Well, well, well, that big wheel surely does go round!
I'm no fan of EASA and its pointless bureaucracy but then I wasn't a fan of the "old style" CAA either. You know, archaic exams, astronaut medicals, jobs for the boys, the "ex RAF navigators club" that kind of thing. Still many of those people are long gone now so this could/should be a golden opportunity. It will be interesting to see what we eventually end up with, after all of those with vested interests have exercised their influence and lobbying skills. Some people will fall through the cracks during transition and should/must be treated sympathetically. I agree it was interesting that Shapps was in Washington when he made the announcement. Maybe regulatory alignment will be heading westbound more in the future.