International Civil Aviation Organization. An Introduction

Abstract

Established by the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which resulted from the Chicago Conference on International Civil Aviation of 1944, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is charged with responsibilities regarding both air navigation, which relates principally to the technical and operational aspects of aircraft movement, and air transport, which relates to the transportation by air of passengers, baggage, cargo and mail. In ICAO s sixty years of operation, the prime objective of promoting and enhancing aviation safety (technical and operational safety of flight), has been supplemented by the objective of promoting and ensuring aviation security (safeguarding civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference).In this book, one of the world's foremost authorities on aviation law well-known as a major mover in numerous ICAO initiatives and projects, and as teacher, author, and lecturer describes and analyzes, in comprehensive detail, the entire legal regime contemplated by ICAO. Among the topics and issues covered are the following:functions of the various ICAO organs; standard setting procedure; membership and adherence; judicial and quasi-judicial competence; standards for airports and air navigation facilities; ICAO relations with states and other international organizations; economic regulation and aspects of economic planning; aircraft noise, land use, and other environment-related issues; and dispute settlement.The author gives in-depth attention to the ICAO standards and recommended practices (SARPS) governing such elements as meteorological service, aircraft registration, airworthiness of aircraft, aeronautic telecommunications, air traffic services, search and rescue procedures, accident investigation, environmental protections, and transport of dangerous cargo. Of special value is his description of the new integrated global satellite-based system, in process of gradual implementation, designed to support communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management for the needs of commercial and non-commercial aviation. Useful appendices include the text of the Convention on International Civil Aviation and a list of ICAO member states. With up-to-date commentary and analysis, this book is a fundamental resource for all professionals, legal and other, concerned with civil aviation.