The initiative, “CS/Part-23 Reorganisation,” is aimed at cutting the cost and increasing the safety of general aviation aeroplanes and technology.

Leaders from the two organisations pledged their support at a workshop, “Shaping the Future of General Aviation Products in Europe,” hosted by GAMA and the global standards body ASTM International. Filip Cornelis, head of the Air Safety Unit of the European Commission, which oversees EASA, opened the proceedings.

Yves Morier, newly appointed head of General Aviation of EASA, spoke of the agency's commitment to removing burdens from general aviation. Both speakers highlighted the initiative as a strong example of Europe’s new approach to better regulating general aviation and of the value of global cooperation.

The workshop represents the first time the General Aviation standards committee of ASTM International has met in Brussels as part of its global dialogue on new standards by which to certify a CS-23 aeroplane. More than 90 representatives from industry and aviation authorities from around the world attended the session.

“GAMA is pleased to be hosting this meeting, which marks the beginning of a week-long effort to bring together all segments of our industry as we seek to bring new, life-saving technologies into the cockpit and reduce overly burdensome government regulations,” said Brian Davey, Director of European & International Affairs at GAMA. “In the near future, general aviation manufacturers will be able to certify their products more efficiently and effectively, meaning more safety in more aeroplanes.”

The CS/Part-23 initiative will see the world’s authorities each modernise their own certification rules. The globally agreed-upon standards are set within the ASTM Committee, which brings together all interested parties.

“As this process matures, it’s a great endorsement to have both the Commission and EASA here with us today, talking about the importance of general aviation, and this initiative in particular, for the future of the sector,” Davey noted.