International civil aviation organization

The constitution of ICAO is the Convention on International Civil Aviation, drawn up by a conference in Chicago in November and December 1944, and to which each ICAO Contracting State is a party. According to the terms of the Constitution the Organisation is made up of an Assembly, a Council of limited membership with various subordinate bodies and a Secretariat. The chief officers are the President of the Council and the Secretary General. The Assembly, composed of representatives from all Contracting States, is the sovereign body of ICAO. It meets every three years, reviewing in detail the work of the Organisation and setting policy for the coming years, it also sets a triennial budget,

The Council, the governing body, which is elected by the assembly for a three-year term, is composed of 36 States. The Assembly chooses the Council Member States under three headings: States of chief importance in air transport, States which make the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for air navigation, and States whose designation will ensure that all major areas of the world are represented. As the governing body, the Council gives continuing direction of the work of ICAO. It is in the Council that Standards and Recommended Practices are adopted by and incorporated in Annexes to the Convention of International Civil Aviation. The Council is assisted by the Air Navigation Commission (technical matters), the Air Transport Committee (economic matters), the Committee of Joint Support of Air Navigation Services and the Finance Committee. The Secretariat, headed by a Secretary General, is divided into five main divisions: the Air Navigation Bureau, the Air Transport Bureau, the Technical Co-operation Bureau, the Legal Bureau and the Bureau of Administration and Services. In order that the work of the Secretary shall reflect a truly international approach, professional personnel are recruited on a broad geographical basis.

ICAO works in close co-operation with other members of the United Nations family such as the World Meteorological Organisation, the International Telecommunication Union, the Universal Postal Union, the World Health Organisation and the International Maritime Organisation. Non-governmental Organisations which also participate in ICAO's work include the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Airports Council International, the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations, and the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations.

To ensure safety, regularity and efficiency of international civil aviation operations, international standardisation is essential in all matters affecting them, that is, all matters in the operation of aircraft, aircraft airworthiness, and the numerous facilities and services required in the support such as aerodromes, telecommunications, navigation aids, meteorology, air traffic services, search and rescue, aeronautical information services and aeronautical charts. A common understanding between the countries of the world on these matters is absolutely necessary. To achieve the highest degree of uniformity world-wide whenever this will facilitate and improve safety, regularity and efficiency, the ICAO Council adopts

International Standards and

Recommended Practices (SARPs)

and approves

Procedures for Air Navigation Services (PANS).

AVIATION SAFETY AND SECURITY

On the average there are up to 35-40 acts of unlawful interference in the world aviation activities every year. Some 70% of them are unlawful seizures, the rest are in-flight attacks, attacks on ground facilities, and unlawful acts against the safety of civil aviation.

ICAO is developing an aviation security training program composed of series of standardized training packages designed for global application. The first such package, designed for airport security personnel, has been distributed to all contracting states and relevant international organizations. The further standardized training packages address aviation security management, aviation cargo and mail security, airline security training programmes, and aviation security instructors.

The next major challenge facing aviation security professional is the deployment of the explosives detection system (EDS) to combat the current terrorist threat of aircraft bombings. The first new technology in the aviation security field since the introduction of metal detectors and X-ray systems, the EDS is aimed at screening 100 per cent of aircraft hold luggage. The goal is to reduce the risk of aircraft bombings in the same manner that metal detectors have helped prevent hijackings.

The explosives detection system is the total security system that prevents explosive devices from boarding aircraft. Security professionals are concerned with its ability to keep aircraft safe from bombings, while airports and airlines are concerned that its production may disrupt their timetables and operations. Explosives are likely to be well concealed among the usual items that passengers pack, and it takes a lot of time to detect them.

The subject of aviation security is safeguarding of civil aviation against all acts of unlawful interference. Ineffective implementation of aviation security rules can have a horrendous impact on airlines.

Should a serious incident occur, a 30 to 40 percent drop in passengers can be expected. For States that have a high level of economic dependency upon tourism, the resulting loss of income can be extremely serious.

The management system needs to be based on the aim of achieving a high level of confidence that the security program is being properly implemented at every level of the organization, for every flight departure. Responsibility for security implementation must be delegated to everyone, from the chief executive at headquarters to the baggage handler at the ramp.

The final key to achieving confidence in the effectiveness of a security program is periodic independent monitoring checks or spot checks. Ideally, these checks are carried out by someone with an independent responsibility who reports the results directly to top management.