Aircrew Regulations Development Workshop in Bangladesh

A 5-day on-site activity was conducted from June 9th to 13th, 2024, at the CAA Bangladesh (CAAB) premises in Dhaka. The primary objective of this activity was to assist CAAB officials in developing their own regulations based on European standards, using the EASA Aircrew Regulation 1178/2011 as a reference.

 

The workshop aimed to achieve the following:

• To introduce the regulator and the aviation industry to the EU Aircrew regulations.

• To explore the current status of CAAB rules applicable/drafted.

• To draft, in cooperation between CAAB and the EASA experts, a roadmap leading to the development and implementation of Aircrew regulations using EASA Aircrew Regulation 1178/2011 as a reference and enabling thereby the measurement of progress within this program task and to set applicable timelines.

 

During the activity, CAAB provided an overview of the regulatory framework in Bangladesh. The expert Capt. Peter Wilczek delivered presentations on the EU Aviation Safety Rule Structure, its principles, and the applicability of Aircrew regulations. On the first day, another EASA Aircrew expert, Mr. Luis Cardoso Ribeiro, who had previously collaborated with CAAB on Aircrew matters, joined the session via video link.

 

The expert emphasized the importance of understanding the European regulatory system, highlighting that it involves numerous cross-references to other regulations. He further elaborated on the European approach to maintaining a robust legal framework. The activity covered various topics, including Aircrew requirements, the applicability of Aircrew regulations, the structure of Part FCL, and their implementation. The discussions also addressed the integration of cybersecurity measures and the conversion of foreign licenses as well as former military pilot licenses.

 

The expert provided a detailed briefing on authority requirements related to Aircrew, covering the structure and applicability of Part ARA (Authority Requirements for Aircrew), the Authority Management System, Safety Oversight, Certification, and Enforcement. He explained the structures of Part ORA (Organisation Requirements for Aircrew), Part MED (Medical Requirements), and Part CC (Cabin Crew Certification), focusing on aeromedical examiner certifications, medical qualifications, and standardized procedures. He also covered rule drafting principles, Exemptions, Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC), Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM), emphasizing Europe’s flexible approach to maintaining safety standards. Practical examples of drafting aircrew regulations based on European standards were also shared.

 

The expert outlined the rulemaking process, from the initial proposal and pre-regulatory impact assessment to the publication of draft rules and development of AMC and GM. He compared the specific requirements and limitations of Approved Training Organisations (ATO) and Declared Training Organisations (DTO) in Europe. The activity also covered the privileges and conditions of commercial pilot licenses (CPL) and airline transport pilot licenses (ATPL), emphasizing the importance of practical training, skill tests, and type ratings.

 

The expert detailed the Project and Milestone Plan, identified key stakeholders, and designated a point of contact. The discussions covered the priorities of Aircrew requirements for CAAB, considering training organization scope, geographical needs, and national requirements. Participants practiced rule drafting and reviewed the implementation roadmap for Aircrew regulations. The activity fostered a collaborative learning environment, enhancing participants' understanding of EU regulations and their ability to interpret and apply these rules to their specific contexts.

 

The activity hosted 28 participants, CAA Bangladesh representatives, including 1 SARI team representative and SARI OPS/PEL expert, Mr. Peter Wilczek.