Story ID: 
EASA Recommends TAWS in Light Turbine Airplanes
By: Gordon Gilbert
Caption: The bulletin specifically recommends that both commercial and private operators install TAWS that meets the requirements for Class B equipment.
Word Count: 216
While rulemaking is under way to require TAWS in certain light turbine airplanes, EASA has issued a Safety Information Bulletin recommending that operators voluntarily install the systems. The final rule applies to turbine airplanes of less than 12,500 pounds mtow that can carry six to nine passengers and are operated commercially.   

The bulletin specifically recommends that both commercial and private operators install TAWS that meets the requirements for Class B equipment, and ensure that it doesn’t inhibit or disable other installed avionics. The aircraft maintenance program should also include measures to ensure that other avionics functions are not affected, EASA said.

As a result of the comments received on a notice of proposed amendment published in early 2016, EASA said it would proceed with enacting a requirement for TAWS on light turbine airplanes. The rule will mandate TAWS installation and operation in newly manufactured, commercially operated light turbine airplanes that receive their initial airworthiness certification after Jan. 1, 2019.

One of the commenters wanted the rule to also cover non-commercial operators, but EASA discarded this option due to proportionality issues regarding the general aviation sector. Three commenters requested a retrofitting requirement, but EASA said the “large cost of retrofit outweighs the minor safety benefit and, therefore, this option was also discarded.”