The Joint Aviation Authorities, or JAA, was an associated body of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) representing the civil aviation regulatory authorities of a number of European States who have agreed to co-operate in developing and implementing common safety regulatory standards and procedures. It was not a regulatory body, regulation being achieved through the member authorities.
The JAA was established in 1970. Originally its objectives were to produce common certification codes for large aeroplanes and for engines in order to meet the needs of European industry and international consortia (e.g. Airbus). After 1987 its work was extended to flight operations, maintenance, licensing and certification/design standards for all classes of aircraft.