Bilateral Safety Pledge Targets Simulator and Training Modernisation

Global – The Federal Aviation Administration and European Union Aviation Safety Agency have issued a joint pledge expanding cooperation on safety oversight, certification, automated flight decks, operational data and aircrew training. The commitment to modernise aircrew training and simulator capabilities signals future regulatory coordination around maintaining pilot competence in increasingly automated flight decks.

• The agencies listed 10 commitments following the June 16–18, 2026 FAA–EASA International Aviation Safety Conference in Chantilly, Virginia:
  • Prioritise cooperation at all organisational levels in line with the U.S. - European Union Aviation Safety Agreement.
  • Strengthen information exchange on safety oversight to promote a strong safety culture and advance best practices globally.
  • Advance Safety Management Systems (SMS) toward proactive, data-driven decision-making.
  • Expand on collaborating and sharing operational data to support rulemaking.
  • Streamline the approval processes for advance aviation technologies and operations to harmonise certification pathways.
  • Accelerate the safe integration of automated flightdeck technologies to improve crew performance and enhance safety.
  • Accelerate the use of Portable Electronic Devices in the cockpit to transform operations with real-time data.
  • Modernise aircrew training and simulator capabilities to sustain pilot competence in automated environments.
  • Enhance information sharing and improve coordination on emerging safety risks from external challenges including cyber threats, 
    conflict zones, GPS/GNSS interference and extreme weather.
  • Work together to support global aviation safety initiatives through collaboration with other regulatory authorities and organisations
• The training commitment specifically addresses sustaining pilot competence in automated operating environments.
• The automated-flight-deck commitment links technology integration with crew performance and safety, indicating that pilot interaction with automation will form part of the agencies’ continuing technical cooperation.
• FAA and EASA also plan to accelerate cockpit use of portable electronic devices capable of providing crews with real-time operational information.
• The certification commitment is intended to streamline approval processes and further align pathways for advanced aviation technologies and operations across the US and European regulatory systems.
• The pledge is a joint statement of regulatory intent rather than a rulemaking document. It does not itself modify operator, training-organisation or simulator compliance requirements; any binding obligations would require subsequent regulations, approvals or published guidance.
• FAA and EASA executive leadership will meet regularly to review implementation progress and identify additional priorities. The next annual conference is scheduled to take place in Cologne, Germany, from June 22–24, 2027.
• Approximately 400 representatives from regulatory authorities, manufacturers, airlines and aviation associations attend the annual conference, which alternates between FAA and EASA host locations. 

Statements

• “As aviation evolves at an unprecedented pace, strong cooperation between regulators is essential to maintain the highest level of safety. By working together, sharing expertise, and aligning our approaches, EASA and the FAA can support innovation while preserving public confidence in aviation,” said Florian Guillermet, Executive Director at EASA.
• “This is one of the most innovative moments in aviation, not just for America but also for our international partners. Sharing information and fostering conversations about safety allow us to strengthen our international partnerships and ensure aviation systems evolve safely and efficiently," said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.

Source: FAA and EASA