EASA SERA amendments - Effective date 1 May 2025

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has introduced several significant amendments to the Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA), effective from 1 May 2025. These changes aim to align with updated International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, enhance safety, and accommodate emerging aviation technologies.

If flying in Europe you should familiarise yourself with the changes, especially changes to flight plan requirements. Also note that the Channel Islands have adopted EASA SERA standards.

Article 5 has been removed to streamline the regulatory framework and eliminate outdated provisions.

Regulations (EU) 2023/1772 and 2024/1111 have revised flight planning procedures:

Submission Requirements: Flight plans must be submitted for any flight requiring air traffic control services, crossing international borders, or operating at night beyond the vicinity of an aerodrome.

Content Enhancements: Flight plans now require detailed information, including aircraft identification, flight rules, equipment capabilities, and emergency equipment.
Regulation (EU) 2024/1111 establishes requirements for the operation of manned aircraft with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, facilitating the integration of AAM into the existing airspace structure.

Updates have been made to align SERA with the latest ICAO provisions, including the completion of radio communication failure procedures and the removal of outdated supplements.

ED Decision 2024/007/R provides updated AMC and GM to support the application of the new regulations, offering clarity on compliance expectations.

Implications for UK Aviation:

While the UK has departed from the EU, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) continues to reference and adapt SERA regulations within domestic law. UK SERA applies to all aircraft operating in UK airspace, with supplementary rules to accommodate national requirements, such as VFR flight at night and specific exemptions.