Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698831813868.pdf (Sierra Leone)
ACT Supplement to the Sierra Leone Gazette Yol.

CLXIY No.

4I dated 29thJune,2023 THE CIVIL AVIATION ACT.

2023 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS Section.

.

PARTI_PRELIMINARY l. Interpretation.

Z Application.

PART TI-JT}IE SIERRALEONE CIVILAVIANON AUTHONTY 3.

Continuation of Authority.

4.

Board ofAuthoriry.

5.

Tenure ofmembers.

6 Meetings of Board.

7.

Disclosure of interest.

8. lmmunity ofmembers.

9.

Secretaryto the Board- 10.

Commifiees ofBoard.

ll.

FunctionsofBoard.

lZ Remuneration ofmembers.


13.

Fillingofvacancies.

PAKT III-OBJECTS, FUNCTIOI.IE AND POWER,S OF SIERRA LEONE CIVIL AVIATIONAUTHORITY 14.

Object ofAuthority.

15.

Functions of Authoritv.

16.

Powers ofAuthorif.

17- PowersofDrector$eneral.

18.

Powerto obtain information.

I No.27 Civil.Aviation Act 2023 lq Power to issue compliance orders' n. EmergencYorders.

21.
21.

Power to grant exemPtions' PART IV_ADMIMSTRATIVE PROVISIONS 2.. Appointnent of Director-General' B. Frmctions of Director{eneral' 24.

Powerto delegate.

25.

Fublic interest.

2i. '

Other staffofAuttroritY n. Secondmentof Public officers' X Protection of offficers and staff' E. IndemnitY of officers- 30.

Limitation of action againstAuthority' 31.

Cooperation with other agencies' PART V-FINANCTAL PROVTSIONS 7L Funds of AuthoritY.

33. lnvestnent of frurds of Authority' U.


Estimates of income and expenditr:re ofAuthority' 35.

Account and audit of Authority' 36.

Financial Year ofAuthoritY.

37.

Annual rePort.

38.

Internalaudit.

PART VI_AIR-SPACE CONTROLAND FACILITIES 9.

Use of airspace.

4.

Regulation of air sPace.

41.

Authority to enter into cooperative aviation agreement' 42.

Bilateral exchange of safety oversight responsibiiities' r I No.27 CtvilAviationAct 2023 m PART VII-NAIIONALITYAND AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP 43.
Aircraft registration.

4.

Recording of Interest in Aircraft.

45.

Records of births and deaths in aircraft.

46.

Exemption from seizure ofaircraft onpatept claim.

47.

Patent claim Eot protected under Chicago Convention.

4.

Detention ofaircraft.

PAI(I VII-SAIiETY REGUI.

{TION OF CMLAVIANON 49.

General safety powers and duties.

50.

State SafetyProgramme.

51.

Powertopreventflight.

9.

Right to access.

53.

Safety assessment for foreign air operators.

Y.

Personnel licence.

55.


Airworthinesscertificate.

56.

AirOperatorCerrificare.

57.

Privileges of licence- certificate and authorisation.

58.

Approved mainrenance and ftaining organisations.

59.

Forms ofapplication.

60.

Airports and air navigation facilities safety standards.

61.

Limitation on construction of refuse disposal.

62.

Duties of air operator and personnel.

63.

Inspection of aircraft.

&.

Amendment, modificat]on, suspension and revocation of certificate.

65.

Prohibition 6.
65.

Prohibition 6.

Training school.

67.

Validxion.

68.

Right to access for inspection.

@.

Document to be carried on board aircraft.

b Civil AviationAct iv No.27 '70.

Transportation ofdangerous goods by air' 71.

Certification of aircraft maintenance organisations.

72.

Certification of aviation training organisations.

2023 PART ]X_AIRCRAFTACCIDENTSAND SERIOUS iNCIDENTS INVES'TIGATIONS 73.

Application of this Parr 74.

EstablishmentofSierraLeoneAircraftAccidentandlncidentlnvestigation Bureau.
75.

FundsofBureau.

76.

Aircraft accident victims and families.

77.

Objectives of investigations.

78- FunctionsofBureau.

fi- Powers of Bureau.

80.

AppointrnentofCommissioner 81.

.Functions of Commissioner.

82.

Powers of Commissioner.

83.

Appoinunent of lnvestigator-in{harge.

U. Appointaent of other staff.

85- lnvestigation jurisdictions.

86.

