EASA and the European Society of Aerospace Medicine (ESAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 25 to foster aviation medicine knowledge and harmonise the relevant requirements in Europe and around the world. The overall aim is to achieve a similar level of safety and reduce the risk of incapacitation.
EASA and ESAM have been working closely in the aftermath of the Germanwings accident, and have continued to do so ever since, producing joint safety promotion materials such as the leaflet on AME Working Relations, promoting mutual trust and just-culture in the field of aviation medicine.
In line with the principles of evidence-based medicine, this MoU is expected to have an important positive impact on EASA’s future regulatory work in the field of aviation medicine. New types of operation regulated by EASA, such as Drones, Vertical Take-Off and Landing (V-TOL), enhanced multicrew operations and single pilot operations, and high airspace operations all require tailor-made medical requirements.
Based on the MoU, the EASA Medical Team will organise regular meetings with ESAM to exchange scientific information and expert opinions on aero-medical topics of interest for both sides.