FAA Tailors Sky-High Safety Rules for Honda's HA-480 Jet
Published Date: 10/5/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is setting new safety rules for Honda's Model HA-480 airplane because it can fly super high—up to 47,000 feet! These special conditions make sure the plane is just as safe as others, even though it has some cool, new tech. If you want to share your thoughts, send comments by November 19, 2026—no extra costs, just safer skies ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Higher Pressure Valve Strength Requirement
For the Honda HA-480 that will fly up to 47,000 feet, the FAA proposes that the pressure-vessel design use a safety factor of 1.67 on the maximum relief valve pressure in Sec. 23.2225(c)(3) instead of the current 1.33 factor. This rule applies to the fuselage structure, including doors and windows, to ensure strength at those altitudes.
Depressurization / Breathable-Air Criteria Adoption
Honda will use the depressurization criteria in 14 CFR 23.841(d) (Amendment 23-62) as its means of compliance to Sec. 23.2320, Occupant physical environment, to address breathable-air and occupant safety for operations above 45,000 feet. This means the HA-480 must meet those specific depressurization safety criteria for high-altitude operation.
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