Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

Gordon Gilbert

Some air charter operators flying small and midsize business jets into Mexico have been unable to receive blanket approval for multiple landings because their aircraft are not equipped with flight data recorders (FDRs). The FAA doesn’t require FDRs in these aircraft, but they are required by Mexico’s federal civil aviation agency (AFAC) regulations.
Over the past two years,&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;has been&nbsp;cracking down&nbsp;on&nbsp;enforcing&nbsp;requirements&nbsp;for&nbsp;air charter aircraft “with&nbsp;10 or more passenger seats,&nbsp;or&nbsp;an mtow of&nbsp;12,500&nbsp;pounds or more&nbsp;to&nbsp;be equipped with an FDR”&nbsp;to obtain blanket approval. According to the manager of regulatory services for trip support at World Fuel, the crackdown has&nbsp;even been applied to some operators that lack the required FDRs but have an AFAC air operator certificate and blanket permit under grandfathered agreements.
World Fuel is working with a U.S. charter operator that has two Bombardier Challenger 350s and eight Learjet 60s. World Fuel told AIN,&nbsp;“AFAC will issue the blanket permit with the two Challengers but will not grant the Lear 60s the permit since the Learjets do not have (and are not [FAA] required to have) an FDR.”
Representatives from&nbsp;World Fuel&nbsp;and other industry&nbsp;partners&nbsp;have been reaching out to&nbsp;AFAC&nbsp;officials&nbsp;to attempt to alleviate the problem. Meanwhile, operators whose aircraft are adversely affected by this regulation can apply for an exception to the AFAC FDR requirement. However, the process is laborious, time-consuming, and “not very viable for operators,” according to World Fuel.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Charter Operators Grapple with Mexico’s Flight Data Recorder Requirements

Light to midsize jets typically aren’t equipped with FDRs

Some air charter firms with light to midsize bizjets have been unable to receive blanket approvals for Mexico because their aircraft lack flight data recorders.

Charter Operators Grapple with Mexico’s FDR Requirements

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Patent complaint was filed in 2022

Delaware Court Overturns SmartSky Damages Award

Curt Epstein

Operators should expect increased scrutiny and sanctions for permit violations

Mexico Ends Single-entry Charter Landing Permits

Hanneke Weitering

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Phase IV adds $5 million, bringing the contract’s total to $19.25 million

U.S. Marines Extend Regent’s Electric Seaglider Deal

Amy Wilder

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Company sold controlled technology to Russian buyers without required export licenses

KanRus Owner Sentenced for Avionics Export Violations

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Associations say it makes no sense to punish compliant pilots

Groups Asks FAA To Pause Single-pilot Exemption Decision

Rule as proposed addresses only Part 121 carriers

Coalition Urges FAA To Widen Duty and Rest Rule

Free guide covers 12 LOAs and typical turnaround

Updated Nimbl Guide Pinpoints Relevant Part 91 LOAs

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

More In Regulations and Government