The regulation of aviation safety at the state level involves ensuring that each of the elements in the aviation system meets at least a minimum standard of safety. This system has been successful and has underpinned an impressively safe commercial air transport system. However, the aviation industry is growing, and public tolerance for risk is shrinking. Technology is changing, new entrants are joining the market, and new business models are being introduced. If we are to avoid an unacceptable number of accidents in the future, the pressure to improve our safety levels must be sustained.
