FAA Approval Imminent

On Friday, Frédéric Copigneaux, Deputy Director of Certification and Rachel Daeschler, Project Certification Manager for the Airbus A380, handed over to Airbus the EASA type certificate for the A380-800 powered by Engine Alliance engines.

This approval marks the successful completion of the type certification for the world’s largest airliner, after the certificate of the A380 powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, issued in December last year.

"The certification of the A380 has been a major project for the European Aviation Safety Agency. I am happy to be part of it and to work with such a highly motivated team," said Daeschler.

A European team of some 40 certification personnel, headed by the Agency, took part in the aircraft’s safety and environmental approval. The process included a supplemental flight test and route proving campaign with nearly 300 certification flight hours, as well as environmental tests that confirmed the aircraft meets the latest noise and emission requirements.

The Engine Alliance GP7200 received separate EASA approval in April.

The EASA type certificate is valid throughout the European Union, as well as in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. At the same time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is issuing its validation of the EASA certification for the US market.

EASA also notes it continues to work closely with the manufacturer and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates, ahead of the first GP7200-powered aircraft’s entry into service with Emirates in 2008.

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.enginealliance.com, www.easa.eu.int