In an EU release, Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency Patrick Goudou welcomed the Commission's proposal to extend the Agency's regulatory powers to air operations, flight crew licensing and oversight of third-country airlines.

"We are already the sole competent authority for type-certification. With the proposed legislation, there will be one set of rules for all operators and crews based in Europe," said Goudou at a Thursday meeting with aviation industry representatives. "While the Agency will be responsible for setting the rules and making sure they are applied to the same standards across the EU, the national aviation authorities will continue to issue licenses for pilots and operators."

Goudou was also candid about EASA's oversight responsibility of non-EU carriers operating throughout the union.

"Operators from non-EU countries providing services in Europe will have to meet the same safety standards as European operators," said Goudou. "It will be our job to certify they comply with the essential requirements of operating aircraft in the EU."

Emphasizing the need for dialogue with the aviation industry, Goudou said “We want to intensify our discussions with industry to better explain what we are doing and where we are going. Industry meetings will take place on a regular basis."

"Moreover, working groups on specific technical issues will offer industry the opportunity to bring practical expertise into the regulatory process,” added Goudou.

The EU proposal to grant the European Aviation Safety Association regulatory powers -- a la the FAA in the United States -- is expected to become policy by 2007.

FMI: www.easa.eu.int, Read The EASA Proposal