Aviation & Aerospace Regulation Updates

Now we are well into February 2021, there are important changes to aerospace and aviation legislation coming into force on the 14th February 2020. These updates will heavily impact the Aviation and Aerospace industry.

The consequences of the Covid COVID-19 pandemic on pilots and aircrew have been significant, and this legislation was due to change in August 2020. However, the legislation was postponed until the 14th of February 2020 because of the significant pressure the pandemic has placed on operators.

EASA has addressed the key risks that were introduced in 2020 in this review. 11 of these were deemed “high risk”, therefore resulting in new measures to be implemented.  

One of these concerns includes the impact on mental health, due to prolonged periods where aviation professionals may have been furloughed. Subsequently, away from their friends, family, and support systems. In addition to this, many aviation professionals’ skills may have degraded through the drastic decrease in traffic according to EASA.  

Requirements set out in Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1042 has been amended by the European Union Law, as some of these changes were set to take place from August 2020, however, have been postponed to 14th February 2021. In the UK it is advised to follow these measures though it isn’t a requirement while travelling in UK airspace until June 2021 due to Brexit.  

One main implication this new regulation will have on operators development is to their Drug’s and Alcohol Testing policies. The legislation, requiring the operator’s policy to routinely drug and alcohol test AOC holders through an independent accredited body. Previously, drug and alcohol tests were only required in case of direct suspicion of the use of impairment or misuse.  

In the case of a flight or cabin crew refusing to part take in Alcohol testing or testing positive in either drug or alcohol testing, the operator must inform the competent authority and the flight/crewmember will no longer be able to carry out his/her duty, as stated by this legislative change: COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2018/1042.  

Interestingly this regulation has been on its way for over five years, the global pandemic has intensified the need for this change. EASA has addressed the key risks introduced by COVID in this review.  

It is also expected the misuse of drugs and alcohol is on the increase across all industries due to the pandemic and therefore it is now more important than ever for this legislation to be introduced.  

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OdiliaClark offers an independent drug and alcohol testing service using state-of-the-art Dräger equipment as used by the British Police and Fire Services. OdiliaClark is currently consulting with several airlines and operators to help them deal with the impact of these changes. 

OdiliaClark is a specialist human resources company whose consultants are fully trained and certified in carrying out impartial, digital drug testing for companies’ employees. They also offer a range of other services including policy advice, writing and implementation which can include staff training services.  

For more information on how Odilia Clark can help your business deal with these changes with a bespoke package designed for your business contact info@odiliaclark.com.  

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