ICAO and the National Aviation Authorities - Essay Example

ICAO and the National Aviation ities: Contribution to Safety, Economy and Efficiency Due to the significance of air transport in the modern society, issues related to air safety have continued to be of common and prime concern according to Huang (2009, p63). In this respect, the function of safety oversight must not be left to an individual but must involve states collectively as major stakeholders. Taking into consideration the inherent link between the basic considerations of humanity and aviation safety, the commitment to oversee safety has arguably acquired an interesting character, with all states having, in its observance, a legal interest according to Huang (2009, p63). This paper is dedicated to discussing the issue of safety, economy and efficiency in the aviation industry and will be biased towards analyzing the roles of ICAO and National Aviation Authorities in the industry. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Weber (2007) notes that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a special UN agency that was formed to develop international aviation safety standards. ICAO also promotes cooperation among its member countries as they strive to achieve the organization’s goal of maintaining secure, safe and sustainable civil aviation. As part of its efforts to implement its vision or goal, ICAO has laid down the following strategies and objectives which are applicable from 2005 to 2010. 1. Safety - Improve civil aviation safety globally The ICAO identifies and monitors any safety risks to civil aviation; the organization also develops and implements relevant as well as effective responses to these risks as they emerge. The body also monitors closely compliance of its policies in different states. The body also conducts oversight audits to identify any safety deficiencies and help come up with a resolution by different states. ICAO also tries to improve global civil aviation safety by encouraging the exchange of crucial information between different states. (Air Traffic Control Association, 1987) 2. Security - Improve civil aviation security globally ICAO is committed to enhancing security in civil aviation at the global level by identifying and monitoring civil aviation security threats, and developing and implementing effective responses to emerging threats (Huang, 2009). ICAO also tries to improve the security of global civil aviation by encouraging the exchange of crucial information between different states. The body is also tasked with helping the local civil aviation authorities to train all levels of personnel who are involved in the implementation of civil aviation security policies. The body uses any given technical cooperation program to address the security deficiencies in each of its member states. (Huang, 2009) 3. Environmental Protection – make sure that there is minimal adverse effect of civil aviation on the environment ICAO does this by ensuring that there is minimal effect of aircraft noise, engine emissions on the environment and people. The organization works hand in hand with the local aviation authorities and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to address any climate change risks that might emanate from the operations of civil aviation. (Air Traffic Control Association, 1987) 4. Efficiency - Improve the efficiency of civil aviation activities To deal with anything that might hinder the efficiency of civil aviation activities, ICAO develops and implements air navigation plans which are meant to reduce operational costs. The body also works with the existing aviation authorities to come up with ways to facilitate an increase in traffic for both passengers and goods (Huang, 2009). The international civil aviation body is also tasked with the role of developing a guidance system which member states can use to liberalize international air transport economically, albeit with suitable safeguards. ICAO also assists its member states to enhance their civil aviation operations through the use of technical cooperation programmes. (Tanaka, 1974) 5. Continuity – Ensure that civil aviation operations maintain their continuity ICAO other strategic objective of continuity is achieved through assisting different member states to resolve any disagreements that can be a hindrance to air travel. The body is charged with the responsibility of acting as required when there is a disruption of air navigation, which can be caused by natural occurrences or humans. (International Civil Aviation Organization Bulletin, 1973) Since ICAO has an international presence, it has the responsibility of getting together with other international bodies to help prevent the transmission of a disease by people traveling by planes. (Air Traffic Control Association, 1987) 6. Rule of Law – the ICAO aims at strengthening the law that governs international civil aviation. The International Civil Aviation organization is responsible for developing and maintaining an international aviation law or code, which should go hand in hand with the current needs of the civil aviation industry. It is indeed the role of the organization to rally support for its aviation laws among member states. In regard to the rule of law, the ICAO provides appropriate mechanisms which states can use to settle any disputes regarding civil aviation. (International Civil Aviation Organization Bulletin, 1973) The National Aviation Authority (NAA) According to Weber (2002) the NAA is the civil aviation body in a certain country. Every country has its own unique NAA system; most NAA systems derive their power from an act of Parliament. The various roles of the NAA are outlined below: 1. The body is in charge if the design of aircraft, airborne equipment, engines and ground-based equipment may affect flight safety 2. NAA is also in charge of the conditions of aircraft and equipment manufacture and testing NAA is supposed to oversee the proper maintenance of aircraft and equipment 3. The organization of any operation related to aircraft and equipment. NAA is the body that is in charge of giving licenses to airports, pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers 4. The NAA is also charged with the role of setting standards for air traffic control. 5. The NAA can also render its services during an investigation regarding aircraft accidents. (Kane, 2002). Relationship between ICAO and the NAA Both of NAAs and ICAO are responsible for ensuring that there is security in the airspace, but they carry their duties in differing manners. For ICAO to carry out its mandate successfully, it has to work hand in hand with the NAA in each of its member states. Through drafting different safety regulations, both ICAO and NAA are able to bring a certain sense of security to the industry of air transport (Kane, 2002). Both bodies work jointly to implement any policies that are meant to enhance security on the air across borders. According to Weber, ICAO works with individual NAA officials to come up with cost effective means through which air transport across different states can be accomplished. This way, there is a fair regulation of air fares and the cost of civil aviation operations in different countries. This type of regulation means that there is no country that is likely to profit from civil aviation at the expense of another; the economic benefits are shared equally. Civil aviation efficiency is possible when ICAO and NAA work together. ICAO develops and implements means by which every player in the civil aviation industry will be enabled to operate freely and without facing any opposition from other states. The NAA also play a big role in implementing the international code of civil aviation set by ICAO in a bid to enhance efficiency in air travel. (Weber, 2002). References Air Traffic Control Association, 1987. “The Journal of Air Traffic Control”. Viewed 14 January 2010, International Civial Aviation Organization, 1973. “ ICAO Bulletin” Vol. 28. Viewed 14 January 2010 Huang, J. 2009. Avation Safety, ICAO and Obligations Erga Omnes. Chinese Journal of International Law, Vol. 8, Issue 1, 63 – 79. Viewed 14 January 2010, http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1359997 Kane, R.M. 2002. “Air Transport”. Kendall/Hunt Pulishers. Viewed 14 January 2010, < http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=nCFYdB2H05UC&dq=ICAO&client=firefox-a&cd=10 > Tanaka, H. 1974. “The International Civil Aviation Organization”. University of Illinois, Illinois, USA. Weber, L. 2007. “International Civil Aviation organization: An Introduction” Aviation Law And Policy Series, Vol 2. Viewed 14 January 2010 < http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=sxiFQgAACAAJ&dq=International+Civil+Aviation+Organization+-inauthor:%22International+Civil+Aviation+Organization%22&client=firefox-a&cd=1 > Read More