Sir - The European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) is concerned with extended-range operations (ETOPS) of smaller, twin-turbofan aircraft only when they are flown for the purpose of commercial air transport.
Nobody in the JAA has ever suggested that the proposed rules under discussion should be applicable to these smaller twin turbofans if they are operated privately by a corporation or an individual. The implication of Comment (Flight International, 9-15 July) is that all extended-range operations by small twin-turbojets are to be regulated. This is not true, and Comment is misleading.
You say that "…the JAA thought it necessary to consider placing restrictions…etc". This is untrue. The origin of the proposed rule in question is one of the internationally agreed standards with which all signatories to the Chicago Convention are obliged to comply. It is for this important legal reason that JAA member states have to regulate in this area.
The proposed 120 min non-ETOPS threshold was precisely that - a draft proposal for Joint Aviation Requirements Part 1, which was open to comments during the consultation process.
In commercial air transportation, the safety of the paying travelling public is of paramount importance to both the regulators and the industry. The responsibility of the regulators of the industry is to ensure that everything that can be done to maintain safety is addressed and, inevitably, that is not always easy.
Richard Yates
Operations Director
JAA
Hoofddorp
Netherlands
Source: Flight International
