EASA SIB 2011-07
WITHDRAWN - RECOMMENDATIONS NOT NEEDED ANYMORE. Topic addressed by Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012
Summary
EASA Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) No. 2011-07 titled 'WITHDRAWN - RECOMMENDATIONS NOT NEEDED ANYMORE. Topic addressed by Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012' addresses safety concerns related to functional check flights on all aircraft operated under an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), including Airbus A320, Boeing 737, and Dassault Falcon 2000. The bulletin highlights recent accidents during non-revenue flights conducted for maintenance checks or lease transfers and raises awareness of associated hazards.
What Changed
This bulletin informs operators about the inclusion of new implementing rules under Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 requiring detailed descriptions of non-commercial flights in the operations manual, with prior approval from competent authorities. It also announces forthcoming rulemaking activities to further regulate maintenance check flights and non-revenue flights, aiming to enhance safety during such operations.
Why It Matters
The bulletin is important for aviation professionals because it highlights the risks of conducting functional check flights without adequate expertise or procedures, which have led to serious incidents and accidents. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must recognize the vulnerabilities when operating outside normal commercial flight practices and ensure proper risk assessments and training are in place to prevent loss of control or other hazards.
What To Do
Operators intending to conduct functional check flights should consult their national aviation authorities or EASA and the aircraft type certificate holders for guidance. They must establish specific flight operational risk assessments and implement risk mitigation measures, including detailed operating procedures in their manuals. All personnel involved should be fully briefed on the intentions, procedures, and responsibilities related to these flights, which should only be conducted by appropriately trained and experienced crews.
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