The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) became operational on 28 September, a year after being mandated by the European Parliament. EASA's constitution as a European Commission body gives it the power to enact Joint Aviation Regulations (JAR) as European Union law, rather than just recommended common practice. Joint Aviation Authorities states not in the EU must still embody the rules in their own law. EASA, at first, wields its powers only for certification, airworthiness and maintenance issues, but over the next five years it will take charge of JAR Ops - regulations setting operational standards and practices. Most of the EU countries have already adapted their industries to comply with EASA airworthiness regulations.
Source: Flight International
