DAIMLER-BENZ has again been forced to delay delivery of the improved-performance Dornier 328-110 to Formosa Airlines, after Taiwan's civil aeronautics administration (CAA) refused to certify the turboprop for landing at the offshore island of Matsu.
A revised delivery schedule had called for the first aircraft to go to Formosa in February, after the Asian Aerospace show in Singapore. Subsequent demonstration flights to Matsu, however, failed to win CAA approval for the fully loaded 328 to use the Island's 890m (2,900ft)-long runway.
The CAA has refused to clear Matsu for any aircraft with a maximum landing weight of over 11,300kg, limiting the airport to Formosa's smaller Dornier 228s and Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2Bs, operated by Taiwan Airlines.
Daimler-Benz had argued, that the 328's heavier 12,500kg landing weight, was offset by the aircraft's twin main landing gear, and produced a similar area loading as the 228's single-wheel gear.
According to a senior Formosa official, the CAA refused permission for Daimler-Benz, to conduct a fully-loaded 328 demonstration flight into Matsu, despite the company's offer, to take out DM100,000 ($68,000) in insurance coverage against any damage to the runway. The demonstration was limited to lower operating weights, and single-engine take-offs and landings.
Daimler-Benz says that it does not plan to make further modifications to the aircraft, but will instead continue to press the CAA to review it decision. Deliveries have been provisionally rescheduled for the "second half the year".
Formosa ordered five 328s to replace its 228s, and was originally due to take delivery of the first aircraft in 1995. The deal, however, was conditional on the aircraft being operated from Matsu.
The first two Formosa 328-110s, already completed, have ground spoilers, improved flap-settings and modified control software. Additional planned changes include a "smart" rudder, uprated Pratt & Whitney PW119C engines, and extended propeller tips.
Local officials are calling for improvements to Matsu's airport after the crash on 5 April of a 228, which killed six of the 15 passengers. The aircraft was attempting to land in bad weather when it crashed into the sea. Matsu is equipped with a non-directional beacon only. Poor weather often forces flights to return to Taiwan.
Source: Flight International
