GAMA Bids Farewell to EASA’s Trevor Woods, Welcomes New Certification Director Rachel Daeschler

Brussels, Belgium –– The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) today released the following statement about the retirement of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Certification Director Trevor Woods, and the appointment of his successor, Rachel Daeschler:

“GAMA has enjoyed an open and productive working relationship with Trevor Woods since he took on the role of Certification Director in 2015. During his tenure, he has led many significant initiatives that have helped set the general aviation manufacturing and maintenance industry up for success for years to come.

“This work includes: establishing a risk-based standardisation system across EASA’s Member States; developing a more efficient approach to oversight of design organisations on certification projects; publishing new performance-based certification specifications for general aviation aeroplanes; and the establishment of validation objectives and strategy with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other leading worldwide civil aviation authorities for streamlining product validations between authorities.

“On behalf of our global and European members we thank Trevor for his significant contributions advancing aviation safety and facilitating the development and introduction of new general aviation products and technologies in Europe and beyond.

“GAMA also welcomes Rachel Daeschler as EASA’s new Certification Director. Ms. Daeschler brings many years of aircraft certification experience to this position, having worked at EASA since 2004 and previously with the French Directorate General for Civil Aviation.

“We look forward to working with Rachel and her team to continue to build a risk-based and efficient regulatory environment that enhances safety, and is equipped to support the certification of new and innovative technologies being developed by industry to include such revolutionary products as electric and hybrid propulsion and increased automation.”

For additional information, please contact Sarah McCann, GAMA Director of Communications, at +1 (202) 637-1375 or smccann@gama.aero.

GAMA is an international trade association representing over 100 of the world's leading manufacturers of general aviation airplanes and rotorcraft, engines, avionics, components and related services. GAMA's members also operate repair stations, fixed based operations, pilot and maintenance training facilities and manage fleets of aircraft. For more information, visit GAMA's website at www.GAMA.aero.