Aircraft users, manufacturers, aircraft and aircraft parts maintenance contractors, as well as the government should contribute toward assurance of aircraft safety by living up to their respective responsibilities. The government's role, in addition to fostering the abilities of the aircraft manufacturer and maintenance firms, will continue to change reflecting the trends in coordination of aircraft safety related systems overseas, and the changes in the awareness of aircraft safety among users.
In Japan, the present system, based on self inspection of aircraft, reflects the conditions prevailing at the time Japan resumed aircraft manufacturing, after a period following the war during which the country was banned from manufacturing aircraft. At the time laws were drawn up, private companies did not have sufficient technical know-how. Moreover the number of registered aircraft was also limited. The system was therefore adequate for assuring aircraft safety at the time.
But now circumstances have changed both at home and overseas. At home private companies have built up sufficient know-how. Overseas mutual recognition of certification has progressed considerably. In view of these factors, the existing system seems to have outgrown its usefulness. Therefore, the government should the abilities of private firms and step up the use of foreign certification for some of the inspections it has been carrying out on its own. It should, on the other hand, concentrate on design inspection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of information for assuring aircraft safety, and establishment of adequate safety standards, that is concentrate on the areas in which it should expand its presence. This will contribute toward enhancement of aircraft safety.
Moreover, environmental protection regulations for aircraft should be seen in light of protecting the environment in Japan. Participation in environmental protection activities at the international level is also taking on added importance.
Elsewhere, the government should merge and rationalizing regulations, in cases where their inspection procedures and objectives overlap, thus streamlining the overall regulatory system and lowering the burden on the user.
The present aircraft inspection system should be reviewed from the standpoint of the above considerations.
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