After the 787 development drama (2002-2011), industry & congress stood shoulder to shoulder to streamline FAA aircraft certification. To speed up the process, reduce bureaucracy and strengthen the competitive position of the US industry.The worlds airlines were ordering NEO's like there was no limit and loyal 777 customers were ordering A350s in big numbers. The pressure was on.
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_poli...rc-4202012.pdf
FAA was forced to comply, their budget re-authorizations by Congress being held hostage since 2012. Targets were being based on this streamlining and responsibility delegation by the FAA.
https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-17-508t-highlights.pdf. Boeing had the FAA in the pocket & felt invincible.. Boosted by their record orders, stock prices, and clear political support. A wining mood. Afterwards Senate & Congress faulted FAA oversight of Boeing (*!?$!)
The 777x certification strategy (certify as a 777-300ER derivative, the "changed product rule") approval, amazed many already in 2014.
FAA to Fast Track Boeing 777X Certification | Frequent Business Traveler.
The 777x has new wings, engines, landings gears, tails, cockpit and systems. The fuselage has different length, load patterns, door locations, window structure. -> A new aircraft really..
The unexpected fuselage rupture during 777x ultimate load testing, has focused investigators on the used certification strategy. Changed Product Rules (e.g., 14 CFR §§ 21.19 & 21.101) and associated guidance (e.g., Advisory Circular 21.101-1B and FAA Orders 8110.4C and 8110.48A) should be revised to require a top-down approach. Whereby every change is evaluated from an integrated whole aircraft system perspective. As advised by international experts:
https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/...Control_System
-> That means no patching while using reliability numbers of the previous design, when those are not representative. Or they are based on grandfathered design and requirements.
Another, more objective look was taken on new to be certified aircraft (777-9, 737-10, 737-7). Now FAA requires full compliance and is less vulnerable to the political / industrial pressure of the previous decade.
The politicians who pushed for relaxation, exemptions and delegation in the 2012-2018 period, are keeping low profiles now, want to look forward. With just a few brave exceptions..
