BHA's Role in Europe

The BHA represents its members as one of the national helicopter associations belonging to the European Helicopter Association (EHA). The EHA plays a vital role in co-ordinating the views of national operators and in speaking with an authoritative voice to the European and international regulatory bodies.

In 2003 the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) assumed responsibility for Airworthiness matters, which had previously resided within Nation Aviation Authorities (NAAs). Some common standards within Europe had been formulated by the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), which was a 'club' of European aviation authorities who were able to incorporate JAA Requirements (JARs) in their national codes. At the time of handing over to EASA the adoption of JARs throughout the EU was not universal. EASA regulations and requirements will have the strength of EU law and should ensure a 'level playing field' throughout the Union. EASA will assume responsibility for Operations and Personnel licensing in 2006/7 and Air Traffic Services and aerodromes thereafter.

The EHA is represented on the Advisory Body of Interested parties (ABIP) that advises the EC Management Board overseeing the work of EASA. It is also represented on the Safety Standards Consultative Committee (SSCC) which provides technical input to the work of EASA.

The EHA is delighted to include the European Helicopter Operators Committee (EHOC) amongst its membership.

The BHA supports the UK CAA in its support for EASA, in particular in ensuring that safety standards are maintained at the high level enjoyed by the UK and not allowing them to be diluted by virtue of a much broader community.

The EHA is also involved in the work of the International Federation of Helicopter Associations (IFHA), which is accredited to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as an observer on the working groups revising the Chicago Convention Annex relating to aircraft operations and heliports.

[prepared June 2004]