Avionics News April 2014 - 40

COMMENTARY

EASA, FAA
regulations should
work together better
By TROELS M. LUND, DAO Aviation
Aviation regulatory changes have
two sides. One is the increasingly
tough requirements for maintenance
and airworthiness, and on the other
side are the many new avionics
mandates that arise, forcing customers
to upgrade their avionics to be in
compliance with the new mandates,
including TCAS II, EGPWS, Mode S and 8.33 KHz channel
spacing, just to name a few.
Being an avionics shop in 'EASA-land' is somewhat
different than in 'FAA-land.' In the Part 145 environment, the
differences are small. But in Part 21 (design and approval),
it's very different.
The FAA dedicated engineering representatives (DER)
system does exist in EASA, but is substituted by a design
organization approval (DOA) system. Any legal person or
company can apply for a minor change, but larger changes are
only possible via a DOA with final approval by EASA in Cologne.
Consequently, we see an interesting tendency. In 'FAAland,' an avionics shop can work and exist without having
a DER in-house or DERs can be hired as consultants. But in
'EASA-land,' having an avionics shop with no Part 21 DOA is a
big restriction to business. One reason is that the FAA accepts
applicable model list STCs, enabling U.S.-based avionics shops
to install in many aircraft types according to the list.
The EASA does not like this system and restricts an STC
to one type certificate only. AMLs are accepted in rare
cases, but mostly it's in relation to minor changes. We had
hoped the bilateral agreement between the EASA and the
FAA would offer some relief in regards to using each other's
STC approvals, but when the technical implementation
procedure was published, it turned out not to be very
helpful in the design area.
DAO Aviation has worked within TIP to help customers
import used aircraft from the U.S. to Europe, and we have
seen the difficulties at close range. Customers are often
forced to have FAA STCs re-engineered. This feels like a waste
of money, especially with a good, sound FAA STC already in
place. We are hoping this will change politically. q
40

avionics news

april

2014

DAO AVIATION

Continued from page 39

Looking Ahead
To enhance its customer support, DAO Aviation
is relocating its avionics shop this spring, as
well as adding a new turbine engine test facility
and additional engine repair capabilities. The
move also will improve coordination and
communication between the service center's
avionics, maintenance and engine technicians.
As DAO Aviation rebounds from the recession
and plans its expansion, Lund feels hopeful about
the future.
"Europe seemed to have been hit harder than
the Asian region," he said. "But we've been
lucky. Our strong position in Asia has helped
DAO through the worst of times. Light seems to
be noticeable in the distance." q

Technician Jens E. Wieseon works on a Dornier Do-228's
Garrett/Honeywell TPE 331 engine.

Avionics News April 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News April 2014