EUROCAE, or the European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment, is a non-profit group established in Lucerne, Switzerland, back in 1963. Its main focus is to create a European forum dedicated to electronic equipment used in air transport. This organization specifically handles aviation standardization for both airborne systems and ground equipment. When it was created, Europe lacked a regular platform to meet these needs.
From its inception, EUROCAE has worked on developing minimum performance specifications for airborne electronic equipment. Starting in 1967, this effort received recognition and support from the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC). ECAC later suggested that European National Airworthiness Authorities use EUROCAE specifications as a foundation for their national regulations. Today, documents produced by EUROCAE are regarded by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as valid means of compliance with Joint Technical Standard Orders and other regulatory guidelines.
Over the years, EUROCAE has expanded its focus beyond just airborne equipment to include complex Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems, along with their ground segments. The documentation related to these systems is also considered by EUROCONTROL and the European Commission, particularly within the framework of the Single European Sky (SES). EUROCAE’s important role is highlighted in Regulation (EC) No 552/2004, which pertains to the interoperability of the European Air Traffic Management network. Recital 12 of this regulation emphasizes the need for community specifications to be developed in collaboration with EUROCAE.
EUROCAE brings together major European administrations, aircraft manufacturers, equipment producers, and service providers. These members actively engage in Working Groups responsible for preparing specification documents. To promote global harmonization, several Working Groups collaborate with the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA), which plays a similar role in the United States.
