The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is responsible for ensuring safety and environmental protection in air transport in Europe.

What it does

EASA's role includes:

• harmonising regulations and certification
• developing the single EU aviation market
• drawing up technical aviation rules
• type certification of aircraft & components
• approving companies that design, manufacture & maintain aeronautical products
• providing safety oversight and support to EU countries (e.g. on air operations, air traffic management)
• promoting European and global safety standards
• working with international stakeholders to improve safety in Europe (e.g. the 'EU air safety list' – a list of banned operators).

Structure

EASA consists of 5 directorates:

• Executive directorate – includes chief engineer, communication & quality department, legal department
• Strategy & safety management – safety intelligence & performance, strategy & programmes, international cooperation
• Certification – certification, validation & airworthiness directives for aircraft, environment, parts & appliances, safety oversight for aeronautical design companies
• Flight standards directorate – responsible for standardisation (national oversight) & rulemaking for maintenance, air operations, aircrew & medical, air traffic management/air navigation services, aerodromes
• Resources & support directorate – finance & procurement, human resources, IT, applicant services, corporate services

Who benefits

The European and international civil aviation community:

• European civil aviation authorities
• air operators & airlines
• European manufacturers/designers of aircraft & parts
• maintenance companies
• commercial & private pilots
• approved training organisations
• aero-medical centres
• air traffic controllers & air navigation services
• airports

Aircraft & aeronautical products covered:

• medium & large jets
• turboprop aircraft
• light aircraft
• rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters, gyroplanes)
• light sport aircraft (balloons, gliders, airships, civilian drones)
• engines, propellers, flight simulators
• some military aircraft (e.g. the A400M airlifter)