RIYADH — The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) seeks to develop the air transport industry in accordance with the latest systems in line with developments in the global aviation industry.

The civil aviation authority is also working continuously to maintain the highest safety standards for the air transport industry in the Kingdom and is working to update laws and regulations in line with developments in the international aviation sector.

GACA also issues and renews licenses, credentials and certificates for the civil aviation industry in accordance with laws and regulations. It also ensures compliance with the regulations and procedures. This in addition to conducting regular checks to monitor and ensure the highest possible levels of safety.

GACA is working to implement aviation safety standards in relation to aviation information, licensing service providers (aviation information, designing aviation procedures, air inspection of navigational devices and aerial evaluation of aviation procedures, while authorizing commissioners to study aviation barriers).

After the licenses are issued, GACA conducts announced and unannounced inspections visits of service providers to ensure the implementation of GACA executive regulations and makes written reports on those visits.

Flyers are also available containing aviation information of a persistent and necessary nature of air navigation, which is included in the Aviation Guide with (AIP Supplements), Aviation Information Bulletins (AIC), Aviation Maps, Pilot Announcement (NOTAM) and Digital Data Set (DATASET).

Meanwhile, work is being done in flight procedures to certify the publication of navigational procedures based on ground navigation devices, or satellites in the Saudi Aviation Manual that helps the pilot reach his intended destination safely. This is accomplished using (takeoff and arrival procedures, approach procedures and air routes).

Meanwhile, GACA is working to ensure that the navigational services and land assistant services work properly and continuously to ensure a safe navigation. This is achieved by supervising its examination, maintenance, and flying procedures are continuously evaluated to ensure their safety.

The assurance of safe flying by those procedures is paramount before approving their publication in the Saudi Aviation Manual. Meanwhile, GACA is working to ensure that all obstacles from buildings and others do not affect the safety of aviation and navigational devices and do not penetrate the imaginary surfaces that protect the airport, in coordination with the relevant authorities.

GACA also determines auditing programs for licensed service providers in accordance with the executive regulations, and approves the publication of flight procedures for airports throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as air routes in Saudi airspace according to the executive regulations.

This in addition approving the transportation and installation of navigation devices in Saudi Arabia and building a database on aviation obstacles and terrains around the airports and updating them on an ongoing basis.

GACA also coordinates with the relevant authorities from municipalities, cities development agencies, real estate developers or any other legal or individual entity to study future plans for cities development.

This in addition to issuing permits and grant approvals to the relevant authorities to agree on building heights, or skyscrapers as for the specific areas. — SG