Wed, Jul 07, 2004
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
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