US, Europe Aviation Safety Pact

FAA Acting Administrator Bobby Sturgell and European Commission VP-Transport Antonio Tajani have signed a safety agreement that "broadens and deepens the regulatory collaboration between the FAA and its European counterparts in EASA and national authorities.” The accord provides for "reciprocal acceptance" of safety findings in aircraft design, airworthiness and repair station oversight. The pact additionally "promotes safety and harmonization by providing for regulatory cooperation, particularly in rulemaking, and safety data exchange.”  It establishes a bilateral oversight board to manage implementation of joint safety initiatives. GAMA says the pact will enhance air safety while reducing regulatory burdens and costs for manufacturers, operators and aviation authorities in the U.S. and Europe. The agreement provides for technical cooperation between the FAA and EASA) in a variety of areas including aircraft certification, environmental approvals, and maintenance. “To fully realize the benefits of the agreement, GAMA looks forward to working with the global manufacturing industry, FAA, EASA, and the European Commission to update validation processes and the EASA certification fees & charges regulation to be consistent with the principles of the bilateral,” GAMA stated.