On 23-24 November, ECA held its General Assembly, during which the ECA members acknowledged the need for a strong representation at EU level, ready to address the current and future regulatory challenges faced by the aviation industry. ECA was honoured to welcome two keynote speakers: Margus Rahuoja (member of EU Transport Commissioner Kallas’ Cabinet) and David McMillan (Director General of Eurocontrol). The GA re-elected Martin Chalk as ECA President as well as two new Technical Directors: Francis Nardy and Álvaro Gammicchia.

With the election of a new Executive Board, the adoption of a new streamlined Constitution and the adoption of a solid budget for 2011, the ECA members acted to strengthen the association and provide the tools necessary to face future challenges and to represent pilots effectively at European level.

The Conference was also the occasion for ECA to voice its concerns to the European Commission and Eurocontrol. Conference delegates took note of the European Commission’s will to focus on aviation safety, while emphasising that safety should not be compromised in the search for competitiveness. The importance of science–based, safety orientated Flight Time Limitation rules and the need for the Commission to take leadership were also made clear. ECA welcomed Eurocontrol’s recognition of ECA as an important partner and reiterated the will to continue to be closely involved in their activities.

With a new Executive Board elected, the outgoing Board Directors Régis Fusenig, Riku Aakkula and Joe Kraus were thanked for their commitment to ECA and the new Directors were warmly welcomed into their functions. President Martin Chalk thanked ECA Member Associations for their support for ECA and called upon them to stand ready to join ECA to defend a number of key pilot issues at EU level in 2011.