The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published a proposal to the European Commission for a harmonised regulation on Flight Crew Licensing in the form of an ‘Opinion’. This new regulation will ensure that the same pilot licensing requirements and related high safety levels apply in all Member States.

This Opinion covers requirements for pilot licensing for aeroplanes, helicopters, airships, powered-lift aircraft, sailplanes and balloons. Measures to ensure a smooth transition to the new rules are also provided.

The objective of the proposed rule is to create requirements that are proportionate to the privileges of the licence concerned and to provide clarity, legal certainty and enforceability of the regulatory text. The Regulation establishes common technical requirements for the licensing, training and testing of pilots involved in the operation of the referred aircrafts as well as the certification of personnel responsible for providing flight training or flight simulation training and for assessing a pilot’s skill. It will also cover the licensing, training and testing of pilots in such aircrafts when used in commercial air transport.

As requested by the European Parliament in its Agenda for Sustainable General and Business Aviation, the newly developed Light Aircraft Pilot Licence, which is part of the new regulation, will facilitate the access to aviation for a broader public while maintaining a high level of safety.

EASA’s proposal was initially open to public consultation from June 2008 to February 2009. Over 8,000 comments were received from a wide range of stakeholders and this feedback was taken into account and integrated in this ‘Opinion’. The new regulation on Flight Crew Licensing will be adopted by the European Commission and enter info force as Community law by April 2012.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the centerpiece of the European Union's strategy for aviation safety. Our mission is to promote and achieve the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation. Based in Cologne, the Agency currently employs more than 500 experts and administrators from all over Europe.