Safety Topics

A FURTHER step in the development of criteria for the operation of two‐engine aircraft on longer ranges has been taken earlier this year with the publication of proposals by the FAA. The advisory circular containing these varies in some respects from the draft issued in 1984 (referred to in ‘Aircraft Engineering’) and comments have been invited. The criteria are designed to ensure that transoceanic flights by two‐engine aircraft will be at least as safe as those by current three or four engine jets. Each airline that wants to make such flights will have to prove individually to the FAA that its aircraft and flight crew members meet these proposals. The action is being taken because of the reliability of modern jet engines and in view of the fact that military and business jets with two engines have been flying across the North Atlantic safely for many years.