ECA Position Paper on Maintenance works

Aircraft maintenance is a key component of flight safety. This is why a recent warning by aircraft engineers of deteriorating safety standards in air- craft checks raised alarm across the pilot com- munity. Aircraft Engineers International warned that some national authorities allow aircraft to be operated without a physical check performed by a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer. Instead, the aircraft check would be done by an unlicensed mechanic with only the paperwork being verified by a licensed engineer, after the check.

This practice is, of course, cheaper and quicker for operators. But this ‘low-cost’ approach it means that a vital step in the process – and hence in the aviation safety chain – is not being carried out by the state-licensed aircraft engineer. This is a clear step backwards for safety management in Europe and ECA calls upon national authorities to revert back to previous best practices.

More information: https://bit.ly/2DGPZVq and ECA position paper (https://bit.ly/2NXd23n).

EASA welcomes new rules on mental fitness of air crew

On 25 July 2018, the European Union published new safety rules on air operations, including new pro- visions to better support the mental fitness of air crew. Among other measures (alcohol testing for crew flying into the EU and pre-employment psy- chological assessment of pilots), the EU is now mak- ing it compulsory to set up Pilot Support Programs at airline or national level. BeCA has been very active in the issue of PSP and is in close contact with other countries to analyse best practices, in order to set up this system in Belgium. More info: https:// bit.ly/2NROo3P

EASA takes on new responsibilities

BeCA hopes that with the extension of EASA respon- sibilities, the agency will not lose sight of existing safety topics (e.g. atypical forms of employment, fatigue…) and commit to a pragmatic and efficient approach tackling new issues. Although the Euro- pean context involves many stakeholders and is therefore complex, EASA’s primary responsibility is to ensure the highest safety standards. Better coop- eration and adequate oversight on NAA competence are key elements in this mission. More info: https:// bit.ly/2OqQHuc.

EASA FTL FAQs

EASA published at the end of August a few “Fre- quently Asked Questions” in order to clarify a few concepts and rules contained in the EASA FTL Reg- ulation. It is a very good tool to try and understand better these complex rules! More info: https://bit. ly/2y1owHZ.

EU Regulation 1008/2008 on Wet lease

After more than 2 years of lobby from ECA, where BeCA played its local role efficiently, the revision of the article 13 (wet lease from third countries oper- ators) is well underway. The initial proposal of the European Commission was a disaster and had the potential to transform the EU aviation into a flag of convenience system. As now expected, this could become a major achievement for ECA’s lobby (and BeCA!) if the final text safeguard the EU interests.