Looking to understand how EASA regulations and the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS) influence aviation safety and compliance? This guide breaks down key EASA Parts and shows how EPAS priorities shape quality assurance (QA) practices across the aviation sector.
EASA regulations provide the legal framework that supports aviation safety across EU member states, aligning with ICAO standards. These are divided into several annexes (referred to as “Parts”), each targeting a specific area of aviation operations:
· Part-21 – Initial Airworthiness: Certification of aircraft, parts, and appliances, plus design and production organizations.
· Part-M / CAMO / CAO / Part-145 / 147 / 66 / T / ML – Continuing Airworthiness: Covers MRO (maintenance, repair & overhaul), including maintenance organization and personnel certification and training.
· Aircrew Regulation (EU No 1178/2011) – Rules for licensing and certification of pilots and crew.
· Air OPS Regulation – Technical and administrative standards for aircraft operation in EU airspace.
· TCO Regulation – Oversight for non-EU airlines operating in, into, or out of the European Union.
→ This framework was implemented to harmonise safety standards and procedures for all airlines operating in the EU, regardless of their country of origin.
· Regulation ATCO - Sets the technical requirements and administrative procedures related to the licensing and certification of air traffic controllers within the European Union.
· Regulation ANS Provider - Common rules for: providers of air traffic management and air navigation services
· Regulation AUR - Airspace usage requirements & operating procedures
· Regulation ATM/ANS Oversight - Air Traffic Management/Air Navigation Services (ATM/ANS) - Provision of Services
· Regulation SERA - Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA)
· Regulation ADR - Requirements for aerodrome operations and certification.
Main Objectives and Priorities - EPAS's objectives are closely aligned with the goal of improving aviation safety and environmental sustainability. The plan identifies specific safety risks and outlines actions to mitigate these risks through regulatory changes, oversight activities, and safety promotion efforts.
· Enhancing Operational Safety - Reduce runway excursions, in-flight loss of control (LOC-I), and mid-air collisions.
· Improving Organizational Safety - Strengthen Safety Management Systems (SMS) and promote a proactive safety culture.
· Addressing Emerging Threats - Cybersecurity and drone integration into controlled airspace.
· Focusing on Environmental Sustainability - Lower noise/emissions and support Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption.
EPAS helps shape effective quality systems by setting clear safety goals. Compliance with EPAS requires:
· Implementing robust QA programs that verify safety and environmental measures.
· Regular risk assessment and mitigation processes.
· Fostering a safety-first mindset across all aviation departments.
By aligning QA with EPAS, aviation organizations not only meet today’s standards but prepare for future challenges.
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Explore our full catalogue or email team@sassofia.com to find the right course for your role in aviation safety or QA.
