What is an aviation regulator?
An aviation regulator is a government authority that works on a national level to approve and regulate civil aviation. These regulators are often referred to as a National Aviation Authority (NAA) or a Civil Aviation Authority.
There are hundreds of such regulators, each working to implement and maintain a series of standards outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organization. That is a specialized agency of the United Nations which works to help connect the world.
What does an aviation regulator do?
Given that aviation regulators are national agencies, the responsibilities of each can vary according to the specific needs of each country.
One of the key responsibilities of an aviation regulator is to maintain an aircraft register and issues certificates of registration to aircrafts. This register maintains key information about an aircraft and it is very important to ensure that air travel is safe and secure.
In addition, aviation regulators will often work to ensure that critical criteria are met to ensure that air travel is safe. That includes establishing guidelines for the maintenance of aircraft and equipment, licensing personnel, and shaping the testing process.
Some aviation regulators will play a role in investigating aircraft accidents, while others may regulate the control of air traffic. In some countries, the national aviation regulator will play a role in the construction and operation of airports.
Which are the key aviation regulators?
A variety of bodies regulate air travel and the landscape is complex. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a special agency of the United Nations. The ICAO helps its 191 Member States to create shared international standards. These standards provide the basis for national regulations, maintained by a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
In the US, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating air travel and air traffic management. The European Aviation Safety Agency adopts a similar role in Europe, drafting important safety regulations that determine how airlines should operate.
Related Questions
Do airline regulations differ a lot?
The ICAO works to harmonize airline regulations. This means that member states abide by similar rules, but the regulations themselves are actually shaped on the national level.
Are airline regulations changed often?
Air travel is a complex and dynamic field. For this reason, regulations are often evolving and changing. This is why many professionals within the travel industry regularly monitor the latest changes and news.
