DIRECTIVE 2006/93/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 12 December 2006 on the regulation of the operation of aeroplanes covered by Part II, Chapter 3 , Volume 1 of Annex 16 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, second edition (1988) (codified version) (Text with EEA relevance)

(1)

Council Directive 92/14/EEC of 2 March 1992 on the limitation of the operation of aeroplanes covered by Part II, Chapter 2, Volume 1 of Annex 16 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, second edition (1988) (3) has been substantially amended several times (4). In the interests of clarity and rationality the said Directive should be codified.

(2)

The application of noise emission standards to civil subsonic jet aeroplanes has significant consequences for the provision of air transport services, in particular where such standards limit the useful life of aeroplanes operated by airlines.

(3)

Council Directive 89/629/EEC of 4 December 1989 on the limitation of noise emission from civil subsonic jet aeroplanes (5) limits the addition to the civil air registers of Member States of aeroplanes that comply only with the standards specified in Part II, Chapter 2, Volume 1 of Annex 16 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, second edition (1988). That Directive specifies that the limitation on addition is only a first stage.

(4)

Owing to the problem of growing congestion at Community airports, it is essential to ensure that the best use is made of existing facilities. This will only be possible if environmentally acceptable aeroplanes are used.

(5)

The work undertaken by the Community in cooperation with other international bodies indicates that measures to limit the operation of aeroplanes which do not comply with the standards of Chapter 3 of Annex 16 must follow any non-addition rule in order for this to be of environmental benefit.

(6)

Common rules for this purpose should be introduced on a reasonable time-scale to ensure a harmonised approach throughout the Community, supplementing existing rules. This is particularly important in view of the recent trend towards progressive liberalisation of European air traffic.

(7)

Aeroplane noise should be reduced, taking into account environmental factors, technical feasibility and economic consequences.

(8)

It is appropriate to regulate the operation of civil subsonic jet aeroplanes which appear on Member States' registers and comply with the standards of Chapter 3 of Annex 16.

(9)

Member States should lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive. Those penalties should be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

(10)

This Directive should be without prejudice to the obligations of the Member States relating to the time-limits for transposition into national law of the Directives set out in Annex I, Part B,