EASA paves the way for technology evolution in ATM

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has proposed to streamline the attestation of ATM/ANS equipment, paving the way for a much-needed technological evolution of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) landscape.

The driving principle is the essential need to achieve a single and mutually recognised compliance demonstration methodology for systems and constituent equipment for ATM and Air Navigation Services (ANS). This will enable a functioning EU market for this equipment and so ensure the safe, secure, interoperable, and efficient operation of the European ATM network for all phases of flight. 

“This proposal lays the strategic groundwork for the Single European Sky, a game changer to solve various obstacles faced in the modernisation of the European ATM system,” said EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky. “I am grateful for the strategic advice and support provided by the leaders of our ATM industry and stakeholder community to support EASA in this task.”

The proposals for the new regulatory framework on the conformity assessment of ATM/ANS equipment for the safe and seamless operation of the European ATM network are contained in EASA Opinion No 01/2023. 

The new approach will recognise the essential role and responsibility of the manufacturing industry in bringing solutions to the market that are fit for purpose and meet the required level of operational performance. For the most critical ATM equipment, the design and production organisations will apply for certification to EASA. The EASA certificate will enable the introduction into service of that equipment by ATM/ANS providers.

This approach will address known bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the previous conformity assessment framework, which were constraining and delaying technological evolution for ATM in the EU. A single certificate will replace multiple processes run in parallel by ATM/ANS providers and their respective competent authorities today. ATM/ANS providers and their competent authorities will therefore be able to better allocate their limited resources to higher value-adding activities, resulting also in more efficient and effective oversight and enforcement processes in the EU.

The Opinion also proposes a new regulation for aircraft equipment required for the use of the single European sky airspace. 

In total, five implementing and delegated acts are proposed, which also consolidate and transfer to the EASA framework (including the necessary adaptations in the SERA and ATM/ANS provision rules) all the eight implementing rules developed under the repealed SES IOP framework. As a result, the regulatory framework will be simplified and streamlined.