First EGAST Meeting Held In Cologne

Representatives of the General Aviation community from across Europe met Wednesday at the EASA headquarters in Cologne for the first meeting of the European General Aviation Safety Team (EGAST).

EGAST is intended to respond to the need for a coordinated European effort, according to EASA. It gathers representatives of manufacturers, regulators, aero-clubs, accident investigators, international and research organizations. Building on the national General Aviation initiatives in Europe, EGAST creates a forum for sharing safety data and best practices.

The Team's activities are in line with a new, streamlined regulatory framework for General Aviation currently developed by the Agency.

"General Aviation has a high priority for the European Aviation Safety Agency," said Patrick Goudou, the Agency’s Executive Director. "EGAST is a new venture in Europe and a challenge. We welcome the wide participation of the aviation community, as part of our overall efforts to revitalize General Aviation."

EGAST is part of the European Strategic Safety Initiative (ESSI). Launched in 2006, ESSI aims at further enhancing safety for European citizens, through analysis of data, coordination with safety initiatives worldwide and the implementation of cost effective action plans. Its two other pillars include the European Commercial Aviation Safety Team (ECAST) and the European Helicopter Safety Team (EHEST).

FMI: www.easa.europa.eu/essi/