FAA SETS DEADLINE FOR FOREIGN AIRLINES TO MEET DECK DOOR STANDARDS

FAA SETS DEADLINE FOR FOREIGN AIRLINES TO MEET DECK DOOR STANDARDS    U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta on Monday said foreign airlines must install new flight deck doors by April 9, 2003, on planes serving the United States.
   On Jan. 15, the Federal Aviation Administration called for new standards for flight deck doors to protect airlines and cargo crews from intrusion and weapons. FAA estimates that some 1,920 foreign planes will need retrofitting. About 6,000 U.S. planes are expected to have new doors installed by April 9, 2003, the agency said.
   The International Civil Aviation Organization recently said its 187 member countries would install doors that meet FAA security standards, but not until seven months after the FAA deadline. “The FAA will continue working with foreign aviation authorities around the world to keep passengers and crew as safe as possible,” said FAA administrator Jane Garvey.
   Last October, FAA issued a series of regulations allowing near-term door reinforcement to be carried out as soon as possible through providing air cargo operators and airlines with temporary regulatory relief.