§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to follow the advice of the European Aviation Safety Agency on pilot flying hour limits; and if he will make a statement. [122508]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Regulation establishing the European Aviation Safety Agency came into force in September 2002 and the Agency is not yet fully operational. The Regulation requires the Agency to assist the Commission in the preparation of proposals for basic principals, applicability and essential requirements in the field of air operations. This will include the framework for flight time limitations. The Commission proposals will take the form of a draft Regulation which will be subject to the co-decision procedure. Once adopted, the Regulation will be binding on all member states.