Single engine turbine IMC på vei - AIN

European Operators Prepare for SET-IMC

Single-engine turbine commercial operations in instrument meteorological conditions (SET-IMC) could be possible for the first time as a blanket rule across Europe by the end of the year and even sooner in the UK. The UK CAA has confirmed informally that it is “now a question of when not if” SET-IMC is passed, an industry panel noted March 10 during the annual meeting of the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA). Panel chair Edwin Brenninkmeyer told attendees that the UK CAA may exercise its “exemptive powers” to overcome possible delays in formalizing the legislation. So this would be “as soon as the [EASA Committee] vote goes through,” likely in October. Brenninkmeyer added that “operators can already start using the EASA Opinion to draft manuals to prepare for approval.” Eurocontrol already has been developing new low-level routes “to accommodate these operations,” noted AOPA UK CEO Martin Robinson. The BBGA panel discussed the extent of the possible European market for SET-IMC.  James Dillon-Godfray, business development manager of London Oxford Airport, said, “Everyone is very cost-conscious” and added, “We’re very interested in ideas for regular shuttles.” Brenninkmeyer pointed to opportunities for use in medevac and other special missions; while Dillon-Godfray noted that SET aircraft could operate to far more airfields than larger, twin-engine models.