Lesson one Reading comprehension 1 Why Standards are Necessary Civil aviation is a powerful force for progress in our modern global society. A healthy and growing air transport system creates millions of jobs worldwide. It forms part of the economic lifeline of many countries. It is a catalyst for travel and tourism, the world’s largest industry. Beyond economics, air transport enriches the social and cultural fabric of society and contributes to the attainment of peace and prosperity throughout the world. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days of the year, an aeroplane takes off and lands every few seconds somewhere on the face of the earth. Every one of these flights is handled in the same, uniform manner, whether by air traffic control, airport authorities or pilots in control of their aircraft. Behind the scenes are millions of employees involved in manufacturing, maintenance and monitoring of the products and services required in the never-ending cycle of flights. In fact, modern aviation is one of the most complex systems of interaction between human beings and machines ever created. This clock-work precision in procedures and systems is made possible by the existence of universally accepted standards known as Standards and Recommended Practices, or SARPs. SARPs cover all technical and operational aspects of international civil aviation, such as safety, personnel licensing, operation of aircraft, aerodromes, air traffic services, accident investigation and the environment. Without SARPs, our aviation system would be at best chaotic and at worst unsafe. How are SARPs created? What makes them so effective today and how can they ensure the safe, efficient and orderly growth of international civil aviation in the years to come? The answer lies in the four “C’s” of aviation: cooperation, consensus, compliance and commitment. Cooperation is in the formulation of SARPs, consensus in their approval, compliance in their application, and commitment of adherence to this on-going process. The formulation of new or revised SARPs begins with a proposal for action from ICAO itself or from its Contracting States. Proposals also may be submitted by international organizations. (334 words)