The Chinese civil aviation regulator CAAC today released the draft of the new Part 23 certification document. Some highlights include:
1. it has a new section (H section on page 51) for electric airplane which is for the first time in CAAC Part 23 certification rulemaking.
2. rename Part 23 to “normal airplane” consolidating “normal”, “aerobatic”, “utility” and “commuter” category into “normal” in existing Part 23
3.define airplane certification requirement by seat number and performance, not by weight.
the draft download link at CAAC (in Chinese language only): http://www.caac.gov.cn/HDJL/YJZJ/202002/P020200225439412180257.doc
In general the CAAC new part 23 is similar to EASA new Part 23 in many aspects, which is expected. What’s especially interesting is that it’s encouraging to see CAAC is making real rulemaking efforts for electric airplane certification even though the H section in the draft appears to be lack of many important details. CAAC is inviting public opinion on this draft until 26 March 2020.