From 17 to 21 June, EASA and CAAC organised an accident investigators training in Chengdu (China) to further enhance skills in investigating commercial air transport occurrences and improve global aviation safety levels. The activity was organised under the EU-China Aviation Partnership Project (APP) and was attended by close to 50 aviation accident/incident investigators. 

The training was provided by representatives of the Bureau d’Enquetes et d’Analyses (BEA, safety investigation authority of France) and the European Network of Civil Aviation Safety Investigation Authorities (ENCASIA). Following the plenary session on 17 June where CAAC Office of Aviation Safety (OAS) and EASA opened the event and participants were given an overview of the full training programme, the course started with presentations and practical exercises according to the key subjects: analysis methodology, report writing, safety recommendations, interviews, site hazards and safety management, ATM, flight operations, maintenance, and site and wreckage. 

The activity took place in a good atmosphere of active participation and lively discussions. It also gave the opportunity to compare on working procedures which supported the exchange of knowledge between the European and Chinese investigators. Both sides expressed to be looking forward to maintain the established communication channels for future cooperation work in this important aviation safety domain.