Ombudsman Backs EASA Denial of Test Bank Access

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s refusal to grant public access to the European Central Question Bank (ECQB), the database containing more than 10,000 multiple-choice questions used by EU countries to test the theoretical knowledge of persons seeking to become professional aircraft and helicopter pilots, is justified, the European Ombudsman determined.

Moreover, European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly found that disclosure of the test questions would undermine the integrity of theoretical knowledge examinations. “Any weaknesses in the assessment of the competence of pilots poses serious risks to public safety. Accordingly, the integrity of the exams must be protected,” the Ombudsman’s conclusion stated.

The investigation followed a complaint to the Ombudsman from a person who had asked EASA for full public access to the entire ECQB based on EU transparency rules. The Cologne-based agency, however, denied access to the test questions, citing the need to protect intellectual property rights and the need to protect its decision-making in relation to the theoretical knowledge examinations of applicants for a pilot’s license.

In her conclusion, O’Reilly noted that the interest the complainant pursues appears to be “a personal one,” as he apparently wants access to the questions to prepare for the exams.