Just over six years after EASA’s 2017 approval for single-engine turbine aircraft to fly commercially at night and in instrument meteorological conditions (CAT-SET-IMC), there has been limited growth in these operations in Europe. The Single Engine Turboprop Operations (SETOps) Conference to be held on April 21 as part of the Aero Friedrichshafen show in Germany will focus on what it will take for the industry to more fully exploit these liberalized rules.
During the event, Bruno Budim, the former executive director and accountable director of Cessna Caravan operator BenAir Norway, will present the finding of a new survey conducted jointly by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the European Business Aviation Association to assess market conditions in the CAT-SET-IMC environment. “Over the past few years concern has been growing over regulations that continue to restrict the growth of commercial general aviation operations, which are also adversely impacted by threats to small airfield closures,” said GAMA v-p of European affairs Kyle Martin. “SETOps can be a trailblazer for the sector to set the regulatory framework and get the access right for Europe.”
The agenda also features speakers from Daher, Pilatus, Ampaire, EASA, Garmin, Oriens Aviation, Oysterair, Jetfly, Rheinland Air Service, and AOPA Germany. During the Aero Friedrichshafen show, Daher is expected to announce EASA certification for its Kodiak 900 turboprop single utility aircraft.
The SETOps conference program, which is sponsored by Pratt & Whitney, will include sessions covering maintenance, repair and overhaul, pilot recruitment and training, and collaboration with small airports. Darrell Swanson from advanced air mobility consultancy EAMaven will highlight how new eVTOL and eSTOL aircraft could help to re-energize the SETOps sector.