Notification of accidents and serious incidents.

n. Decision as to extent of investigation.

88.

Delegation of investigation.


89- Duty to avoid conflict of interest 90.

Preservation of evidence.

91.

Protection of investigation records.

92.

Administration of balancing test.

%.

Investigator not compellable witness.

y+- Draft final report on investigation.

%.

Final report on investigation.

, t D No.

27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 96. v7.

98.

Safety recommendations.

Re-opening of investigation.

Offence.

PART X _ECONOMIC REGULATIONS 9.

Air transport licences.

100.

Aerialworkpermit.


i0i.

AA routes ard airways.

1C2- Ce*ificarion ofaircraft maintenance organisations.

I 03.

Certification of aviation training organisations.

lO4.

Terms and conditions of licence.

105.

Foreip air operators to be licensed 106.

Power ofAuthority to modify, suspend or revoke licerce.

lW.

Charges.

108.

Application of lv{ontreal Convention on Unification of Rules.

109.

Air transport services insurance.


PART)il _ ESTABLISHMENTAND MANAGEMENTOI'AERODROMES I 10.

Establishrncnt ofaerodromes.

I 11.

Authorisation for establishment of aerodrome.

ll} Certificationand regulation of aerodrome.

I13.

Aerodromes register.

114- Environmental factors to be considered in establishing aerodromes.

I 15.

Power to certifi' aerodromes.

l16.

Customs, immigration and health services.

117.

Obstructions near aerodrome.

ll8.

Trespass on aerodrome.

119.


Restriction or1 use of adjacent land.

!

vl No.27 CivilAviarionAct 2023 PART )(II _AVIATION SECLTRTTY Lfr.

Aviation securitY.

l2l.

Aviation SecuritY Policies ln.

National CivilAviation Security Programme' lZ3.

Power to stop and search' 124.

Advanced Passenger Information System and Passenger Name Record SYstem.

125.

SecuritY Oversight Unit' PART XIII * OFFENCES AND PENALTIES l?5.

Offences- lZ7.

CivilPenalties.

128.

Ceneral criminal Penalties' l2g.


Unlawful seizre of aircrafr 130. lnterference with crew members, etc' I3l.

Othercivil aircraft offences' 132.

Weapon and explosive violation' 133. lnterference with safe operation of aircraft' ly.

Unlawful interference with civil aviation' 135.

False information.

|%.Removingconcealingorwithhoktingpartofaircraftinvolvedinaccidant.

lT1.

Dangerous goods' 138.


Prosecution by Attorne'y-Geaeral' l3g- Procedure for civil penalties' PART XIV - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS l 140.

Sovereignty cvertleAirspace of Sierra Leone 141.

Regulation for safety of navigation' l4Z lntercePtion of civil aircraft ifJ.

Uit*" of 14F'.

Non-scheduled fliCht 145.

Scheduled air serviccs aviation prohibited' "iuil No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 vll 146,.

Cabotage 147.

Pilotlessaircraft 148.

Prohibited areas 149.

Landing at customs airport 150.


Application of aviation regulations 151.

Rules ofthe air 19'.

Enty and clearance regulations I53.

Prevention ofthe spread ofdisease l5/'.

Airport and related charges 155.

Searchofaircraft 156.

Regisrationofaircraft 157.

Sierra Irone registered aircraft and nationality 158.

Dual registration prolribited 159.

Laws goveming registration 160.

Displayofmarks 16l.

Report of Registrations 16Z Facilitation of Formalities 163.

Customs and immigration procedures l@'.


Custorns duty 165.

Aircraft in distress 166.

Investigation of Accidenfs 167.

Air navigation Facilities and standard systems 168.

Aircraft radio equipmeut I 1@.

Certificares of airworthiness l7O.

Licenses of personnel l7l.

Recognition of certificates and licenses 172.

Jotrney log books vlu No.27 I Civil Aviation Act 2023 173.

Cargo restrictions L74.

PhotograPhic aPParatus 175.

Adopti'on of international standards and procedtres 176.
Depaffures from international standards and procedures 177.

Endorsement of certificates artd licenses 178.

Validity of endorsed certificates and licenses 1'1g.

Desigration of routes and airports 180.

Regisr'ation of New arangements 181.

Transfer of Certain Functions and Duties lg2.

Penalty fornon-conformity of airline 183.

RePeals' 184.

Savings' 185.

