EU-US Civil Aviation Safety Pact

The European Union (EU) Transport Committee has unanimously approved an agreement with the USA on cooperation in the regulation of civil aviation safety. Streamlining various certification procedures should contribute to greater efficiency in airline operations. Negotiations, which started in 2004, have recently been concluded by an agreement, which settles the reciprocal acceptance of certifications in the field of civil aviation safety and environmental compatibility. The agreement focuses mainly on two areas: airline products designed, manufactured, modified or repaired under the regulatory control of the EU or US can be easily issued the necessary approvals to be registered or operated under the regularly control of the other side; and, aircraft registered or operated under the regulatory control of the EU or US can be maintained by organizations under the regulatory control of the other side. It is stipulated that each party shall respect the other’s findings on compliance with the rules. The EU thinks that its implementation will improve the high degree of confidence in the airworthiness system on both sides.