Panel Discussion: Meeting Certification Standards – Barrier to Entry?
While certification standards safeguard safety and reliability, their rigidity and escalating costs may deter innovation and small-market participation. Inconsistencies across commercial, military, VTOL, and UAV certification frameworks further complicate compliance. Limited data sharing also hinders assurance for advanced cockpit systems, as more tech is introduced to support the pilot. In the wake of the 737 MAX crisis, stricter oversight—such as CS-25 Amendment 28 and EASA’s conservative stance—has intensified regulatory caution. This panel discussion explores whether adopting DER-like delegated authority frameworks or reverting to simpler, lower-complexity technologies could streamline certification, reduce cost and time, and help sustain innovation without compromising safety, or whether regulators are hindering the industry by over protection.