"The problem in the current consultation has been that people are not aware of the way of thinking that had been developed for making the rules," said Kneepkens, adding that EASA needed to have a "very regular communication" to inform stakeholders on the way it steers the rulemaking so that "people are not taken by surprise".
As a result, he said the decision to extend EASA's responsibilities to aerodromes and air traffic management (ATM), taken earlier this year (EurActiv 26/03/09), would change the way the agency works regarding the draft rules for public consultation.
"We will have more communication moments built into the rulemaking," said Kneepkens. "It also involves changing things," because should stakeholders have better, well-argumented ideas, then EASA would be "glad to change" its draft so that the final rules can be supported by the majority of stakeholders, he added.
Upon its launch in 2003, EASA's initial responsibility were ensuring the airworthiness and certification of aeroplanes. The first extension of its powers in 2008 made it responsible for binding EU-wide rules on air operations, licensing and third-country operators. But Kneepkens said it is "a different animal" this time, as the agency now "a much wider audience" of companies and organisations affected by its rules.
Draft EASA rules on pilot licensing and air operations of community operators were released for consultation in early 2009. "Some like them and others don't, so we still have to work a lot with all kinds of communities throughout Europe and explain what the intention behind the rules is, what exactly we are proposing and why," said Kneepkens.
While the overall transfer of competences from the intergovernmental bodies previously in charge of air safety "has been quite smooth" and people have gained confidence in the agency's way of working, EASA is still "in a transition phase" regarding the current consultations, and some stakeholders have "a lot of question marks," said Kneepkens.
However, the agency is not planning to extend the consultation periods. Instead, it "will take more time than usual" to follow-up on comments. This will enable EASA to hold "profound discussions with stakeholders" before writing summaries of comments and to provide the opportunity "to adapt proposals accordingly," said Kneepkens.
As for upcoming rules, the agency said it would consult on everything that is related to safety in air traffic management, such as the compatibility of ATM systems with airports, and how airports should be built and their surroundings organised.
The basic rulemaking packages for ATM and airport safety must be ready by 2013, but this will not be the end of the rulemaking, as "we need to continuously improve the rules," Kneepkens concluded.
