Reykjavik Keflavik airport’s operator is reviewing procedures for certification testing in the wake of the accident involving a Sukhoi Superjet 100.
The evaluation follows the inquiry’s concerns over the Superjet’s flightpath as well as investigators’ conclusions that the test flights breached rules over the use of the runway.
Keflavik is a favoured location for certification tests because its perpendicular runway layout and weather conditions enable aircraft to be subjected to fairly predictable crosswinds.
Icelandic investigation authority RNF found that the early-morning touch-and-go operations performed by the Superjet on runway 11 had not been permitted.
The country’s aeronautical information publication contains a night curfew, and “no approval had been granted” for an exemption, says the inquiry.
Investigators also determined that the departure procedures for runway 11 meant the single-engine approach and go-around tests would take the aircraft over populated residential areas, at minimum clearance altitude, with only one engine operating.
Keflavik operator Isavia has formed an in-house task group to look into the use of the airport for certification, following the 21 July 2013 overrun accident.
RNF says the group will suggest procedures defining the times at which such flights can be conducted and measures to establish flight patterns and direct aircraft away from populated areas.
It adds that the discussions will also look into the airport’s emergency preparations and personnel training.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
