Are Canadian licenses soon going to be valid in Europe?

[v6g]

Perusing the latest TC safety sense letter, I noticed the following blurb near the beginning:

Canada-European Union Agreement on Civil Aviation Safety

At the European Union-Canada Summit held in Prague, Czech Republic, on May 6, 2009, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso signed the Canada-European Union Agreement on Civil Aviation Safety. Under the new agreement, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will recognize certification of Canadian aviation products and services, allowing the Canadian aviation industry to be more competitive in the European market. Civil aviation safety will also be enhanced, as EASA and Transport Canada will work co-operatively to resolve unforeseen safety issues. A similar agreement was signed between Canada and the United States in 2000, and has had a positive impact on Canada’s civil aviation industry, resulting in stronger harmonization of safety requirements. The Canada-European Union Agreement on Civil Aviation Safety has been signed by both parties and will enter Parliament for ratification in the upcoming session.

I have no more info than this - anybody know any more about this thing? Does it mean that Canadian licenses will soon be valid in Europe? The phrase "EASA will recognize certification of Canadian aviation products and services" is pretty vague - any clues what it means?

[old_man]

I have a feeling this just involves parts and planes. Not pilots. Just a gut feeling/guess though.

[v6g]

That was my gut feeling too but I thought I'd see if anyone had any additional insight on the issue. My 1 minute in-depth read of the EASA website says stuff about pilot licensing oversight.

It would certainly have interesting effects on the industry ... negative effects on European training .... positive effects on Canadian training ..... Positive effects on Canadian salaries ..... negative on European ones ..... my $0.02.

[bombardierfixer]

What about maintenance guys? That would be cool.

[v6g]

What about maintenance guys? That would be cool.

Oi - Get in line!

(S'il vous plait)

[AMM]

It seems that the demoralizing nature of this industry has rendered most of us (myself including) incapable of holding an optimistic outlook.

[CD]

Also discussed briefly here:

AvCanada: EASA ATPL Licence conversion / harmonization

[Liquid Charlie]

Training standards have to change before something like this would ever happen let alone the political protectionism.

[niwre]

Seems to me that people moan and complain if someone from the EU come to Canada to take a Canadian job but it's ok for us to go to the EU and take on of their jobs? The only hick-up I can think of is if people are legally entitled to work in either jurisdiction.

[bombardierfixer]

Thats why when my wife goes to renew her Dutch passport she will be asking about visa's for me!

[xsbank]

Years. EASA has still not taken over from JAA, FOCA, CAA etc etc.

[wallypilot]

I think if harmonization ever happens, it will be very gradual.

Currently, if you have 3000 hours (including at least 1500 PIC) on international routes, etc, etc, on a 30000KG + aircraft, you are exempt from any formalities and get a license with a restriction to fly UK aircraft only. That's the closest it gets to "harmonization".

If you don't have time on heavy jets, there are many hoops to jump through, but you don't always have to do the entire program. If you have 500 hours in a 2 crew, type rating airplane, and you plan to do the JAR ATPL skills test on the type you are rated on, then you can skip all groundschool (770 hours) and just challenge the exams(14 in total).

I think as TC requirements improve over the years, we will see some of these requirements harmonize. Until then, prepare to spend big $$ to convert your license, unless you have a highly desireable (like some sort of common bizjet) Type Rating on your license and are current, then the employer might be willing get you a license validation, but those are shorter term.