Safety Oversight in Europe

JARs (Joint Aviation Requirements) which carried regulatory thrust withinh the 

On 28 September 2003, EASA took over responsibility for the airworthiness and environmental certification of all aeronautical products, parts, and appliances designed, manufactured, maintained or used by persons under the regulatory oversight of EU Member States. 

The Agency s certification work also includes all post-certification activities, such as the approval of changes to, and repairs of, aeronautical products and their components, as well as the issuing of airworthiness directives to correct any potentially unsafe situation. All type-certificates are therefore now issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency and are valid throughout the European Union. 

On the same date the Agency became the competent authority to approve and oversee the organisations involved in the design of aeronautical products, parts and appliances. It also carries out the same role for foreign organisations involved in the manufacture or maintenance of such products. 

To execute its tasks within the present period of building up its resources, the Agency relies on national aviation authorities who have historically filled this role and concludes contractual arrangements to this effect. 

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