I must confess that I never thought that the situation would become as bad. To a limited extent, it hasn’t yet got that far – yet. Some have taken the view that a No Deal Brexit is off the table and exits only as a scary story to push discussions forward. The problem is that this view is optimistic when considering the performance of the negotiating parties over the last couple of years.
The cold facts are that preparations for a No Deal Brexit outcome are being stepped-up. Radical Leave supporters are celebrating the prospect of a No Deal Brexit. This is done without any consideration of the consequences of such an irresponsible approach.
After the failed vote of this week we now have an elaborate lobbying exercise going on, but I don’t see compromise coming out of any cross-Party talks in Westminster. It’s highly probably that the UK will be a “third country” without any extant arrangements or deals from 30 March 2019, 00:00h (CET). With 70 days to go this is a tragic situation.
There’s an opportunity on this coming Monday for the UK Prime Minister to turn this around. But it would mean removing “red lines” that have so constrained discussions.
In the airworthiness world the impact of a No Deal Brexit is being spelt out[1]. There’s no precedent for this situation.
EASA certificate for products, parts and appliances issued to holders in the UK will no longer be considered as certified in accordance with EU rules.
Certificates issued, before the withdrawal date by the UK CAA, in accordance with EU rules will no longer be valid. Over night, UK engineers would lose the right to sign off EU aircraft.
There’s more that impacts aircraft operations. I imagine this will prompt a stream of people and organisations contacting EASA to find out what can be done. None of this work is productive. None of this work will enhance aviation safety. None of it would be needed if a comprehensive agreement is forged or Brexit is abandoned.
[1] https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/notice_to_stakeholders_brexit_aviation_safety_rev1_final.pdf
John Vincent 