Singapore toughens aircraft tracking rules ahead of MH370 anniversary

Planes should report their location every 15 minutes.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has establieshed new rules to improve the tracking of Singapore-registered aircraft on Friday, March 4.

Under the new rules, planes will be required to report their location at least every 15 minutes, throughout the entire duration of the flight. The new rules apply to passenger planes weighing over 27,000 kg and carrying more than 19 passengers, as well as cargo aircraft of more than 45,500 kg.

There will be a transition period before the new rules kick in. From 1 July 2016 onwards, airlines will be required to track their aircraft either manually or automatically. From 8 November 2018 onwards, only automatic tracking will be permitted.

This move is consistent with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) plans to require a 15-minute standard for normal flight tracking by November 2018, CAAS said.
CAAS also noted that the requirement on Singapore airlines flying over any area, which is more comprehensive than the ICAO requirement which is only for aircraft flying over oceanic areas. 

CAAS’ move came a few days ahead of the second anniversary of the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight 370