EU sets new rules on airport safety

On 6 March 2014 entered into force Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 on certification and safety oversight of EU aerodromes. The Regulation implements the provisions of the Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 (EASA Basic Regulation) and the relevant ICAO rules (mainly Annex 14). 

The new rules oblige EU Member States (MS) to designate independent authorities for the certification and safety oversight of aerodromes, as well as the personnel and organisations involved therein, according to the certification specifications annexed to the new Regulation. The Regulation foresees also rules on the conversion of existing aerodrome and aerodrome operator certificates.

Moreover, MS have to ensure the safety of aerodrome surroundings (buildings, lights, reflective surfaces etc.) and receive measures to manage wildlife risks to aviation safety in the vicinity of aerodromes, i.e. mainly bird strikes.  

The text of the new Regulation can be found here. For the EU Commission’s press release click here.