U.S. Aviation System Shines in ICAO Audit
The U.S. aviation system received a score of 91 out of 100 in a new safety audit released Monday by the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations agency that oversees international civil aviation. "This audit by ICAO validates our systems approach to safety," said Robert A. Sturgell, acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. "The results show that our priorities are in the right place."
The U.S. score, which was well above the global average of 56, reflected U.S. compliance with some 9,500 international safety standards. The FAA headed U.S. preparations for the audit, which also included the National Transportation Safety Board, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
The team of ICAO auditors conducted a comprehensive audit of all aspects of civil aviation in the United States, including aircraft operations and airworthiness, accident investigation, navigation services, airports, personnel licensing, and legislation and regulations. The auditors interviewed technical experts and conducted site visits to government and industry facilities to assess overall safety oversight.
ICAO created the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program in 1995 at the urging of the United States.