91999E1787

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1787/99

by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission

(11 October 1999)

Subject: EU regulation on the harmonisation of technical requirements in aviation

In the light of the failure of some Member States to implement the Joint Aviation Authority's common standard, which allows holders of Airline Transport Pilot Licences to continue to fly up to the age of 65, does not the Commission consider that, in the spirit of the principle of the free movement of persons, this standard should be adopted as part of EC Regulation 3922/91(1) which seeks to harmonise standards in aviation?

Could the Commission also outline how talks on the proposed creation of a European Air Safety Authority to replace the Joint Aviation Authority, are progressing and when such a body is likely to be inaugurated?

(1) OJ L 373, 31.12.1991, p. 4.

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(14 February 2000)

As regards the implementation of the Joint aviation authorities suggestions on age limits for pilots as common standard, the Commission can inform the Honourable Member that it is currently working on a proposal to harmonise standards and requirements for flight crew licensing throughout the Community.

However, it cannot specify for the time being whether this proposal will be adopted and if so, whether as part of Council Regulation (EEC) 3922/91 of 16 December 1991 on the harmonisation of technical requirements and administrative procedures in the field of civil aviation(1) or as an independent proposal.

Regarding the establishment of the European Aviation Safety Authority, the Council has mandated the Commission on 16 July 1998 to start negotiations for the creation of this authority. While the Commission has achieved a draft Convention that meets with all the elements of the mandate, it appears that the creation of such an organisation with supra-national powers is difficult to accommodate, especially as regards constitutional constraints.

(1) OJ L 373, 31.12.1991.