ATR has taken the first orders for reinforced flightdeck doors from US regional carrier Trans States Airlines. The airline has ordered eight sets to retrofit to its five ATR 42s and three 72s.
ATR's doors meet the US Federal Aviation Administration standards that airlines must comply with by April 2003. The company is now pitching its product at the larger American ATR operators American Eagle and Atlantic Southeast Airlines.
ATR's door is hardened and has a lock that the pilots can control while seated. Video surveillance is offered as an option.
ATR is only offering the doors for retrofit at present, but it plans to fit them to new-build aircraft later.
Source: Flight International
