Regulations/standards airworthiness

Most civil aviation authorities co-operate at some level, and are subject to international agreement. They apply similar standards to airworthiness and safety. Their interpretations may vary and Special Conditions may apply, but the foundations are generally based on the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Figure 3.2 diagrammatically illustrates the relationships between the key aviation regulations in the USA and Europe. 

Health and Safety legislation has a direct effect on the responsibility, authority, accountability and liability towards the safety management approach of any operator. It explicitly requires the operator to assess and manage the risk (which includes technical airworthiness risk) during the lifetime of the product/facility. This proactive approach is the backbone of current harmonised European Safety, Health and Enviromnental Standards and Regulations the term reasonably practicable enshrined in this act is interpreted as a balance between risk and cost. 

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