Russia has begun a major safety regulatory shake-up by permanently grounding certain types of transport aircraft and announcing tighter rules. More safety rules are expected following a meeting of aviation authorities next month. Many airlines will lose their operating licences, the Transport Ministry says.
This reflects Russia's concern that civil aircraft safety has worsened in the last two years. A State Service of Civil Aviation (GSGA) official says there is evidence of "safety standard sloppiness creeping in, and these measures are intended to put a stop to lowering standards".
Following an investigation into the explosion and subsequent crash of an IRS Avia Ilyushin Il-18 in November 2001, GSGA has revoked the airline's operating licence and grounded all 17 Il-18s on the Russian register.
The Il-18s had faults that were unrectifiable, says transport minister Sergei Frank, who adds that uncertificated or bogus parts were involved in causing the accident. Aeroflot's general director Valeri Okulov has called for a bar code system to track and identify aircraft parts.
Among the immediate new measures, airlines must have their own technical base and prove they can meet their financial obligations. Frank warns that these measures "will result in the cancellation of many operating licences" among the country's 242 airlines.
Frank adds the use of obsolescent aircraft and replacement parts of doubtful origin slows the entry into service of newer types like the Ilyushin Il-96-300 and Il-114, and the Tupolev Tu-204/214. There are also pilot training problems in that sector, he acknowledges.
The Transport Ministry has also grounded all Mil Mi-6 helicopters in Russian service, following the loss of a 30-year-old machine last month.
Source: Flight International
