Ramon Lopez/WASHINGTON DC
REGIONAL AIRLINES in the USA are being given until the end of 1995 to fit the traffic-alert and collision-avoidance system (TCAS I) on their aircraft, even though manufacturers are warning that they may struggle to deliver kits in time.
The US Federal Aviation Administration's final rule, issued at the end of 1994, grants operators of turbine aircraft with between ten and 30 seats a delay from 9 February until 31 December to fit the system. It had originally proposed a 31 March 1997, deadline, but this was brought forward because of safety concerns.
The latest reprieve is required because of earlier delays in beginning a TCAS I flight-evaluation programme. BFGoodrich Aerospace was late in delivering hardware for the test.
Citing the problems with TCAS 1 development, the Regional Airlines Association pushed for a delay and urged the FAA to consider alternative approaches to the TCAS 1 because of the system's significantly higher-than-estimated costs to the airline industry.
In practice, however, many of the large commuter carriers affiliated to the major airlines have already fitted the TCAS II system, as required for aircraft with more than 30 seats.
That system provides vertical-plane avoidance-guidance as well as the proximity alert issued by the TCAS I.
BFGoodrich, with its TCAS-791, is one of two companies offering certificated TCAS is which meet the rule's requirements at a cost of $65-100,000 per aircraft. AlliedSignal offers its CAS-66A system, which can subsequently be upgraded, to the TCAS II. The companies had warned that the February date could not be met and say that the new deadline will still pose problems.
In its final rule, the FAA notes that delays in TCAS 1 development and certification remain an issue. The aviation agency estimates that the rule affects 25 different aircraft types, many of which are built overseas.
It believes, however, that the 31 December deadline can be met by the majority of affected air carriers. It will allow, "in rare cases", a six-month grace period for "extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the airline".
The FAA says that the new deadline represents "an appropriate balance" between the need to enhance safety and for feasible compliance with the rule.
Source: Flight International
