US, Europe ink historic aviation safety agreement

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Commission (EC) yesterday signed a safety agreement that "broadens and deepens the regulatory collaboration between the FAA and its European counterparts in EASA and national authorities," FAA said in a statement. The agreement was signed by FAA's acting administrator, Bobby Sturgell and the EC's vice-president, transport, Antonio Tajani.

The FAA said the accord provides for "reciprocal acceptance" of safety findings in aircraft design, airworthiness and repair station facilities.

It also "broadens the scope of potential future US acceptance of European aeronautical products" to all EU member states. Currently, the US accepts products only from 14 EU states with which it has individual agreements.

"The agreement is a historical milestone not only because it is the first aviation safety agreement the European Community has concluded with a third country, but also because of its impact on aviation safety on a global scale," Tajani said, adding that "EU and US citizens will benefit from harmonized safety systems as well as faster and less costly technical and administrative procedures."

The agreement is subject to ratification procedures and "final arrangements regarding EASA fees and the settlement of charges," FAA said. The reference to EASA fees is being taken to mean that the complaint of US aerospace companies, who resent having to  "pay twice" to get products certified by EASA, even after completing the FAA certification process, has been taken note of.

Tajani also said that the EC will work for a similar accord with Canada in an effort to create cooperative air safety regulation among "the world's three major players in aviation and avionics manufacturing."