International Aviation Safety Assessment | 15 Apr 2023

Why in News?

The aviation safety regulator of the U.S. - the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has retained the “Category 1” status for India’s aviation safety oversight following a review.

What is the International Aviation Safety Assessment?

  • About:
    • The FAA conducted the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program over a one-year period, which included physical audits and a further review in 2022.
    • The program focuses on three broad areas:
      • Personnel licensing
      • Operation of aircraft
      • Airworthiness of aircraft
    • This assessment determines whether a country’s aviation safety oversight standards comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards.
  • Findings about India:
    • The FAA has informed the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) that India meets the international standards for aviation safety oversight of the Chicago Convention and its Annexes and continues to retain FAA IASA Category 1 status which was last assessed in July 2018.
      • The countries listed under ‘Category-1’ meet the ICAO standards for safety oversight of civil aviation.
  • Significance of Findings for India:
    • It reaffirms India's reputation as a safe and reliable aviation market.
    • It allows Indian airlines to continue to operate flights to the U.S. and enter into codeshare partnerships with U.S. carriers, which can help to increase trade and investment.
    • It demonstrates India's commitment to complying with safety standards established by the UN aviation watchdog, ICAO.

What is the International Civil Aviation Organisation?

  • ICAO is a United Nations (UN) specialized agency, established in 1944, which laid the foundation for the standards and procedures for peaceful global air navigation.
  • The Convention on International Civil Aviation was signed on 7th December 1944 in Chicago (hence called Chicago Convention 1944).
    • It established the core principles permitting international transport by air, and also led to the creation of the ICAO.
    • It covers a wide range of issues, including the rights of aircraft in international airspace, the registration of aircraft, safety standards, air traffic control, and environmental protection.
  • One of the objectives of ICAO is to foster the planning and development of international air transport so as to ensure the safe and orderly growth of international civil aviation throughout the world.
    • India is among its 193 members.
  • It is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.

Source: TH