Civil Aviation Authority in the offing

The process of setting up an autonomous Civil Aviation Authority to regulate all aviation safety issues in India is in the final stages with a cabinet note on it likely to be finalised soon.
The proposed CAA, which would have administrative and financial autonomy, is also likely to keep a tab on the entire range of activities —from proper provision of air traffic services and licensing to financial fitness of airlines.
"A cabinet note is being prepared. We have sent all the facts. The (Civil Aviation) Ministry will have to forward it to the government," Director General of Civil Aviation E K Bharat Bhushan told PTI here.
Government plans to bring in a legislation to establish the CAA. Bhushan said the CAA would have a "lot of financial, administrative and procedural independence. We will be able to recruit (professionals) directly" instead of routing it through the Union Public Service Commission.
A feasibility study to set up the Authority was commissioned in October 2009 in technical cooperation with the UN body International Civil Aviation Organisation to improve financial and administrative autonomy for discharge of safety oversight functions more effectively.
The ICAO feasibility study was reviewed by the DGCA and the Civil Aviation Ministry last year. The proposal was also endorsed by the US Federal Aviation Administration which said the proposed body would be in line with ICAO policy.
22/03/11 Moneycontrol.com

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Mar 2011