Who initiates the rulemaking process for new or revised SARPs?

• A. Only Contracting Member States
• B. Only ICAO
• C. ICAO or Contracting Member States
• D. NATO

Answer: (C)

New or revised SARPs can be initiated by both ICAO and Contracting Member States. ICAO may identify a global need for updated standards based on safety, security, or efficiency concerns and begin the standard-setting process. At the same time, Contracting States can propose specific amendments or new SARPs to address national or regional requirements. Once a proposal is made, ICAO’s Air Navigation Commission develops draft amendments, these are circulated to all States for comment, and after due consideration, the Council adopts the changes. This dual pathway ensures that international standards reflect both overarching global considerations and actual needs seen by individual States. NATO is not the formal initiator in ICAO’s rulemaking process.