THE UK GOVERNMENT has given a further extension to operators of Boeing 707s and McDonnell Douglas DC-8s seeking waivers under European noise regulations.
From 1 April, 1995, all Chapter 2 aircraft more than 25 years old were due to have been banned from European Union countries, unless given exemptions (Flight International, 8-14 March).
The UK has given all applicants an extension until mid-August, while asking them to clarify within a month whether they are applying for extensions under the European phase-out rules or on the grounds of economic hardship.
The ostensible grounds for the UK move are that the wording of the regulations has led some carriers to believe mistakenly that they could not use the phase-out rules.
Industry officials involved in the issue say, however, that virtually all the carriers recognise that only the hardship provisions could possibly solve their problem. They assume that the UK is diplomatically delaying the process until the prospects of a suitable Stage 3 hushkit being produced become clearer later this year.
Other European nations have issued waivers which could leave UK freight airports at a disadvantage, but the Government also has to consider environmental concerns at a time when airport planning, particularly for London Heathrow, is highly sensitive.
Quiet Nacelle is under contract to the US Air Force to develop a hushkit, which should be available to civil operators in 1996. Avacelle of the USA is also trying to devise a hushkit, but is asking operators to place orders and contribute cash now, to help fund development.
Source: Flight International