EASA vs ICAO: A Comprehensive Comparison
Legal Basis
– ICAO: Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention, 1944) – EASA: Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 (2008)
Applicability
– ICAO: Worldwide, 190 signatory states – EASA: Member states of the European Union
Budget
– ICAO: Approved by the ICAO Council – EASA: Approved by the Management Board
Soft Law
– Non-binding instruments (guidelines, recommendations, declarations) – Provide guidance and set standards – Signed by regulatory bodies like EASA
Annexes
– ICAO: – Annex 1 – Personnel Licensing – Annex 6 – Operation of Aircraft – Annex 8 – Airworthiness of Aircraft
Mission
– EASA: Promote safety and environmental protection in civil aviation – Compliance through the European Union and its member states
Categories
– Cat A, B1, B2, B3, C
Subcategories
– A1 and B1.1: Turbine aircraft – A2 and B1.2: Piston aircraft – A3 and B1.3: Turbine helicopters – A4 and B1.4: Piston helicopters
Training Requirements
– 5 years of practical experience without relevant training
Component Certification Requirements
– Appropriate knowledge, training, and experience – License and authorization from maintenance organization management – EASA Form 1 indicates airworthiness
License Time Limits
– 10 years to complete license after passing first exam – First group 1 type rating: – Type rating course approved by EASA Part 147 training organization – Practical experience under supervision of Part 145 maintenance organization
Non-Part 66 Licensed Personnel
– Can perform maintenance on their own aircraft – Limitations and responsibilities to ensure safety and compliance – Major repairs require licensed personnel or certified maintenance organizations
B1.1 License
– Can work on avionics systems requiring simple tests – Can perform maintenance on electromechanical and pitostatic components
Part 145 Accountable Manager
– Top executive responsible for aircraft maintenance – Duties include leadership, compliance, safety management, and customer relations
Part 145 Management Positions
– Maintenance managers, quality managers, production managers, line maintenance managers – Oversee specific aspects of maintenance operations – Ensure compliance and manage personnel and resources
Maintenance Facilities
– Hangars for protection from weather – Workshops with necessary tools and equipment – Maintenance bays – Office accommodation for management and certifying staff
Category C License
– Certifies aircraft safety after base maintenance – Covers entire aircraft – Issued after confirmation from skilled mechanics and support staff
EASA Form 1 Issuance
– Part 145 cannot issue EASA Form 1 if not on capability list – Violation of regulatory requirements
Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
– Part 145 required to track ADs for aircraft in scope of approval – Compliance mandatory for continued airworthiness and safety airworthiness and safety of an aircraft.