USA and EU agree to expand collaboration on aviation safety

EARNING THEIR STRIPES: Part of the new deal involves a reciprocal pilot licensing arrangement

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Commission have signed two agreements on aviation safety and air traffic management.

FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, Ambassador Kaja Tael, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the European Union, and European Commission Directorate General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) Director General Henrik Hololei met to cement the changes last week.

The agreements involve two amendments to existing arrangements. The first is an amendment to the US-EU Aviation Safety Agreement to enable the FAA and EU to finalise arrangements for reciprocal acceptance of approvals associated with Flight Simulator Training Devices and Pilot Licensing.

The second expands collaboration in the area of air traffic management modernisation. The FAA and EU have respective programmes aimed at harmonising air traffic technology, standards and procedures under NextGen in the US and SESAR (in the EU). The expanded agreement will now cover the full life cycle of Air Traffic Management modernisation activities from development to deployment.

Mr Huerta said: “Our collaboration remains vitally important for the safe and efficient movement of passengers and cargo on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Today’s signing continues a deep commitment to cooperation and harmonisation shared by America and the EU. In particular, I’d like to thank the European Commission and DG MOVE Director General Hololeifor his leadership in our joint collaborative efforts.”

Henrik Hololei added: “The broadened scope of the two agreements we signed today confirms the strong commitment to continue to work together for the future of aviation safety—always the highest priority in our aviation agenda.

“I would like to thank the FAA and in particular Administrator Huerta for the outstanding cooperation that has led us here today, and for the excellent work he has done all along his mandate in supporting a very close and fruitful cooperation with the EU.”