Problems of Older Jet Aeroplanes—A Regulatory Authority View

Abstract

The problems of older jet aeroplanes as seen by one regulatory authority— the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)—are reviewed. Whilst attention is given primarily to airworthiness matters, a number of operational subjects are also considered. The particular problem of structure of the aeroplane is mentioned but the other information which an authority needs is also set out. Attention is paid to the design standard of the aeroplane, the physical standard of the particular aeroplane, and the role of the operator. In the case of imported aeroplanes, especially when they are already old when imported, the intention is to ensure that the standard achieved is not less than it would have been had the aircraft been operated on the British register from the beginning, and is also broadly similar to that of the current generation of equivalent aircraft.