The Wicks Group has assisted the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine (SAAU) with several projects, and also has represented Ukrainian air carriers for many years.
For an initial SAAU project in 2012, TWG conducted a site visit and document reviews to make an assessment of the extent to which the SAAU was in compliance with international aviation safety and oversight standards, as set forth in Annexes 1, 6, and 8 of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. The assessment was done to help prepare the SAAU for an FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program audit, which focuses on determining whether a country is in compliance with Annexes 1, 6, and 8. TWG assessed Ukraine's compliance status across all IASA audit elements and provided the agency with a report of findings and recommendations. Following an FAA IASA Technical Review of Ukraine in August 2012, TWG was re-engaged in 2013 to help the SAAU implement additional changes to its safety oversight and monitoring system and otherwise prepare for a re-assessment of Ukraine under the IASA program. Our efforts focused on establishing appropriate inspector development plans, a comprehensive inspector training program, and improved personnel licensing procedures. TWG also assisted a Ukrainian flag carrier with obtaining a new air operator certificate under the five-phase certification process required by international standards. The FAA IASA re-assessment of the SAAU was conducted in late July 2013, and the FAA announced in November 2013 that Ukraine had received a Category 1 IASA program rating.
Our work for several Ukrainian air carriers has included providing both regulatory and commercial support for operations in the US. TWG has assisted multiple carriers with obtaining the US government certifications and approvals needed to operate flights into and out of the US market, and also with ensuring US regulatory compliance in ongoing operations.