This Commission Implementing Regulation amends Regulation (EU) 2015/640 regarding additional airworthiness requirements for aircraft. The regulation introduces new safety requirements for helicopters and aircraft, particularly focusing on crash-resistant fuel systems, cargo compartment fire protection, and structural integrity programs for aging aircraft.The regulation has a complex structure with multiple sections addressing different aspects of aviation safety:
- Updates to scope and definitions related to aircraft operators and different types of aircraft
- New requirements for crash-resistant fuel systems in helicopters
- Requirements for information about cargo compartment fire protection capabilities
- Modifications to requirements for aging aircraft structures and maintenance programs
- Updates to the list of aircraft models exempt from certain provisions
Key provisions that may be most important for implementation include:
- New crash-resistant fuel system requirements for helicopters with compliance deadlines between 2024-2039 depending on aircraft type and configuration
- Requirements for manufacturers to provide information about cargo compartment fire protection capabilities for aircraft certified after January 1, 2025
- Postponement of the deadline for runway overrun awareness and alerting systems to July 1, 2026
- Updated requirements for maintenance programs and continuing airworthiness of aging aircraft structures
- Exemptions for certain aircraft models from specific requirements based on risk assessment
