As an active member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the European Joint Aviation Authorities, the UK Civil Aviation Authority has been involved continuously with the development of rules for single-engine turbine-powered operations in instrument flight rules. The JAA is undertaking a third round of consultation and the CAA will make further comment on the basis of the proposed text. We would expect any safety concerns that are submitted to the JAA by its members to be considered fully before the final rules are drafted.
The CAA's insistence that rule development is dealt with comprehensively, with all proposals being fully thought through, does not constitute being a "Luddite", as a former US Federal Aviation Administration administrator commented (Flight International, 14-20 October). The CAA's previously stated position reflected legitimate concerns that had not been addressed and its commitment to uphold safety performance in the areas of single-engine operations.
Tom Hamilton
Head of External Relations, Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick, UK
Source: Flight International
