> On the bad side, this risk culture destroys large scale innovation, and even safety in the long run.
So true. Its an issue in General Aviation where there has been huge progress in safety devices (electronic cockpit gauges, airbag seat belts, etc) but it has been illegal to install them in older aircraft because of the FAAs very slow, expensive certification process. Finally, in the last year or so, the FAA got serious about what's called "Part 23 reform" which will vastly streamline the process for safety upgrades in older aircraft.
Also, I don't want this comment to be interpreted as shitting on the FAA. I'm a libertarian leaning former liberal who generally has very low confidence in our government but I consider the FAA, with their insane safety record of which I'm a massive fanboy, to be a exception.
So true. Its an issue in General Aviation where there has been huge progress in safety devices (electronic cockpit gauges, airbag seat belts, etc) but it has been illegal to install them in older aircraft because of the FAAs very slow, expensive certification process. Finally, in the last year or so, the FAA got serious about what's called "Part 23 reform" which will vastly streamline the process for safety upgrades in older aircraft.
Also, I don't want this comment to be interpreted as shitting on the FAA. I'm a libertarian leaning former liberal who generally has very low confidence in our government but I consider the FAA, with their insane safety record of which I'm a massive fanboy, to be a exception.