Regulations' a Srcr.rro this l Tth day o/,4pril, 202 j DR. JULIUS MAADA BIO, P res ident.
(} No.27 Ztj23 Sierra Leone THE CIVIL AVIATION ACT, 2023 Short title.

Bcing an Act to provide for the repeal and replacement of the Civil Aviation Act, 2Al9 (.Act No.

Z of 20I9), to provide for an effectil'e aviation safety and securig oversight system; to provide for the incorporation of the requirements of the Chicago and I\{ontreal Conventions inta domestic law anrt to provide frrr other relete{t matters.

tl EHncrEo by the President and Members of par liarnent in this present Parl iantent assernbled.
Datc of com- rrrencemcnl.

2 No.27 Civil -.tviation Act 2$23 lnterprctation.
in this Ast, unless the context othenvise requires- PAI{TI..PRELIM]NARY "air ticket sales charge" rteans a chargt' levied for air travel irr Siena Letlne in accordancr: with::ectiorr 2 of the Foreigp 'Iravel Ticket Ta:i Act' i 9 75 (Act No' 14 o1 l9?5); "Aflonrey-General" means the Attorney Gr'lleral and Minister of Justice; "Atrtlitor General" means the Auditor General appointed runder section 119 of the Constit':tion ol' SierraLeone' 1991; "Authority" means the Sicna Leone Civil Avialion AuthoritY referred to in section 3; "balancing test" means the determinatiorr hy the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone of the impact a disclosure or use of accident and incident investigation records may have on current or future investigations; "Board" means the Board tlf Directors of theAuthority referred to in section 4; "Bureau" means the Sierra Lecne Aircraft Accident and Serious Incident Investigation Bureau establisheri under section 74; "Chicago Convention" means the Conveniion on International Civit Aviation concluded in Chicago' U.S.A. on the ?th December in 1944 and came into the actions effect in 1947, its Articles which gov€m of the contracting Slates in matters of international civit aviation safety directlv and the Annexes to the Convention, which set International Civil Aviation Organisation Standards and Recommended Practices; "citizen of Sierra Lrone" means-- No.
27 Ctvil,4:viation Act 2023 J t (a) an individual who is a citizen of Sierra hone; (b) a partnership of which each member is a citizen ofSiena Leone; or G) a corporation or association registercd under the iaws of Sierra Leone: "civil aircraft" means an aircraft, other than a state or public aircraft; "commercial air transport operation" means an aircraft operation involving the transport of passengers, cargo or mail for remuneration or hire; "contracting state" means a contracting state to the Chicago Convention: "Council" means the Council ofthe International Civil Aviation Organisation; "court" means a court of competent jurisdiction; "crew nrember" means a person assigned to pertbrm duties on an aircraft during flight; "Director-General" means the Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority appointed under s ectian 22: "domestic commercial air transporf' means the carriage by aircraft ofpersons or property for renruneration or hire orthe carriage ofmail within Sierra Leone: ''emergency" lneans a sudden serious event or situation rvhich requires immediate action to avert and or mitigate an aviaiion disaster; 4 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 "foreign air crperatrlr" mears any operator, not being a Sierra Leone air operator, which uudertakes, whether directly or indirectly or by lease or any other arrangernent, to engage in comrnercial air transporf operations within borders or airspace of Sierra Leone, whether on a scheduled or charter basis, "geueral aviation operation" means an aircraft operatiorr of a civil aircraft other than a colrunercial air transport opemtion or aerial wr:rk operation; "(iovemmenl" means the Govemment of Sierra L.eone; " lnternational C ivil Aviation Organ ization" rneans the lntemational Civil Aviation Organisation established by the Chicago Convention, as a specialised agency of the United Nations charged with the responsibility of coordinating and regulating intenrational air transport; "international commercial air transport" rneans the carriage by aircraft of persons or
 property for rernuneration or hire or the carriage crf mail between 2 or more countries; "Minister" means the Minister responsible for civil aviation; and "Minrstry" shali be construed accordingly; "'National l)iatfirrm" rneans the Nati,:ual Platfonn for Disaster fusk Reduction comprising persons from different sectors and areas of training with diyerse knorvledge and skills brougirt rogetlter to advocate, plan.
advise and promc'rc the irlrplemcntation ofthe frarnework faraction to prevent or mitiqate disaster; '-olrier"' includes the actual cwner cf an aircraft; t !

No.

27 Civil Avialion Act 2023 5 "passage" includes reasonable landing and stoppage Continuation in the course, or for rhe pL,rposes, of the passag.

