Peru: Nazca Airline Regulation Follows Recent Crash

No Comments | March 31st, 2010 | Trackback

Peruvian authorities implemented new regulations to improve safety on flights over the famous Nazca Lines following a crash that killed seven people Feb. 25. Since 2007, seven incidents involving 12 deaths have occurred with flights involving locally-hired, single-engine aircraft. The new regulations include two civil aviation inspectors assigned to the airport in Nazca. All aircraft must now have a co-pilot aboard with functioning controls for the co-pilot to use. Come April 5, any aircraft placed in service will need to be no more than 15 years old and able to accommodate eight passengers and two crew. By August 1, no planes flying here may be more than 30 years old. Authorities have also reduced congestion by eliminating the lowest flying altitude previously allowed. The local airlines would prefer to keep their old planes flying through renovation with new parts rather than replace them, but they must comply with the regulations. Meanwhile, the cost of flights has increased from $50 to $70.