EASA in recent times have been living up to their word. They have been attempting to amend the regulations in order to ensure all member states follow the same interpretation of already existing rules.The latest amendment, NPA 2007-09 on first pass seems to complicate matters but closer inspection reveals a professional document which would, if accepted, improve SAFETY by removing the current ambiguity that exists throughout Europe.

Unfortunately in a twist to this process it appears that the Association of European Airlines feels that SAFETY is bad for business. Already the commercial machine is in action lobbying and attempting to force EASA to abandon the tightening up of the regulations as it is perceived to increase costs for the flag carriers.

The EU must ensure that EASA is left to perform its promise and provide the highest common SAFETY standards throughout Europe. If an amendment to ensure the SAFE carriage of the flying public is not implemented due to commercial pressure applied by AEA then history is repeating itself and industry would in fact be the regulator.

The only certain conclusion from such a situation is that avoidable incidents will become a reality. The statistics show that engineering incidents are common which indicates that we could be living on borrowed time until a maintenance induced accident occurs. We must act now to keep the standards high.

Therefore AEI strongly recommends that all affiliates lend their full support to NPA 2007-09. This NPA offers a solution that will harmonise the method of release to service in Europe and allows for the Licensed Engineer to simply get on with their job, namely uphold SAFETY and protect the interests of the travelling public against rampant commercialism.