Safety and Security Oversight

The Flight Safety Division is responsible for regulatory activity related to:

  • the establishment, promotion and enforcement of safety promotion
  • the development of safety regulations, standards and inspection procedures
  • the licensing of flight crew, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Air Traffic Controllers
  • certification and routine inspection of aerodromes and air operators
  • passenger safety
  • aviation security, surveillance and enforcement, and
  • the investigation of incidents and accidents.

The Flight Safety Division also regulates flight operations and ensures the airworthiness and safety of aircraft in Jamaica.

As a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Jamaica is required to comply with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. Below is the the National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP) Jamaica. This plan outlines Jamaica’s comprehensive strategy to continuously reduce aviation-related fatalities and risks. It is aligned with both regional and international safety standards.

Click to view the full document:

Below is the 2024 Annual Safety Report which provides the data and analysis on accident, serious incidents and other reportable occurrences for the calendar year 2023. Click to view the full document:

The Flight Safety Division is staffed by:

  • a Director
  • operations, airworthiness, security and cabin safety inspectors
  • a dangerous goods specialist
  • a licensing officer
  • support staff.

Technical training is done internally through formal and on-the-job training. Formal training for specialty courses are facilitated through Transport Canada, the Federal Aviation Administration, International Air Transport Association, aircraft manufacturers and airline-sponsored training. Inspectors are trained on Airbus A340, A310, A300, A320/321, Boeing B-747, B-737, B-727, Douglas DC-8, DC-9, MD83, Bombardier DHC8, SD360, DHC-6, Dornier Do228, Beech King Air series, Cessna Citation, various light aircraft (including most Cessna, Beech and Piper singles and twins), and helicopters, including the Bell 206 and military helicopters. Operations personnel and Airworthiness Inspectors hold type ratings on the transport category aircraft and remain current on most types operated in Jamaica.