180-Minute ETOPS On A220
The Airbus A220 became the smallest airliner to be approved for 180-minute extended diversion time operations (EDTO), formerly ETOPS, and that could open up lucrative transoceanic routes outside of the normal hubs. The former Bombardier CSeries program, which was acquired by Airbus in July of 2018, targets the 100-150-seat niche and the approval by Transport Canada widens the scope of operations for the highly regarded fly-by-wire airliner. The aircraft was also approved for steep approaches of up to six degrees last summer and with EDTO approval, direct flights from London City Centre Airport to the east coast of North America would be allowed. The approval will also allow the aircraft to be used between Hawaii and the western U.S.
Relaxed Drone Rules Proposed
The FAA is proposing relaxing rules governing the operation of drones weighing less than 55 pounds over people and at night and it’s tailoring the rules based on the unmanned aircraft’s ability to injure people. Tiny drones weighing less than 0.55 pounds will be able to fly over people without restriction because they’re considered essentially harmless. Manufacturers of larger, faster drones will have to prove that they can’t cause significant injury if they hit someone if operators want to use them over people. More dangerous drones, those capable of hurting people but not killing them, couldn’t be used over open air assemblies of people and couldn’t hover over them but they could be used in restricted areas as long as those inside are aware of the drones. For night operations, drones will be required to have an anti-collision light visible for three statute miles.
