Aviation Safety Law and Regulation

Human and technical factors play a major role in the safety of aviation. From the competency of the airline pilot to the design and manufacture of aircraft, as well as how the aircraft is operated, there are compelling factors that a State must consider in implementing its safety management system. These elements are well regulated, in Annex 1 (Personnel Licensing); Annex 2 (Rules of the Air); Annex 6 (Operations of Aircraft) and Annex 8 (Airworthiness of Aircraft) to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) respectively. The overall philosophy of these Annexes is embodied in the broader principles contained in Annex 19 (Safety Management Systems).

This book contains commentaries on the relevant Standards of these Annexes that require legal and policy analysis. It begins with a treaty interpretation of the Chicago Convention and the Annexes as well as their amendment processes and goes on to critically analyze the role of the International Civil Aviation Organization in that context. It then lays out the provisions of the four Annexes and offers legal and policy commentaries on Standards therein which are not self-explanatory, where applicable, relevant, and necessary. A significant feature of the book is its conclusion which asks questions and offers point by point suggestions in response that States could benefit from in ensuring the safety of international civil aviation.

There has been no previous book published containing critical analyses and commentaries on Annexes 2, 6, 8, and 19 to the Chicago Convention in one repository of literature. This book will be of interest and use to aeronautical authorities; academics; students of international law and air law; legal practitioners and regulators worldwide.