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THE INDONESIAN Transportation Ministry, through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, will lift the ban on the operation of Boeing 737-8 (737MAX) aircraft in Indonesia following thorough investigation and repair of the aircraft system.
“We have coordinated with aviation authorities and operators around the world, especially in the ASEAN. Several countries have allowed to operate the 737MAX aircraft. Following this development, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation had prepared to lift the ban on the operations of 737MAX aircraft,” Director General of Civil Aviation Novie Riyanto stated here Tuesday (12/28).
Riyanto noted that his side had conducted a technical evaluation of the flight control design’s changes and evaluated the pilot’s workload for the Boeing 737MAX aircraft at the Boeing Flight Services Simulator in Singapore.
The event was physically attended by representatives of the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Singapore, and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Boeing, and virtually attended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, FAA, and Boeing Seattle.
“During the evaluation process, we conducted flight test and adjusted to the changes in the flight control design using the Boeing 737MAX simulator,” he revealed.
The Directorate General of Air Transportation is also coordinating with flight operators to prepare for the re-operation of the 737MAX, both from a regulatory and technical perspective.
Several aspects that need to be prepared, include the issuance of airworthiness orders in accordance with the FAA provisions and preparations for training and implementation of simulators for pilots according to the 737MAX technical guidelines referring to Boeing.
“Several flight operators stated that they have implemented airworthiness orders for 737MAX aircraft in accordance with the FAA provisions and will prepare training and simulation at the nearest facility in Singapore,” Riyanto stated.
Riyanto also noted that his side did not adopt the CB Stick Shaker removal procedure that can eliminate interference to the pilot and potentially increase the pilot’s workload and potential to reduce safety.
In addition, his side will issue an Airworthiness Order and issue a letter to revoke the ban on flying the Boeing 737MAX aircraft in Indonesian airspace. The Transportation Ministry will also issue a circular letter to flight operators using the B737MAX aircraft, to fulfill all aspects pertaining to the airworthiness, operation, and safety of the B737MAX aircraft.
Riyanto urged all airlines to fulfill the regulation and commit to complying with these safety provisions before the Boeing 737MAX aircraft returned to operate in Indonesia.
“We would also like to thank the FAA and Boeing for having supported us in the preparations for lifting the ban on the operation of the B737MAX aircraft,” he concluded. [antaranews/photo special]
