[Avionics Today 03-07-2016] The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has published new rules designed to improve the flight tracking of Singapore-registered aircraft. Beginning July 1, 2016, all Singapore-based air operators are required to establish flight tracking capabilities that would allow their operations team to know the position of their aircraft every 15 minutes throughout the duration of the flight.
Singapore Airlines Airbus A350. Photo: Singapore Airlines.
The rules apply only to Singapore-registered aircraft carrying more than 19 passengers and weighing more than 59,000 pounds.
“From 1 July 2016 onwards, airlines will be required to track their aircraft either manually or automatically. From 8 November 2018 onwards, only automatic tracking will be permitted,” CAAS said in a statement.
The move by CAAS is consistent with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) ongoing efforts to standardize and improve global flight tracking, especially in remote airspace.
Representatives from Singapore Airlines and Tigerair Singapore have already released statements expressing support for the new rules.