Raises Weight Requirement To 54.5 Metric Tons MCTOW

Last week, the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) approved an increase in the weight threshold requirement for aircraft with hardened cockpit doors from 45.5 metric tons maximum certificated take-off weight (MCTOW) to 54.5 metric tons MCTOW for those aircraft where the passenger seating capacity is 19 or fewer. The council said decision will allow the current and planned generation of ultra long-range business aircraft to reach their full operating potential.  

"This is a substantial accomplishment, and we are excited to share this news with the industry," said Kurt Edwards, International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) Director General. "For the last three years, IBAC has worked closely with the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA), Bombardier, and Gulfstream to make this amendment a reality. The effort took much planning and working through the full standard-making process at ICAO and shows ICAO recognition of greater operational capabilities and industry evolution.”

The adoption will facilitate full type certification and operational use of such aircraft as the Global 7000 and G650ER and will become effective 16 July 2018 and applicable to States in November 2018.  

The decision amended a key standard in Annex 6 Part 1 – International Commercial Air Transport.  It should be noted that the ICAO standards in Annex 6 Part II regarding international general aviation do not include the requirement for the reinforced door contained in Part I.

(Source: IBAC news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.ibac.org