NTSB Issues Recommendation A-12-034 to FAA Regarding Electronic Data in Experimental Aircraft Testing
The National Transportation Safety Board has directed the Federal Aviation Administration to update regulations to allow electronic flight data recordings for Phase I testing of amateur-built aircraft.
Safety recommendation
The National Transportation Safety Board has directed the Federal Aviation Administration to update regulations to allow electronic flight data recordings for Phase I testing of amateur-built aircraft.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued Safety Recommendation A-12-034, identified as DCA12SS005, addressed directly to the Federal Aviation Administration. This recommendation urges the FAA to revise Federal Aviation Administration Order 8130.2G and any related guidance or regulations. The proposed changes would explicitly include provisions for using electronic data recordings from sources such as electronic flight displays, engine instruments, or other recording devices. These recordings would be permitted to support Phase I flight testing of experimental amateur-built aircraft. The primary goal is to document aircraft performance data and the operating envelope accurately. This documentation is intended to help developers create an accurate and complete aircraft flight manual for these specific types of experimental aircraft.