Efforts to install 8.33-kHz radios in aircraft before Eurocontrol's October 7 deadline are reaching fever pitch in Europe. Aircraft with a CAA dispensation will be allowed to fly into the country without radios having 8.33-kHz spacing until the January 2001, but beginning October 7 they will not be allowed into the congested airspace over the European continent above FL 245.

Under pressure from lobby groups, the European Joint Aviation Authorities' (JAA) technical operations committee has rewritten a notice of proposed amendment on extended-range twin-engine operations (ETOPS) for business aircraft. The proposed amendment allows commercially operated business jets under 45 tonnes (100,000 pounds) MTOW to fly up to 120 minutes from the nearest diversion airport. This is extended to 180 minutes once special aircraft systems and crew procedure requirements have been met.

At a time when many companies are trimming back to focus on ``core competencies'' U.K.-based FR Aviation (FRA) is bucking that trend by providing all of its own engineering support.