Field Aviation of Toronto, Canada, has received approval — in the form of a “type certificate” from Transport Canada — to develop an aircraft cargo door that can be opened during flight. This modification permits parachute drops that have military and fire smokejumper applications in Dash 8, Series 300 aircraft.
A type certificate is awarded by aviation regulating bodies to aerospace firms after it has been established that the particular design of aircraft, engines or propeller submitted has fulfilled the airworthiness requirements for the safe conduct of flights.
The door is manually operated and is inward opening. A spokesman explains that that the Dash 8 cabin can accommodate up to 30 jumpers or 8,000 lbs. of emergency equipment.