‐100, Aircraft Engineering Division

Initiative Status:

L. Expediting Rulemaking

Summary: Completed. To comply with Recommendation No. 6 of Section L, Expediting Ru

was submitted to the December 2014 Rulemaking Council for approval. This p

airworthiness standards several special conditions and Equivalent Safety Findin

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

ARM tasks RPWG to evaluate prioritization tools and submit a recommendation. 5/31/2012 12/31/2012 12AIR identifies common special conditions for rulemaking. 10/31/2012 9/30/2013 9/ARM develops and finalizes implementation plan based on RPWG’s 1/31/2013 3/29/2013 3/

recommendations.

ARM implements rulemaking prioritization tools. 4/30/2013 10/31/2013 9/AIR integrates the rulemaking prioritization tools to annually assess and prioritize 10/31/2013 9/30/2014 8/

special conditions and all other rulemaking.

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

1 Tool is deployed to the workforce and is being utilized for all new rulemaking projects. 2 All affected AIR employees are trained.

25% reduction in the number of special conditions that have been used for a period of time and the design is no

longer new and novel when compared to the number of these SCs before the prioritization tool wasimplemented.

3

50% reduction in the number of special conditions that have been used for a period of time and the design is no

longer new and novel when compared to the number of these SCs before the prioritization tool wasimplemented.

4

75% reduction in the number of special conditions that have been used for a period of time and the design is no

longer new and novel when compared to the number of these SCs before the prioritization tool wasimplemented.

56 25% reduction in the time to process SCs after the prioritization tool was implemented.

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: AFS‐003P, Flight Standards Service Policy Oversight

Responsible Organization: AFS‐001, Flight Standards ServiceInitiative Status:

M. Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation

Summary: AFS and AIR plan to issue the Section 313 Implementation Plan by January 30, 

Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation initiative will be tracked under the Se

Plan. The development of the Plan took longer than expected with coordinatio

and with industry.

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Submit CRI ARC Final Report to AVS‐1. 4/30/2012 11/30/2012 11Review CRI ARC Final Report and develop an AVS action plan that addresses 11/30/2012 9/30/2013 1/30/2015

recommendations.

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

1 See the CRI Implementation Plan.

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Point of Contact: ACE‐110, Small Airplane Directorate ‐ Standards Office

Responsible Organization: ACE‐100, Small Airplane Directorate

Initiative Status:

N. Part 23 Reorganization

Summary: Since June 2014, the FAA continued to apply dedicated resources to address th

Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) and the legislati

the Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013. The rulemaking team applied ag

techniques, such as parallel processing/coordination and collaborative docume

streamline and condense the part 23 rulemaking project schedule leading to th

Rulemaking Action Plan on December 9, 2014. The Small Airplane Directorate 

23 ARC meeting and ASTM F44 General Aviation Aircraft committee meetings 

development of consensus‐based methods of compliance supporting the part 

engaged closely with foreign civil aviation authorities to develop the framewor

align respective small airplane regulatory efforts. Additionally, the Directorate 

series of critical design reviews with aircraft certification offices to test the pro

certification project scenarios and identified other rules that may be impacted 

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is expected by the end of 2015.

MilestonesActivity Start End ECD 

Charter Part 23 Reorganization ARC. 8/31/2011 8/31/2011 8/Develop and submit ARC recommendations to ACE‐100. 11/30/2011 5/31/2013 6Submit application for Part 23 Rulemaking. 12/31/2012 2/28/2013 2/Develop Draft Rulemaking Action Plan. 10/2/2013 4/30/2014 9/30/2014 9/Approval to proceed with Notice of Public Rulemaking. 12/2/2014 7/31/2015 12/31/2015 1Issue final rule for Part 23. 9/25/2016 8/31/2016 9/19/2017

Measures of Effectiveness

Level of

Effectiveness

Measure Status

1 Part 23 rule and guidance are issued.2 All affected AIR employees are trained.

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015 
Based on applications review in the Certification Project Notification (CPN) Database, and actual product count

supplied by equipment manufacturers, track increase in the installation of safety enhancing equipment

following rule issuance in Nov 2017.

3

Track the increase in the number of Primary Category applications and compare it to FY12 baseline of zero

Primary Category TC applications.

45 Increase in new Part 23 TCs/ATCs applications after rule issuance and compare numbers to FY14 baseline data.

Section 312 ‐ Implementation Plan January 6, 2015