Organization Wants Single EU Authority

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) wants the European Union (EU) to create a unified safety oversight and regulatory system for operations of general aviation aircraft registered in Europe.

"Every nation has GA aircraft based within its borders. In many parts of the world, inter-city travel via general aviation aircraft is the only option available, other than walking or dog-sled, especially during the winter. Accordingly, every nation has an interest in keeping general aviation a viable travel alternative, while keeping it as safe as possible," said Ron Swanda, GAMA Sr. Vice President of Operations.

Speaking at the Annual US/Europe International Aviation Safety Conference, Swanda stated, "Without a uniform set of operating regulations for GA, members of the EU could find that inter-State and international commerce is hindered and that safety oversight is not uniformly applied."

"The US accounts for approximately 80 percent of the world’s GA aircraft and pilots, and it contains geography and operating environments similar to every area of the world. FAA’s operating rules for GA have been written to safely accommodate these operating environments. In addition, FAA’s operating rules have been in place for many years and are well understood. Therefore, to promote safety, EU operating rules applicable to GA operations should be closely aligned with US operating rules," Swanda said.
As a result, GAMA has outlined five essential steps to be considered by the EU:

• Create a single authority responsible for regulating all GA flight activity and GA pilot certification performed within the EU.
• Ensure that GA accident prevention is part of future aviation safety activities in Europe
• Appoint a single body responsible for investigating and determining the probable cause of GA fatal and serious accidents that occur within the EU.

To improve GA accident trend analysis, and integrate GA accident data from the EU with the majority of the world’s GA fleet, the EU should adopt the US definition of GA, and for its primary-use categories.

Implement an annual survey of GA activity, using a methodology similar to that used by the FAA.

FMI: Swanda Speech