WRITTEN QUESTION E-0551/00

by Guido Podestà (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 February 2000)

Subject: Ground services and air traffic control

Civil aviation is, by definition, an international concern. Individual nations must therefore be bound by common rules and standards. Technical standards are set at international level by the ICAO, and at European level by the ECAC. Individual countries have the sovereign right to choose exactly how to transpose the recommendations made by those bodies into their national legislation.

In keeping with the objectives set for the European Union, uniform rules should be laid down for the main sectors of the industry in the interests of air safety. As far as aircraft and pilots are concerned, the rules governing systems and staff training and mobility have already been harmonised. However, a number of shortcomings are still to be found in European air traffic control legislation.

In view of their impact on air safety, European standards based on uniform criteria should be laid down for maintenance and systems management operations carried out by the various national bodies operating in the civil aviation sector (airport operating companies, ground service companies, etc.). There is also a need for common standards governing licences and certificates of competency for air traffic controllers (as provided for in Annex 1 to the ICAO Convention), AIS officers, meteorologists and technical ground staff.

An EU directive should therefore be adopted with a view to ensuring both the adoption of and compliance with uniform criteria and respect for the principle of freedom of movement for ground staff and air traffic controllers.

Does the Commission intend to submit proposals for Community legislation governing the above matters, and if so, when?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(10 April 2000)

As far as the production, maintenance, and operation of aircraft and related personnel are concerned, the development and implementation of common safety regulatory standards and procedures have been

pursued within the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA). This regulatory framework has also allowed procedures for joint certification and has become part of the Community order by means of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3922/91 of 16 December 1991 on the harmonization of technical requirements and administrative procedures in the field of civil aviation(1). At the same time, a level playing field has been created for fair and equal competition of all actors in the Community. A proposal for the establishment of a European organisation (EASA) which will build upon JAA to improve and reinforce it is now under discussion within the Commission.

In the field of air traffic management, Eurocontrol develops standards and technical specifications aiming essentially at ensuring interoperability and a seamless operation of national systems. Eurocontrol standards become part of the Community order by means of Council Directive 93/65/EEC of 19 July 1993 on the definition and use of compatible technical specifications for the procurement of air traffic management equipment and systems(2). However, Eurocontrol work is mainly focused at system and air traffic control (ATC) procedures standards and does not cover the full range of requirements related to ATC services, staff and operations. This difference is partly explained by the lack of a European market for ATC and the consequent prevalence of national arrangements, which show significant variations.

On the more specific question of common standards governing licences and certificates of competence for air traffic controllers, Eurocontrol is working to introduce a harmonised scheme in the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) area. The Community is closely following this activity, which may lead to an Community directive, as suggested by the Honourable Member.

(1) OJ L 373, 31.12.1991.

(2) OJ L 187, 29.7.1993.