SUMMARY:
On July 26, 2011, a Canada-European Union Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement came into force after the approval of the Canadian Parliament and the EU Parliament and the exchange of diplomatic notes, which indicates the completion of domestic procedures.
MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS:
Under the new agreement, the European Aviation Safety Agency will recognize certification of Canadian aviation products and services, allowing the Canadian aviation industry to be more competitive in the European market.
The agreement includes annexes establishing a procedure for the certification of civil aeronautical products (annex A) and a procedure for maintenance (annex B). Additionally, Transport Canada and EASA are working on procedures to aid in the implementation of the annexes. Aircraft certification procedures are to be detailed in a technical implementation procedures document. Maintenance procedures will be published in a maintenance annex guidance document.
There will be industry training sessions to cover the technical implementation procedures associated with aircraft certification activities. EASA will be in attendance. Only two locations are being offered: Calgary, Oct. 4, and Ottawa, Oct 6. Some TCCA regions may be arranging participation via local video conferencing, and AEA members should contact their regional aircraft certification office to obtain more information.
AEA COMMENTARY:
The AEA has been monitoring the development of this agreement for some time and is pleased to see that implementation procedures should be in place shortly. This should streamline the EASA acceptance of TCCA-issued STCs with a reduction in costs and also simplify the EASA oversight of Canadian AMOs having EASA Part 145 certification.
Briefings on the agreement and associated implementation procedures will be provided at the upcoming AEA Canada Regional Meeting, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, in Toronto.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Ric Peri, AEA vice president of government and industry affairs, by email at ricp@aea.net or by phone at 202-589-1144.