The article "JAA backs single-engine IFR flights" (Flight International, 11-17 June) illustrates muddled regulatory thinking.
I applaud the approval of commercial SE-IFR (single engine-instrument flight rules) with the caveats applied by Australia, Canada and New Zealand. What I find astonishing about the JAA logic is they don't require higher equipment specifications for piston-powered twins, which have a higher fatal accident rate than the types proposed for SE-IFR approval. In a piston twin they don't require two independently powered attitude indicators, lapstrap/diagonal safety harnesses for passengers, a radio altimeter and weather radar before conferring IFR privileges.
If a case can be made for two independently powered attitude indicators for single-engine aircraft then it should also apply to twins.
Brian J Souter
Wellington, New Zealand
Source: Flight International
