Safety agency faces major headache over licensing rules
Efforts to harmonise new European regulations on large aircraft maintenance have run into trouble as several countries failed to meet the deadline for implementing the rules.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) says the failure of the authorities in some member states to convert their national maintenance licensing rules to European Part 66 standards presents a “major challenge”. It points out that “the role of EASA is to make sure that the regulation is implemented in a harmonised way throughout Europe”.
Maintenance licences issued by states are based on requirements set by the European Joint Aviation Authorities and were adopted into national law to give them legal teeth. Under the EASA system, however, the licensing rules are subject to European Union law. Enforcing them is a lengthy process and subject to appeal.
All 25 EU members took up a derogation option under which they were given until 28 September to adapt their licensing systems to meet Part 66. EASA, which has full responsibility for maintaining European airworthiness standards, says it will now begin “dedicated investigations” into countries where difficulties have appeared. “We can’t offer another transition period,” it says. “The measures taken involve all member states and those who are experiencing difficulties will recognise it.”
An industry source formerly within the JAA says he is “amazed” that some national authorities had effectively ignored the EASA requirement. “They’re all aware of their obligations and that they are legally binding.” Some authorities, understood to be mainly in western Europe, have complied fully. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority says it has issued “about 5,000” licences since June 2004.
Source: Flight International
