The International Civil Aviation Organization released it’s audit of United States Aviations including Airports, Personnel, Licensing and Aviation Legislation. ICAO granted the U.S. a hefty 91 out of 100 score.

What is the I.C.A.O.?

I.C.A.O. stands for International Civil Aviation Organization, a department created under pressure from the United States in 1995

The ICAO codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. Its headquarters are located in the Quartier International of Montreal, Canada. The ICAO Council adopts standards and recommended practices concerning air navigation, prevention of unlawful interference, and facilitation of border-crossing procedures for international civil aviation. In addition, the ICAO defines the protocols for air accident investigation followed by transport safety authorities in countries signatory to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, commonly known as the Chicago Convention.

(Source : Wikipedia)

The Safety Oversight Audit Section (SOA) is responsible for the management of the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) that was launched by ICAO in 1999. The SOA Section establishes and schedules teams to conduct USOAP audits according to an annual plan based on a six-year cycle involving all ICAO Contracting States and other oversight entities. The audit teams rely to some extent on approved auditors seconded by Contracting States.

ICAO Strategic Objectives

• Safety - Enhance global civil aviation safety
• Security - Enhance global civil aviation security
• Environmental Protection - Minimize the adverse effect of global civil aviation on the environment
• Efficiency - Enhance the efficiency of aviation operations
• Continuity - Maintain the continuity of aviation operations
• Rule of Law - Strengthen law governing international civil aviation

The Safety Oversight Audit

The SOA is divided into 7 sections, listed as follows, you can read more on the requirements of each section by clicking the links :

• Aerodromes, Air Routes and Ground Aids (AGA) Section
• Accident Investigation and Prevention (AIG) Section
• Flight Safety (FLS) Section
• Aviation Medicine (MED) Section
• Flight Safety and Human Factors
• Safety Management
• Flight Safety Information Exchange (FSIX)