Assessment runs Dec. 2–15
Nine areas under review, including flight operations
The government said Friday it held its 17th National Policy Coordination Meeting to discuss a pan-government joint response strategy ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organization's Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme, or USOAP, scheduled for December.
The ICAO audit evaluates whether governments of all 193 member states have incorporated international aviation safety standards into domestic law and are implementing them on the ground.
This year's assessment will run from Dec. 2 to Dec. 15. An ICAO audit team will visit 12 government agencies and industry sites — including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Korea Meteorological Administration, the National Fire Agency, the Korea Coast Guard, regional aviation offices, major airlines and airports — to review documentation and verify on-site compliance.
The audit covers nine areas in total: legislation, organization, personnel licensing, flight operations, airworthiness, accident investigation, air navigation, aerodromes and safety management.
The government has been running a pan-government response task force involving 21 agencies, led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and including the Ministry of National Defense, the Korea Meteorological Administration, the National Fire Agency, the Korea Coast Guard and airport corporations.
Authorities conducted internal reviews to verify that international standards are fully reflected in domestic regulations, and revised relevant laws — including the Aviation Safety Act and the Airport Facilities Act — that fell short of international benchmarks.
The government is also pursuing plans to establish dedicated units within the ministry headquarters and regional aviation offices to separate safety oversight functions from airport construction and operations. Landing, takeoff and approach control duties currently handled by regional aviation offices are set to be transferred to the Air Traffic Management Bureau to improve both the quality and safety of air traffic management.
On Nov. 2, the government converted the existing pan-government ICAO audit response task force into a joint audit preparation team. The team plans to conduct final checks on compliance with international standards across each area and address any remaining gaps before the assessment begins.
Meanwhile, the government has decided to put on hold discussions on merging Incheon International Airport Corporation with Korea Airports Corporation.
hss@heraldcorp.com
