Could you provide us with some insight into the founding of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) in 1997 and how the organization has evolved over the years?

Prior to the establishment of ENAC, the aviation industry in Italy was governed by two primary entities – the Italian Aircraft Register (RAI) responsible for airworthiness and the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) responsible for operations, licensing, and airports. The differences in the legal status and regulatory methods of these two entities created a number of challenges for the industry, personnel, and Europe as a whole. As a result, the government decided to establish a single aviation authority responsible for all aviation-related matters. Since then, ENAC has continued to evolve by taking on new responsibilities such as airspace and passenger rights, and by implementing new organizational models. In order to have a more efficient workflow and effective management of allocated tasks and duties, ENAC has also reduced the number of managerial positions by 40% following the initial merger of RAI and DGAC.

One of the major roles of ENAC is to monitor and enforce air transport regulations. Can you tell us more about the regulatory environment for the aerospace industry in Italy, specifically regarding manufacturing and distribution?

Today, all regulatory functions related to manufacturing, maintenance, operations, licensing, air navigation services, and airports are exercised by the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). ENAC participates in the development of regulations within the European framework, and once these regulations are adopted, ENAC applies and enforces them. In terms of production, ENAC is mostly active in enforcing Part 21, which is related to aeronautical products.

Safety is a top priority in the aviation industry. Could you tell us about some of the key areas of focus for ENAC regarding air transport safety?

Italy, along with the rest of Europe, has one of the best safety records in the world. However, there are still key areas of attention, particularly in the operations field, including maintenance. ENAC’s oversight program covers areas such as operational fatigue, crew management, and the efficiency and airworthiness of aircraft by operators, especially in helicopter operations. We also pay close attention to maintaining the qualification level of mechanics and engineers, the management of parts, and working procedures.

ENAC is also a representative body for the civil aviation industry in Italy. How does ENAC fulfill this role and what are its relationships with similar bodies within Europe?

ENAC performs its duties through a variety of approaches that complement its oversight functions. We hold frequent meetings with industry representatives to address specific issues, have structured meetings with sector associations covering general issues, and promote proactive management of perceived or existing problems. These meetings also provide an opportunity for benchmarking with other European aerospace authorities.

The aerospace industry is increasingly focused on environmental sustainability. What is ENAC’s role in promoting the adoption of alternative energies and implementing sustainable practices?

ENAC has taken a leading role in promoting best practices in the aviation industry, including environmental sustainability. We are the only public body in Italy to have signed a protocol to safeguard the environment and have implemented a program to promote a better environmental approach with the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Environment. Recently, ENAC has published guidelines for the production of energy from renewable sources, particularly photovoltaic cells. We have also financed and made available a study of best practices for designing sustainable infrastructures and systems at airports. Finally, our service contract with airport operators includes economic benefits for those airports that work to reduce their environmental impact.