;f iri,lii t^)Ii an aircraft.

Conpany.

"person" means an individual, firnr, partnership, corprtration, compan), association, joint slock association or other incorporated body ofpersons.
and includes any trustee, receiveq assignee, or other similar representative of these entities; "sierra Leone Airports Authorit-v" means the Sierra Leone Airports Authority established by the Siena Leone Airports Authority Act, 1988 (Act No.
8 of re88); "state aircraft' means an aircraft owned and operated by the govemment for non-commercial purpose and those used in the rnilitary, customs or police services of Sierra Leone or other state enforcemenl bodies: "territory" rneans the territory of Sierra Leone cornprising the land areas and territorial waters adjacent therfio under its sovereignty.

suzerainty, protection or mandate.

2.


ThisAct and regulations made under it, shall apply, except Application rvhere expressly excluded,- (a) in or over any part ofSierra Leone; (b) to citizens of Siena Leone; and (c) to persons on.
an aircraft- (i) registered in Sierra Leone; (ii) operated by a Sierra Leonean air operator: ()r (iii) operated by an operator rvho has his prirrcipal place ofbusiness or permanent rcsidence in Sierra [-eone: 6 No.27 Citil A"-iation Act 2$23 (d) to aircrafts and to persons oir board an aircraft, for the time being in or over Sierra Leone; (e) to holders of licences and certificates when exercising the privileges associated therervittr outside Sierra Leone; (0 to foreign aircrafu in Sierra Leone; @) to Sierra Leone air navigation and civil aerodromes tn 5i"tm l-etrnei ft) to air transport sen'ices and aerial works in Sierra lrone; (D to airnavigation services in Sierra Leone and on behalfof Sierra Leone; and 0 to aircraft accidents or seri<-rus incidents occun'ing- (i) in or over Sierra Leonean territory or rvithin the corresponding airspace: (ii) in waters which do not fall under the sovereignry of a state when Sierra I-eone is the state of registry (uD in the territory ofa contracting state of the Internationai Civil Aviation Organisation which does rtot intend to conduct an investigation in accordance with Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation; and (iv) in ttre tenitory ofa non-contracting state of the lnternational Civil Aviation Organisation r.vhich does not intend to conduct an investigation in accordance with Annex 13 of *re Convention on Intemational Civil Aviation- No" 27 Citil Aviation Act 2$23 7 PART il -TTiE SIERIIA LEO].
{E CIVIL AVIAIION AI-ITI.IORITY 3.

(1) There is irereby continued in existe,'tce, the body continuation which irnmediateiy befcrre the commencement of this Act, was tnnr* of Authority' as the Sierra Leorre Civil Aviation Authoriry'.

g The Authority shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and capable ofacquiring holding and disposing of property, whelher rnovable or immovabie, and of suing and being sued in its corporate name and.
subject to thisAct, ofperforming all such acts as bodies corporate may by law perform.

(3) The Authority shall have a common seal, the use of rvhicb shall be authenticated by the signatures of- (a) the Chairman or other member of the Board authorised either generally or specialiy by the Board in that behalf; and (b) the Diredor-GtrErd or srxre dlrer persn artforisd S tlreBud intM bdtdf.

4.

(l) ThegoverningbodyoftheAuthorityshallbeaBoard Board of in rvhich shall be vested.
subject to this Act, the control ,nO '\uthoritY supewision of the Authoriry.
Q) The Board shall consist of a Chairman and the tbllowing other rnembers- (a) the Permarrent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Aviation; (b) the Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; (c) the Solicitor-General; (d) the Financial Secretarl', Ministry of Finance 8 No.27 CivilAviation Act 2023 (e) 3 persons with cognate experieuce in aviation, appointed by the President subject to the approval of Parliament; and (D theDirector-General (3) The Chainnan and other rttt:mbers referred to itt paragraph (e) ofsubsection (2), shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the N{inister subject to the approval of Parliament, but a person shall not be appointed Chainnan, ifhe has a fmancial interest, whether directly or indirectly; in a business or undertaking in civil aviation.
Tenure of mcmbers.

5.

(l) The Chairman and other members appointed under paragraph (e) of subsection 2 of section 4 shall hold office for a period of 3 years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for a further termof3 years only.

