Three Bulgarian aviation operators will face the scrutiny of European Commission's first check into the progress of introducing safety standards.
Days before the country entered the European Union, the Commission decided to invoke a safeguard clause against Bulgaria's aviation over "grave deficiencies" in safety procedures.
The safeguard clause, which has indefinite term, excludes Bulgarian air carriers from the benefit of being considered a "Community carrier".
They may continue to operate as "third country operators" to and from member states in accordance with existing bilateral agreements.
Bulgarian air carriers will have to comply with EU safety rules and might be grounded by member states if found seriously defective during the ramp inspection to run February 12-19.
Deficiencies in the capacity of the BG CAA concern inability to exercise correctly the oversight of aircraft personnel and maintenance organizations.
EASA latest report singled out several areas of serious concern - the capacity of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Administration, the preparedness of the Bulgarian air carriers and the security of Russian-made planes.