Regulations and Government
Europe Extends ACAS II Exemptions to March 2006
Eurocontrol is offering equipment exemptions until March 31 next year for operators flying to Europe without ACAS II (TCAS with Change 7).

Eurocontrol is offering equipment exemptions until March 31 next year for operators flying to Europe without ACAS II (TCAS with Change 7). A rash of problems related to obtaining necessary STCs and Service Bulletins, equipment non-availability and certification problems has been plaguing operators since before the original January 1 deadline, prompting the extension.

These problems have also delayed European plans to implement mode-S elementary surveillance on March 31 this year and mode-S enhanced surveillance by March 30, 2007 (see 'Eurocontrol postpones deadline for ELS mode-S implementation'). According to Eurocontrol, these problems are “affecting a number of Phase 2 aircraft operators who, for practical engineering, installation cost and scheduling considerations, are seeking to combine their ACAS II equipment installation with the installation of Mode-S transponder equipment to the required standards.”