Rotorcraft
FAA Examines Part 27 Certification Issues
Helicopter OEMs gain more attention in reorganization of Fort Worth Aircraft Certification Office
Bell unsuccessfully petitioned the FAA for a gross weight increase to 7,500 pounds for the 429 under Part 27. Rather than issue exemptions, the agency decided to revisit the Part 27 certification basis.
Bell unsuccessfully petitioned the FAA for a gross weight increase to 7,500 pounds for the 429 under Part 27. Rather than issue exemptions, the agency decided to revisit the Part 27 certification basis.

FAA veteran Lance Gant was named manager of the Rotorcraft Directorate Aircraft Certification Service in 2015. Under Gant’s administration the Fort Worth aircraft certification service was reorganized, and the Rotorcraft Directorate began to tackle the large, and sometimes seemingly vexing issues, confronting rotorcraft certification modernization.