The Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) was a group associated with the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC). This organization represented civil aviation regulatory bodies from several European nations. These countries agreed to collaborate on creating and enforcing shared safety standards and procedures. However, it’s important to note that the JAA itself was not a regulatory body; instead, it relied on its member authorities to enforce regulations. The JAA was founded in 1970, with the initial goal of developing common certification codes for large airplanes and engines. This effort aimed to support European industry and international partnerships like Airbus.
After 1987, the JAA expanded its focus to include flight operations, maintenance, licensing, and certification standards for all types of aircraft. The adoption of Regulation (EC) No 1592/2002 by the European Parliament and the EU Council led to the creation of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA is a comprehensive regulatory authority that is gradually taking over all JAA functions. Some responsibilities, such as safety and environmental type-certification for aircraft, engines, and parts, have already been transferred. Aircraft operations and flight crew licensing were handed over in 2008.
On January 1, 2007, the JAA began a new phase following the implementation of the Future of JAA (FUJA) Report. The original JAA transitioned into ‘JAA T’ (Transition), which included a temporary Liaison Office (JAA LO) and a Training Office (JAA TO). In 2007, the JAA LO moved to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany, and closed on June 30, 2009. Meanwhile, the JAA TO evolved into ‘JAAT,’ a commercial training organization, which still operates from the former JAA headquarters in Hoofddorp, Netherlands.
The introduction of IR-OPS Regulation (EC) 965/2012 by the European Commission outlines specific rules for commercial air transport operations involving airplanes and helicopters. This regulation includes ramp inspections for aircraft operated under the oversight of another State when they land in areas covered by the Treaty. Known as IR-OPS (Implementing Rules – Operations), this regulation replaces EU-OPS (Regulation (EC) 859/2008). IR-OPS provides Guidance Material and Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) to support its implementation, similar to how JAR-AMC supported JAR-OPS and EU-OPS.
As of October 28, 2012, Annexes I-V of the Regulation became applicable. These annexes cover various operational requirements for commercial air transport and require specific approvals. The compliance deadline for these annexes was set for October 28, 2014. For later amendments, compliance deadlines for Annexes VI to VII of Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 are August 25, 2016, for non-commercial operations, and April 21, 2017, for specialized operations.
