1.The principal objective of this Regulation is to establish and maintain a high uniform level of civil aviation safety in Europe.
2.Additional objectives are, in the fields covered by this Regulation, as follows:
(a)to ensure a high uniform level of environmental protection;
(b)to facilitate the free movement of goods, persons and services;
(c)to promote cost-efficiency in the regulatory and certification processes and to avoid duplication at national and European level;
(d)to assist Member States in fulfilling their obligations under the Chicago Convention, by providing a basis for a common interpretation and uniform implementation of its provisions, and by ensuring that its provisions are duly taken into account in this Regulation and in the rules drawn up for its implementation;
(e)to promote Community views regarding civil aviation safety standards and rules throughout the world by establishing appropriate cooperation with third countries and international organisations;
(f)to provide a level playing field for all actors in the internal aviation market.
3.The means of achieving the objectives set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be:
(a)the preparation, adoption and uniform application of all necessary acts;
(b)the recognition, without additional requirements, of certificates, licences, approvals or other documents granted to products, personnel and organisations in accordance with this Regulation and its implementing rules;
(c)the establishment of an independent European Aviation Safety Agency (hereinafter referred to as the Agency);
(d)the uniform implementation of all necessary acts by the national aviation authorities and the Agency within their respective areas of responsibility.