EU legal framework for aviation
General (ICAO)
International standards come from ICAO SARPs (Annexes 1-19) and are implemented nationally. Outside the EU, states implement ICAO directly (e.g. USA via FAR/FAA regulations).
Europe (EASA / EU)
EASA — the regulatory authority
The EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) is the central EU authority for flight safety. Headquartered in Cologne. Active since 2003.
Rules and procedures created by the EASA are part of EU regulation and legally binding to all EU member states:
- EASA develops Implementing Rules (IR) and Certification Specifications (CS).
- These are issued as EU regulations → directly applicable in every member state.
- Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM) provide help.
Key EU regulations for PPL pilots
| Regulation | Content | ICAO reference |
|---|---|---|
| Reg (EU) 2018/1139 | Basic Regulation — EASA mandate | — |
| Reg (EU) 923/2012 (SERA) | Standardised European Rules of the Air | Annex 2 |
| Reg (EU) 1178/2011 (Aircrew) | Licences Part-FCL, Medical Part-MED | Annex 1 |
| Reg (EU) 965/2012 (Air OPS) | Operations: Part-NCO for PPL private flight | Annex 6 |
| Reg (EU) 748/2012 (Part-21) | Airworthiness certification | Annex 8 |
| Reg (EU) 1321/2014 (Part-M, Part-145) | Continuing airworthiness | Annex 8 |
| Reg (EU) 139/2014 (Aerodromes) | Aerodrome requirements | Annex 14 |
| Reg (EU) 376/2014 | Event reporting | Annex 13 |
EU legal hierarchy
- Basic Regulation (2018/1139) — by European Parliament + Council.
- Implementing Regulations — by European Commission.
- AMC / GM — issued by EASA.
- Certification Specifications (CS) — e.g. CS-23 for aircraft certification.
Pilot tools
- EASA Easy Access Rules: consolidated texts with IR + AMC + GM.
- EUR-Lex: official legal texts.
- EASA Website: https://www.easa.europa.eu.
Germany (national)
In Germany all EU regulations apply directly (no transposition needed — they are directly applicable).
National additions are in:
- LuftVG (Luftverkehrsgesetz) — framework act.
- LuftVO (Luftverkehrs-Ordnung) — traffic rules.
- LuftVZO (Luftverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung) — admission.
- LuftPersV (Luftpersonalverordnung) — national licensing.
- LuftBO (Luftbetriebs-Ordnung) — operations.
See lesson "National Law — Germany" for details.