The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the EU equivalent of the US FAA, published today long-awaited rules broadening the permitted use of single-engine turbine (SET) aircraft in commercial operations. Previously, commercial operators, both charter and cargo, were not permitted to operate any single-engine aircraft at night or in instrument meteorological conditions. Today’s rule lifts those restrictions for turbine-powered aircraft. The General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA) has long pushed for liberalization on commercial SET operations in Europe. GAMA CEO Pete Bunce said of the new rules, “We applaud the leadership shown by the European Aviation Safety Agency in guiding this important safety framework forward, along with many dedicated individuals who helped forge this rule over many years. It will be a welcome development for those underserved by commercial routes to date.” GAMA European member companies Daher and Pilatus will undoubtedly be celebrating the loosened restrictions. Those popular airframers currently only offer single-engine turboprop airplanes, though Pilatus is developing a twin-engine jet.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/363 can be found here.
