A-70-009
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
BOARD HAD RECOMMENDED THAT PARTS 21 AND 23 OF THE FAR BE MODIFIED TO REQUIRE ALL AIRCRAFT UNDER 12,500 LBS., MANUFACTURED AFTER SOME APPROPRIATE DATE, TO POSSESS A RADAR CROSS SECTION SUITABLE FOR PRIMARY TARGET DETECTION. THE BOARD WAS NOW OF THE VIEW THAT A MORE APPROPRIATE REGULATORY APPROACH WOULD BE TO AMEND PART 91 OF THE FAR'S TO REQUIRE ALL AIRCRAFT OPERATING IN RADAR SERVICE ENVIRONMENTS TO HAVE A MINIMUM LEVEL OF RADAR CROSS SECTION. SUCH ACTION WOULD MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR SOME OPERATORS, NEVER INTENDING TO OPERATE IN RADAR ENVIRONMENTS, TO AVOID THE NECESSITY OF REFLECTIVE AUGMENTATION.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB advises the FAA to change regulations so that any aircraft flying in areas with radar coverage must have a size or design that allows it to be detected by primary radar systems. This approach is preferred because it avoids forcing small planes that never intend to use radar services to install unnecessary reflective equipment, while still ensuring safety for those operating within monitored airspace.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Unacceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Jan 11, 1974 |
| NTSB number | DCA70A0004 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).