EASA's new fields of competence in the certification of aerodromes

Abstract

With the creation of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2002, the legal framework applicable to operating requirements in European Union (EU) aviation has been remarkably transformed. Today, EASA covers practically all fields of aviation in the EU, and aerodromes, as well as the air navigation service providers, are no longer exceptions. After the controversial yet successful eradication of the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), EASA has become the technical regulator in the European aviation arena, with a complex legal obligation to cooperate with the EU, its member states, former JAA members, the European Commission as guardian of the treaties and last, but not least, the International Civil Aviation Authority. Until 2012, new binding operating and certification requirements will apply to most aerodromes within the EU. Only time will tell whether this policy will bring about enhanced levels of safety.