Beginning this month, engine manufacturers seeking type certification on new turbine designs with inlet areas greater than 26.9 sq ft will have to pass more stringent bird-ingestion tests. The amended rule–already ratified by the EASA–formalizes standards that the industry has already largely adopted, according to Marc Bouthillier of the FAA’s engine and propeller directorate. The amendment modifies the agency’s 2000 regulations under 14 CFR 33.76, which was considered insufficient soon after adoption. The measure was prompted by observations of changes in bird patterns near airports, coupled with an increase in the number of flights. Authorities are anticipating a potential increase in the number of bird-ingestion incidents and the need for engines to cope with them.