NPA 2017-03: In-flight recording for light aircraft As stated in the NPA: "This Notice of Proposed Amendment addresses safety and regulatory harmonisation issues related to the need of in-flight recordings for accident investigation and accident prevention purposes. Twelve safety recommendations were addressed to the European Aviation Safety Agency by seven safety investigation authorities, recommending an in-flight recording capability for light aircraft models which are outside the scope of the current flight recorder carriage requirements. In addition, new standards (recently introduced in ICAO Annex 6) require the carriage of lightweight flight recorders for light aeroplanes and light helicopters." This NPA proposes to mandate the carriage of lightweight flight recorders for some categories of light aeroplanes and light helicopters when they are commercially operated and manufactured three years after the date of application of the amending regulation. In addition, this NPA proposes to promote the voluntary installation of in-flight recording equipment for all other light aeroplanes and light helicopters and for all balloons. The proposed changes are expected to increase safety with limited economic and social impacts. Comments are due no later than July 3, 2017. SOUTH PACIFIC News & Regulatory Updates New Zealand The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand announced the following seminars and workshops: * Part 66 recurrency seminars with July and August dates for Christchurch. Registration closes at 5 p.m. July 24, 2017. More information and registration can be found at www.caa.govt.nz/seminars/part-66recurrency-seminar. * Safety management systems industry workshops with Auckland, Napier, Timaru and Christchurch dates during September 2017. More information and registration can be found at www.caa.govt.nz/seminars/safetymanagement-systems-sms-industry-workshops. q avionics news * june 2017 15http://www.faa.gov/go/equipADSB http://www.caa.govt.nz/seminars/part-66-recurrency-seminar http://www.caa.govt.nz/seminars/part-66-recurrency-seminar http://www.caa.govt.nz/seminars/safety-management-systems-sms-industry-workshops http://www.caa.govt.nz/seminars/safety-management-systems-sms-industry-workshops