TSO Is the Way To Go

In discussing general aviation equipment standards, the author briefly summarizes some of the steps taken by the FAA in recent years. Several possible vehicles for implementing such standards were investigated by the FAA, and after full consideration, the technical standard order (TSO) system emerged as the best, although imperfect, vehicle.

Various objections to TSO are enumerated and discussed, as are the advantages of the system and suggestions for its improvement.