Thanks to the entry into force of Regulation (EU) No 996/2010 on the investigation and prevention of accidents and incidents in civil aviation, there’s a European Network of Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authorities (ENCASIA). This coordination group came together in early 2011, while I was at EASA at the receiving end of their Safety Recommendations.
There’s 90 days left until the Brexit countdown runs out on 29th March 2019[1]. Even in a so called “No Deal” Brexit, there’s a proposal for an EU Regulation to extend temporarily (for 9 months) the validity of certain aviation safety licences. But as far as I can see there’s nothing proposed in relation to Regulation (EU) No 996/2010.
ENCASIA works on improving the quality of air safety investigations and strengthening the independence of the national investigating authorities. In the past, there’s often been conflicts between judicial authorities and those tasked with independent technical investigations.
Safety investigation authorities vary greatly in size and experience across Europe. Two of the largest are the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation Civile[2] in France and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch in the UK[3].
Can we assume that Brexit of no Brexit these important aviation safety organisations will continue to work together? Let’s hope so. It’s essential that safety concerns that are Europe wide are addressed across Europe.
[1] https://interactive.news.sky.com/2017/brexit-countdown/
[2] https://www.bea.aero/no_cache/en/
[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/air-accidents-investigation-branch
John Vincent 