In June 2023, the Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023 was issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for public consultations. In this article, you can read more about the draft Aircraft bill, its objectives, features and other details from the IAS exam perspective.
Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023
The proposed Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023, aims to revamp and enhance the regulation and control of various aspects of civil aviation in India.
- It seeks to address the shortcomings of the existing Aircraft Act of 1934 by simplifying provisions, eliminating redundancies, and establishing statutory bodies for effective implementation.Â
- The preamble to the draft bill states that it aims to have an Act to make better provisions for regulation and control of the design, manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of aircraft and for connected matters.
Draft Aircraft Bill Features
- Meeting Current Regulatory Challenges: With the civil aviation sector experiencing rapid growth and technological advancements, the need for updated regulations becomes important. By empowering bodies such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) with enhanced regulatory authority, the draft bill ensures that the civil aviation sector can adapt to emerging trends and maintain high safety standards.
- Regulatory and Oversight Functions: The draft bill proposes the establishment of two statutory bodies, namely the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. These bodies would be entrusted with the implementation of the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as outlined in the Chicago Convention. Their primary responsibilities would involve carrying out regulatory and oversight functions in the aviation sector.
- Simplified Language: The Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023, emphasizes the use of simplified language in presenting regulatory provisions. This step fosters transparency, empowers citizens with knowledge about aviation laws, and encourages greater compliance.
- Aligning with International Standards: The Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023, aims to align India’s civil aviation regulations with international standards, as prescribed under the Chicago Convention. This alignment is crucial for the country’s participation in international aviation agreements and for promoting safe and efficient air travel.
The proposed Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023, presents a significant opportunity to enhance the regulation and control of civil aviation in India. The draft bill holds the potential to strengthen India’s aviation sector while ensuring compliance with global norms.
What is the Chicago Convention?
The Chicago Convention, also referred to as the Convention on International Civil Aviation, is a global treaty that was established in 1944. Its purpose is to establish fundamental principles and regulations for international air transportation.
- The convention led to the formation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which is responsible for ensuring compliance with its provisions.
- There are nine freedoms of air recognized by the convention, with the first five being officially acknowledged by the ICAO. These freedoms grant member countries the right to fly over, land in, and transport passengers and cargo between territories.
- India is a member of the Chicago Convention.
Draft Aircraft Bill, 2023:- Download PDF Here
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