FAA’s New Regulatory Consistency Communication Board Will Benefit Aviation Businesses

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released the procedures governing the agency’s new Regulatory Consistency Communication Board (RCCB) including how the industry is to bring matters to its attention. The RCCB will provide clarification to internal and external stakeholders on questions related to potential inconsistent regulatory interpretations by the agency’s regions and district offices.  

The RCCB is the outgrowth of an NATA initiative culminating in the 2012 FAA reauthorization bill requiring the agency to convene a Consistency of Regulatory Interpretation Aviation Rulemaking Committee (CRI ARC). NATA co-chaired the CRI ARC and was instrumental in developing its recommendations, including the establishment of the RCCB. 

“NATA applauds the FAA’s release of the Order putting forward the board’s purpose, responsibilities, and how stakeholders are to utilize it. Consistent application of regulations and policy is something that has plagued the industry for a long time. We appreciate the agency’s work with stakeholders to operationalize the RCCB that will provide high level guidance to inspectors and industry on issues where there is difference of opinion in interpretation. We are heavily invested in this program and we are looking forward to seeing it succeed,” stated John McGraw, the association’s Director of Regulatory Affairs.