The commercial operation of single-engine instrument flight rules (IFR) in Europe, so far stalled by UK opposition, is back on the agenda again, according to the Single Engine Turbine Alliance (SETA).
The Joint Aviation Authorities is about to set up a working group to prepare a notice of proposed amendment (NPA) recommending clearance for single-engine IFR cargo operations in certain turbine-powered aircraft. It is expected to have completed its work by late 2000.
The European authority, which has published an advance NPA on the issue, says that it will not be going over the same ground again, but that it will consider new evidence and statistics.
It adds that Spain and Portugal, previously uncommitted, have told SETA they are in favour of clearance for IFR single operations.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has been resolutely opposed to allowing single-engine IFR because it says there is an increased risk of people on the ground being hurt by forced landings as the country is densely populated.
The UK is reviewing its policy and is due to meet SETA in February.
Source: Flight International
