EASA’s revamp of its Basic Regulation took a step forward after the European Parliament Transport and Tourism Committee members voted in favor of the new framework. Approval by the members of Parliament came after a compromise was reached over the framework in late 2017.

“The committee’s endorsement is a crucial step forward toward concluding this multi-year process, and bringing many of the important changes to realization,” said General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce. “There is clear political will to modernize the EASA framework, in particular backing a risk-based, proportionate approach to all future EASA work.”

GAMA has long supported the effort to update EASA’s regulatory framework, saying it will improve the agency’s approach to regulating general aviation. It has also noted that the revision will mark the broadest rework of EASA regulations since the agency’s inception. “This new framework will enshrine the idea of promoting more modern, appropriate regulations, built on flexibility, and an emphasis on consensus-based standards," Bunce said. "This is the key to allowing innovation and continually improving safety through appropriate rules."

The new framework has a few remaining steps before it can be fully implemented, according to GAMA. These include a vote by the full plenary of the EU Parliament, along with a formal agreement at the ministerial-level by EU member states.