The objective of this Decision is to reflect, within the scope of regular updates, the best practices and experience gained since the first implementation of the Certification Specifications for Operational Suitability Data (OSD) for Flight Crew (CS-FCD) (CS-FCD Initial Issue was published on 31 January 2014).

This Decision amends CS-FCD to:

• update the description of the type rating evaluation process for setting up type rating requirements and training programmes;
• harmonise CS-FCD with the ongoing revision of the Certification Specifications for Aeroplane Flight Simulation Training Devices (CS-FSTD(A)), to take on board the updated FSTD capability signature and difference level of training for FSTD features;
• develop definitions for ‘checking’, ‘evaluation subjects’, ‘modification’, and ‘type of aircraft’ for the purpose of CS-FCD;
• harmonise CS-FCD with the update of Subpart FC ‘Flight Crew’ of Annex III (Part-ORO) to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (Air OPS);
• clarify the concept of training areas of special emphasis (TASE); and
• correct editorial errors.

The amendments are expected to facilitate the applicants’ compliance with the OSD requirements for flight crew and therefore increase efficiency by rendering the type rating evaluation process easier to understand. Overall, the amendments are expected to bring a moderate safety benefit and have no social or environmental impacts.

The objective of this Opinion is to address the barriers and inefficiencies that Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014 creates for European Union (EU) air carrier business groupings as regards the management of the continuing airworthiness (CAW) of their fleets.

This Opinion proposes air carriers licensed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 that form part of a single air carrier business grouping to be allowed to contract a CAMO within that grouping for the CAW management of aircraft operated by them.

The proposed changes are expected to reduce the regulatory burden and increase cost-efficiency for air carrier business groupings mainly by:

• reducing the duplication of tasks between organisations which have harmonised objectives and procedures; and
• removing barriers to short-time interoperability of aircraft between the air carriers that form part of an air carrier business grouping.

As a consequence, the competitive disadvantage of EU air carriers when compared to other non-EU carriers, will be reduced.

It should be noted that the need to increase efficiency is more significant nowadays due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation.