Originally Posted by
hoistop
Well, I can show you how certain Swiss helicopter companies, with help of FOCA, pushed thru significant EASA legislation changes in Helicopter OPS that suited them ...
At least FOCA/BAZL are super-efficient. They were among the first countries to actually implement and issue (then) JAR-FCL licences in 1998. I got my CPL/IR under JAR-FCL in 1998 and we were the first ever candidates to sit those written exams in March 1998.
When I perform a skill-test I always receive my newly printed licence within 3 or4 business days after submitting the required forms and documents - and that's through international mail! So I'd say that FOCA/BAZL deserve to be heard, because they are actually really helpful, efficient and friendly. When you call them, they pick up the phone. When you send them an e-mail, you get a reply within hours, sometimes minutes.
I know, that's not the point, but I wanted to point out the professionalism of this department.