Caribbean Countries Strive to Harmonize with ICAO

May 25, 2022

Several countries in the Caribbean are creating new requirements to harmonize with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices (SARPs).

“Operators should be alert for changing requirements, as many civil aviation authorities are focusing on clearer alignment with ICAO,” said Brian Koester, CAM, NBAA director of flight operations and regulations.

For example, the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority recently advised that visiting civil aircraft must comply with ICAO Annex 6 Part I and II SARPs regarding TCAS II beginning April 1, 2023. Operations Notice OPSN-03-22 provides additional background and instructions for commercial air transport and general aviation operators.

All turbine-engine airplanes conducting operations under air operator’s certificate or FAR 121, 135 or 91K rules (Annex 6 Part 1) with a maximum certificated takeoff weight over 12,500 pounds or authorized to carry more than 19 passengers, must be equipped with ACAS II (TCAS II Version 7.1).

Similarly, all turbine-engine airplanes conducting operations under NCC (noncommercial) or FAR 91 (Annex 6 Part 1) rules with a maximum certificated takeoff weight over 12,500 pounds or authorized to carry more than 19 passengers, must be equipped with ACAS II (TCAS II Version 7.1).

This regulation will also align Bermuda, a British overseas territory, with UK Civil Aviation Authority requirements.

Another example was a recent change by the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB). In late 2021, the regulator published the Civil Aviation Act of 2021, which in part requires foreign commercial operators to hold a Bahamian air transport license. To qualify for an air transport license, the operator must be able to meet its actual and potential financial obligations, established under realistic assumptions, for a period specified by the CAAB from the start of operations and must have the ability to safely and securely perform proposed activity while meeting the requirements of the Civil Aviation Act.

Failure to comply with the laws of the Bahamas, or a serious safety concern by a foreign air operator, will result in the authority notifying the operator and, if the case warrants it, notifying the state of the operator and registry. Additional actions could include suspension or revocation of the foreign air transport license.