ULA CEO Tory Bruno: FAA’s Proposed Launch Licensing Rules Increase Flexibility

United Launch Alliance has commended the Federal Aviation Administration’s proposed rule to simplify launch licensing requirements and eliminate tedious waiver processing for operators.

In its comments regarding FAA’s notice of proposed rulemaking, ULA said that the new regulations allow industry to continuously provide input on licensing regulations and improve the alignment of U.S. Air Force regulations with commercial licensing procedures.

ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno noted in a tweet dated July 19 that FAA “did a superb job increasing flexibility while maintaining public safety.”

Under the proposed rule, operators may no longer submit requirements for launch rehearsals as well as documentation for related procedures such as countdowns. The rule also mandates the designation of certain range infrastructure as “critical assets.”

ULA requested FAA to clarify rules on potentially eliminating requirements that an operator has already met through other federal agencies.