European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

Overview

• Role: Ensuring safety and environmental protection in civil aviation in Europe
• Director: Patrick Ky
• Members: 27 EU countries + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway
• Partners: European civil aviation authorities
• Established in: 2002
• Number of staff: 840
• Location: Cologne (Germany)
• Website: European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is responsible for ensuring safety and environmental protection in air transport in Europe.

What it does

EASA's role includes:

• harmonising regulations and certification
• developing the single EU aviation market
• drawing up technical aviation rules
• type certification of aircraft & components
• approving companies that design, manufacture & maintain aeronautical products
• providing safety oversight and support to EU countries (e.g. on air operations, air traffic management)
• promoting European and global safety standards
• working with international stakeholders to improve safety in Europe (e.g. the 'EU air safety list' – a list of banned operators).

Who benefits

The European and international civil aviation community:

• European civil aviation authorities
• air operators & airlines
• European manufacturers/designers of aircraft & parts
• maintenance companies
• commercial & private pilots
• approved training organisations
• aero-medical centres
• air traffic controllers & air navigation services
• airports

Aircraft & aeronautical products covered:

• medium & large jets
• turboprop aircraft
• light aircraft
• rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters, gyroplanes)
• light sport aircraft (balloons, gliders, airships, civilian drones)
• engines, propellers, flight simulators
• some military aircraft (e.g. the A400M airlifter)

Further information

Newsletter