The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) believes that EASA’s FTL proposals for a new EU rule aiming to standardise working hours for airline pilots across Europe will not have any meaningful benefit for flight safety.
Existing regulations governing crew duty and rest time limitations throughout Europe have been proven to be safe. The European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA’s) proposals to amend current EU rules for commercial air transport are influenced more by social issues than demonstrable safety considerations, says Mike Ambrose, Director General ERA.
“However, EASA’s proposals impose even higher levels of stringencies on operators’ regulatory obligations. While there is general support for a process to achieve a level playing field throughout the EU, individual business models must be taken into account. Air transport is a complex and diverse industry: one solution does not fit all and flexibility is essential,” he explains.
ERA members are now evaluating the proposals in detail in preparation for the Opinion entering the legislative process. The Opinion will be finalised by the European Commission and must be approved by Member States, with Parliamentary scrutiny. The new rules are expected to be adopted into EU law after mid-2013 and fully implemented by the end of 2015.
EASA is the EU body responsible for rule-making in areas of European aviation such as flight operations, airworthiness and licensing.
