tecpilot:
What part of Part 29 requirements does the 429 not meet? It's got Category A performance, all of which comes from Part 29, and which drives the redundancy aspects of a lot of systems.
Is there something else that's important in part 29 that was missed?
Remember Part 27 used to be limited to 6,000 pounds, and is now up to 7,000 pounds. The weight aspect is an arbitrary limit - the important one in my mind is the number of seats - this drives the difference between 'normal' and 'transport' in terms of safety for the flying public.
And if you want to see the comparison in the FW world - 'normal' category there goes to 12,500 pounds, except for commuter class airplanes that can be up to 19,000 pounds.
And if the difference between Part 27 and Part 29 is so important for the FAA, why do they not require type ratings for Part 29 helicopters below 12,500 pounds?