Federal Aviation Administration – Aviation Rule Making Advisory Committee


What is ARAC?

The Secretary of Transportation chartered FAA ARAC Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committees in 1991. The purpose of ARAC is to assist the FAA by providing forums for interested parties to participate in open negotiations in major regulatory issues, and provide input to the FAA’s regulatory agenda. ARAC’s goal is to involve interested members of the aviation community, and the general public, in responsible dialogue with the FAA. ARAC is part of the decision-making authorities of the FAA.

History of ARAC

  • In May 1991, ARAC had 56 member organizations, an Executive Committee (ExComm), 9 Issue Groups, and 14 Working Groups.
  • In 2001, ten years later, ARAC had 75 member organizations, 11 Issue Groups and up to 75 Working Groups.
  • After 2001 ARAC was less active, and in 2004 ARAC showed 11 Issue Groups, and a few Working Groups. During 2003 there were only 14 Scheduled ARAC meetings, and a number were canceled.
  • In 2008 ARAC was re-authorized with 55 member organizations, an ExComm, about five active Issue Groups, and working groups.
  • Post 9/11 has been a time of unparalleled aviation safety, with few commercial disasters. This reflects improved technology, and the fact that after 9/11 about 20% of the commercial planes (older planes) were grounded and there were fewer flights.

NADA/F’s Role

Most of the ARAC organizations represent the industry, however, NADA/F represents the survivors, family members, and the traveling public. We have an important place at the table in this decision‑making process. We appreciate the participation of our dedicated volunteers.

In 1999 NADA/F successfully appointed one person to an ARAC Working Group. Mid-2000 NADA/F was approved by the FAA as a Member Organizations of ARAC, and approved for a position on the ExComm.

NADA/F has made positive and productive contributions through our participation in ARAC:

  • FAA FTIHWG – FAA Fuel Tank Inerting Harmonization Working Group
    NADA/F had three members on this Working Group, which concluded inerting was “too expensive.” NADA/F filed the one NO vote and said Inerting was affordable and necessary. NADA/F filed a Dissent, which prevailed, and the FAA mandated Inerting July 2008. Inerting is a technology to prevent fuel tank explosions similar to TWA 800.
  • ATSRAC-Aging Transport Systems Rulemaking Advisory Committee.
    ATSRAC was formed in 1999 as a Working Group reporting directly to the ARAC Executive Committee and met quarterly through 2006. They addressed a number of aging aircraft issues, including wiring.

For an overview of the “Aging Aircraft” Committee, click here. Thank you to Christine Negroni for her dedication and expertise on the “Aging Aircraft” group.

Would you like to know more?

Visit http://www.FAA.gov and click on Regulations & Policies, or click here or here to check FAA Regulation and Rulemaking, for active Issue or Working Groups, Calendar, General Rule Information, Airworthiness Directives, Documents Open for Comment, and more.

The public is welcome to participate in rulemaking by sending comments and petitions, and may attend Executive and Issue Group public meetings. Most Working Group Meetings are closed to the public.

NADA/F will continue to be involved in a positive and credible manner, as we provide aviation expertise, common sense, and a conscience at the table supporting the highest standards of aviation safety and security.

Gail A. Dunham