Brussels 23/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - In an opinion submitted last week, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) proposed to introduce a number of amendments to its founding regulation (216/2008). This opinion is the result of a consultation carried out between May and September 2014 by EASA. It will be presented by the European Commission, which is also expected to propose an amendment to the regulation during the course of the year.
The Vision document 2020 calls for EASA's current scope to be extended. On the question of this last point, it would like to be put in charge of establishing the next set of rules and standards, which it believes, “would benefit from EASA's well-established consultation process and extensive experience”.
EASA is also proposing to take charge of state aircraft navigability questions, on the basis of an opt-in clause for member states. To this end, it is proposing to set up ad hoc delegations for national authorities that have to deal with shortages in resources or expertise. At the same time, it would like to be in charge of all drones and not just those that are bigger than 150 kg. On the question of environmental protection, it is calling for a European Aviation Environmental Plan, accompanied by an increase in its powers.
On international questions, the agency would like an increased presence, particularly with regard to setting up representations abroad and EASA having a more active and recognised role in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). It would also like to “intensify its efforts in promoting EU aviation rules and standards globally”.
EASA is requesting budgetary modifications “in order to include additional sources for EASA's revenues”. This, however, is within the scope of another regulation (319/2014), which is due to be revised in 2018. Patrick Ky, EASA's Executive Director said, “We believe that these proposals are providing a good basis for a reliable, efficient and effective safety system for European aviation, fit for the new challenges ahead”. (Jean Comte)