Justice and Law Enforcement:

Commercial Safety Regulations Are Avoided by Some Large Aircraft Operators

CED-79-10, Nov 21, 1978

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A review of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) enforcement of commercial aviation safety regulations revealed several problems involving some large aircraft operators.

Large aircraft operators who avoid compliance with commercial safety regulations not only have an unfair competitive advantage over commercial operators who comply with the costly commercial safety regulations but, in some cases, are operating unsafely. Under existing regulations, foreign air carriers can lease U.S.-registered aircraft and operate in this country under the less stringent private regulations. This action also has competitive and safety implications. Stiffer safety regulations for private large aircraft may lead some operators to transfer their aircraft registrations to foreign countries, where there is little regulation, and then to continue operations in the United States under a foreign operating permit. FAA officials plan to upgrade private large aircraft regulations which will make them more comparable to commercial regulations.

Status Legend:

More Info
  • Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.
  • Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.
    • Review Pending
    • Open
    • Closed - implemented
    • Closed - not implemented

    Recommendation for Executive Action

    Recommendation: Any new regulations should provide FAA field inspectors with the necessary tools to enforce compliance with regulations. To lessen the possibility that private operators will avoid safety regulation by moving their operations and aircraft registry to a foreign country, FAA should work with the Civil Aeronautics Board and the State Department to develop and enforce a requirement stipulating that all foreign air carriers flying in the United States at least meet the International Civil Aviation Organization's safety standards.

    Agency Affected:

    Status: Closed

    Comments: Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.