(1)

Directive 2004/36/EC introduces a harmonised approach to the effective enforcement of international safety standards within the Community by harmonising the rules and procedures for ramp inspections of third-country aircraft landing at airports located in the Member States. It requires the Member States to proceed to ramp inspections of third-country aircraft suspected of non-compliance with international safety standards landing at any of its airports open to international air traffic following a harmonised procedure, and to participate to the collection and exchange of information on the ramp inspections carried out.

(2)

The Community obligations of the Member States deriving from Directive 2004/36/EC may be to a large extent discharged through their participation in the Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) programme initiated in 1996 by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), which management has been delegated to the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA). In particular, the JAA manages the SAFA database, facilitates the harmonised training of inspectors and personnel participating in the programme, and ensures the development of procedures and proposals for improving the programme and its tools and the reporting on the information gathered.

(3)

It is necessary to improve the system of collection and exchange of information contained in Directive 2004/36/EC, by designating a single specialised expert body responsible for the management of the SAFA system in the Community.

(4)

Regulation (EC) No 1592/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) establishes a European Aviation Safety Agency as a single specialised expert body responsible for assisting the Commission and taking the necessary measures within the powers conferred on it by that Regulation or other Community legislation.

(5)

In the context of the current process of transition from the JAA system to the European Aviation Safety Agency, it is necessary to entrust that Agency with the tasks related to the SAFA programme conducted so far by the JAA. This transfer should contribute to strengthening the programme and ensuring its continuation.

(6)

The continuation of the SAFA programme and an accurate exchange of information on the safety of aircraft using Community airports require that the Community SAFA system be filled with the largest possible amount of information, including the ramp inspection reports not required by Directive 2004/36/EC but which have been carried out in accordance with the procedure established under Annex II of Directive 2004/36/EC.

(7)

It is necessary that the Community SAFA system ensures that the added value resulting from the operational and technical cooperation with international organisations will be maintained.

(8)

The Community SAFA system should also be complemented with appropriate activities aimed at ensuring common standards for the performance of ramp inspections, such as the continuation of the manual for ramp inspections as well as the training activities developed by the JAA.

(9)

It has been recognised that the involvement of third countries should continue to be pursued, in order to facilitate the improvement of civil aviation safety throughout Europe. Therefore, the participation of third countries in the Community SAFA system, according to the relevant agreements, should be encouraged and promoted to ensure a seamless transition.

(10)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the committee established by Article 12 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3922/1991 (3),

1.

submit to the Commission a proposal for a manual of ramp inspection procedures and, whenever necessary, for further development and update of the manual and of the Annexes to Directive 2004/36/EC;

2.

develop training programmes and foster the organisation and implementation of training courses and workshops for inspectors to improve the understanding of the Community SAFA system with the aim of reaching a common standard in the performance of ramp inspections;

3.

facilitate and co-ordinate an inspector exchange programme aimed at allowing inspectors to obtain practical experience and contributing to the harmonisation of procedures.