Single European Sky and EASA

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has a key role to play in the development of the Single European Sky (SES). Acting as a strong independent safety regulator, it will ensure that any technical solution, equipment, personnel or organization involved in the SES works safely. Speaking at a European Commission seminar in Brussels, Patrick Goudou, EASA Executive Director, said: “The eventual extension of the EASA system to all aspects of aviation safety is logical and technically consistent. It will guarantee safety across the aviation system and a level-playing field for European industry. The Agency will work in partnership with EUROCONTROL and SESAR, in order to avoid any overlap or gap in the regulatory system”.  As part of the 2nd package of the Single European Sky (SES II), the European Commission proposed in June the extension of EASA’s competences in the areas of aerodromes, Air Navigation Services (ANS) and Air Traffic Management (ATM). The Agency is already preparing to take up these new responsibilities. To ensure continuity, EASA will base its future Implementing Rules for ATM/ANS on existing legislation, namely the SES provisions, and will design transitional mechanisms. The Agency’s objective is also to adapt the rules to the needs of small and medium sized organizations.