The International Business Aviation Council welcomed last week the decision by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization to raise the weight threshold requirement for aircraft with hardened cockpit doors from 45.5 tonnes maximum certificated take-off weight (MCTOW) to 54.5 tonnes MCTOW for those aircraft where the passenger seating capacity is 19 or fewer.

The decision will allow the current and planned generation of ultra long-range business aircraft to reach their full operating potential.

Kurt Edwards, IBAC Director General, said, “This is a substantial accomplishment, and we are excited to share this news with the industry. For the last three years, IBAC has worked closely with the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA), Bombardier, and Gulfstream to make this amendment a reality. "The effort took much planning and working through the full standard-making process at ICAO and shows ICAO recognition of greater operational capabilities and industry evolution,” he added. The adoption will facilitate full type certification and operational use of such aircraft as the Global 7000 and G650ER and will become effective 16 July 2018 and applicable to States in November 2018.

Bombardier Global 7000 | Library photo

The decision amended a key standard in Annex 6 Part 1 - International Commercial Air Transport. It should be noted that the ICAO standards in Annex 6 Part II regarding international general aviation do not include the requirement for the reinforced door contained in Part I.