FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) ANNOUNCES AVIATION SAFETY RATING FOR KENYA
On February 27, 2017, the FAA announced its international safety rating for the Republic of Kenya. Kenya was issued a Category 1 rating after the FAA determined that Kenya complies with international safety standards under the agency’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. This rating was based on an FAA assessment, conducted in February 2016, of the safety oversight provided by Kenya’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
For Kenya, this rating means that its civil aviation authority meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and Kenyan 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 FAA normally assesses the civil aviation authorities of all countries with air carriers that meet any of the following: have applied to fly to the United States, currently conduct operations to the United States, or participate in code sharing arrangements with U.S. partner airlines. It is these assessments that determine whether or not foreign civil aviation authorities are meeting ICAO safety standards - the United Nations’ technical agency for aviation that establishes international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance.
In order to maintain its Category 1 rating, Kenya will have to adhere to the safety standards of ICAO, a requirement that must be met by all countries afforded category ratings under the Organization.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Shelley Ewalt.
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McBreen & Kopko’s Aviation Group represents air carriers, fixed base operators (FBOs), airport managers, aviation service providers, and business aircraft owners and operators on a wide range of aviation issues including regulatory matters, commercial transactions, aircraft finance matters, and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights.