Agency Has Little Regulatory Authority So Far

Now coming up on its fourth year of existence, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is still waiting for the aviation industry to figure out, exactly, what role the agency is expected to fill.

The International Herald Tribune reports EASA -- an umbrella organization that works with aviation authorities for 25 member states -- still has very little direct say over national aviation operations, which are still handled primarily by state authorities.

"We conceive, national authorities produce," said EASA executive director Patrick Goudou, who added "we need priorities" to determine what direction EASA is expected to move towards.

The agency was formed in July 2002, to promote a common level of safety and environmental oversight in civil aviation throughout the European Union. While it is often compared to America's Federal Aviation Administration, EASA doesn't yet have the regulatory authority of the FAA.

EASA also faces the added task of having to deal with individual EU governments, that are reluctant to give up their power.

The agency will likely take another step towards assuming full authority over EU aviation early next year, however, when common safety rules and pilot licensing standards are expected to be introduced throughout the EU -- standards EASA will have direct oversight over, in addition to its current responsibilities for assuring airworthiness of all EU-registered aircraft.

While a gradual process, Goudou says his agency "is being built up, bit by bit, and we have taken the first step -- and that is all."

FMI: www.easa.eu.int