Gov't starts inspection of 1st civilian plane for export

SEOUL, Dec. 2 (Yonhap) -- The South Korea government said Wednesday it has begun
comprehensive safety inspections on the country's first commercial aircraft for
export to the United States.

Inspections are to be carried out on the airframe, engine and power unit,
navigational systems and flying characteristics of the propeller-driven KC-100,
the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said.
The detailed checks are part of a broader effort to see if the country can meet
safety certification requirements set by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA).
The country must first show its has an effective safety certification process
before it can export civilian aircraft.
The four-seat plane was developed by the Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI)
based in Sacheon, 437 kilometers southeast of Seoul. KAI has invested 72 billion
won (US$62.4 million) in the plane.
The ministry said it has taken steps to improve its certification system with
revised provisions and has selected some 30 experts for the inspection.
The FAA has also picked seven inspectors to evaluate the Korean certification
system to see that it meets global standards.
The ministry, meanwhile, said it will try to conclude a Bilateral Aviation Safety
Agreement (BASA) with the U.S., which could help the growth of the country's
aviation industry.
If the pact is signed, Korean airplane makers will be able to gain certification
from the FAA.
The U.S. currently refuses to certify planes and aviation-related products made
by a country that has not signed the BASA.
jia@yna.co.kr
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