FAA Raises Nicaragua's Safety Rating
With the International Aviation Safety Assessment Category 1 rating, Nicaragua's air carriers that are able to secure the requisite FAA and DOT authority can establish service to the United States and carry the code of U.S. carriers.
The Federal Aviation Administration has granted a Category 1 rating to the Republic of Nicaragua, saying its aviation safety system complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
FAA first assessed the Republic of Nicaragua in 1994 and found it did not meet international standards at that time because the country lacked laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards or its civil aviation authority was deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, recordkeeping, or inspection procedures.
The promotion to Category 1 status is based on a June 2015 FAA assessment of the safety oversight provided by the Nicaraguan Institute of Civil Aviation, and the U.S. agency made a follow-up visit in September 2015 to verify the necessary corrective actions.
With the International Aviation Safety Assessment Category 1 rating, Nicaragua's air carriers that are able to secure the requisite FAA and DOT authority can establish service to the United States and carry the code of U.S. carriers. IASA information is posted at www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/iasa/.