EASA Part-IS: The Digital Deadline No Pilot, CAMO or Flight Operation Can Ignore
January 27, 2026
In aviation, we are trained to fear the "chain of events." We brief threats, monitor gauges, and obsess over maintenance logs because we know that a single overlooked detail can lead to catastrophe. Today, that chain has a new, invisible link: Cybersecurity.
The threat is no longer theoretical. By 22 February 2026, the European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) will enforce Part-IS. This regulation officially reclassifies cybersecurity risks as aviation safety risks. In the eyes of the law, a compromised flight planning tool is now as dangerous as a cracked wing spar.
If you operate, maintain, or manage aircraft within the European ecosystem, the clock is ticking. Non-compliance is not just a paperwork error—it is a threat to your ability to fly.
Are you ready for Part-IS?
Your Guide to Compliance & Implementation
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Join our experts as we break down the global impact of Part-IS.
Learn exactly what your organization needs to do to survive the new regulatory landscape.
What is EASA Part-IS?
EASA Part-IS (Information Security) is a mandate for any organization that touches the European Union aviation grid. It demands a structured, auditable approach to protecting any system that could impact flight safety or airworthiness.
This is not an "IT problem" to be buried in the back office. It is a fundamental shift in how we maintain and operate aircraft. Under Part-IS, your organization must:
- Identify every safety-critical digital asset.
- Assess vulnerabilities with the same rigor used for mechanical wear.
- Detect and Recover from incidents before they compromise a flight.
- Prove Competence through documented training for all crew and staff.
European Mandate – Global Impact:
Do not let the "European" label mislead you. If your business involves the following, you are also responsible:
- Flying into European airspace.
- Maintaining EASA-registered aircraft (wherever they are based).
- Exchanging maintenance data with European partners.
- Holding EASA approvals or bilateral agreements.
A vulnerability in a single maintenance shop in the U.S. can bridge the gap to a cockpit in Paris. EASA knows this, and they are closing the door on the unprepared.
The Cost of Silence: Heavy Penalties
The consequences of ignoring 22 February 2026 are severe and absolute. Failure to comply may lead to:
- Immediate Grounding: Authorities can suspend your certifications, effectively freezing your fleet.
- Massive Fines: Regulatory penalties that can cripple a private operation.
- Contract Termination: Partners and insurers are already beginning to demand proof of Part-IS compliance.
- Criminal Liability: In the event of an incident, "we didn't know" is no longer a legal defense.
Impact on the Flight Line
Every digital tool you touch is now a potential point of failure.
- Flight Ops: A hacked Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) or corrupted flight planning data can lead to navigation errors or fuel exhaustion.
- CAMOs: Compromised digital maintenance records are a direct safety risk. If the data is untrusted, the aircraft is unairworthy.
- MROs: Modern diagnostic tools and connected aircraft components are prime targets for those looking to disrupt global travel.
“Cyber-resilience is no longer optional. It is the price of entry for the modern skies.”
How Gogo Secures Your Future
Gogo is the only partner providing the end-to-end support required to navigate the Part-IS storm. We don’t just provide connectivity; we provide a shield. Our experts help you bridge the gap between "IT security" and "Aviation Safety."
Before the deadline hits, Gogo offers:
- Guided Self-Assessments to find your hidden vulnerabilities. Learn more
- Functional Audits across your entire maintenance and operations chain.
- Specialized Online Training built specifically for pilots and mechanics. Learn more
- Continuous Support to ensure your compliance doesn't lapse after the first audit.
The window is closing. Will you be ready to fly, or will you be left on the ramp?