Q) A person shall cease to be a member of the Board on any of the following grounds- (a) inability to perfr:rm the functions of his offtce by reason of infimrit_v of urind or body; O) for proven misconducq (c) if he becomes bankrupt or insolvent; (d) if he is convicled an<!
sentenced l"or an offence involving liaud or clishonesty: (e) if he fails to attetd three ccnseortive meetings of the Board witlror:t reasonable cause; ?

(, if he resigns his office by uritten notice to the Minister.

No.

27 Civil Avialiott Act 2023 9 6- (i) The Board shall meet for the dispatch of its business Mectings of as often as necessary but shall meet at least once every 3 months Boatd and at such time as the Chairman may determine.

I (2) The Chairman shall preside at every meeting of the Board.
and in his absence, the membem present shall appoint a mcinber fiom arnong themselves to preside at that meeting.

(3) Aminimum of 5 members of thc Board may.

by notice in writing signed by them, request the Chairman to summon a special meeting of the Board for such purposes as ma)' be stated in the notice.

(4) The Chairman or, in his absence, the member appointed to act in his behalf shall summon a special meeting within 5 days ofhis receipt ofthe notice referred to in subsection (3).
(5) fhe quoruol at a meeting of the Board shall be -5 (O The Chairman or other person presiding sball have a casting vole where there is an equality of votes- (7) A proposal circulated among all members and agreed to in writing by a tw'o-thirds majority of all members shall be of the same force or effect as a decision made at a duly constituted meeting of the Board and shall be incorporated in the minutes of the next succeeCing meeting of the Board: Prcvided that, ii a member reguires that such oroposal to be placed before a meetrng of the Board, this subsection shall not apnly to that proposal" (8) The Board may' co-opt a person tc attend and participate in its deliberations on any uraller but such person shall not vote on an-"- issue for the decision by the tsoard.
(9) The tsoard shall cause minutes of all its m.eetings to be taken and signed by the Chainnan and kept in proper form- 10 No.27 Civil Aviatian Act 2023 Disclosure of i nterest.

proceoure (10) Subject to this Act, the Board shall regulate its own i 7 - (l ) A member of the Board who has an interest.
rvhether direct or lndirect, in a rnatter being considered or to be considered by the Board, shall dischse the nature of his interesl to the Board and tire disclosure shall Lre recorded in the minutes of the Board and such mernber shail not take part in a deliberation or decision oi'the Board relatin.g to that maffer.

Q) A member of thc Boald who contravenes subsection ( I ) commits a rnisconduct and shall bc removed frorn the Board.

imrrunity of members.

8.


(l) An action or other proceedings shall not lie or be instituted against a member of the Board or member of a committee of the Board for or in respect of an act or thing done or omitted to be done in good faith in the exercise of his ftmctions under this Act.

@ A member of the Board shall not be personally liable for a debt or obligation of the Authoriry,.

Secretarr- to the Board.

9.


(1) 'I'he Board shall, on the recommendation of tl-'e Director-C eneral, des i gnate an emplo;,ee of the Authori ty irs Secretary to the Board u,ho shallperfonn such functions as may be directed by the Board or the Director-General.

(2) 'l"he Secretary shall.

in addition to any function that may be assigned to hirn by tlrc Board or the Director-(lcneral.

be rcsponsible for- (a) taking the minutes ol: th.)
meetings or the Board; (bt keeping the olllcial seal ani ri:cortis of ail decisions of the Board; (c) the performance of such other functions as the Board or the Director-Generai.

t:lay &on tirne to time assign to hirri.

No.

27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 1t (3) The Secretary shall, unless under exceptional circumstances in which the Board otherwise directs in writing, attend all meetings of the Board, but shall not have a right to vote on a matter before the Board.

10.
10.

(1) The Board rnay, for the discharge of its frrnctioflS, Committees appoint one or more committees lo perfonn such functions as the of Board.

Bcard may determine.

(2) A committee ofthe Board appointed under subsection ( I ), shall consist of members ofthe Board or non.members or both as the Board may decide.
(3) Without preiudice to the generaliiy of subsection ( l), the Board shall appoint an Audit Committee consisting of such members of the Board, excluding the Director-General, performing such furrr:tions as the Board nray dctennine.

(4) A^ committee shall submit a report of its proccedings to the Board at such tirne as the Board may determine" Il.
(l) Subject to this AcL the Board shall be responsible :;ffi;::, for- (a) supervision of ttre Authority, including overseeing the sound and proper financial management of the Authority: (b) provision of such policy guidance and advice as will securc the efficient implementation o!'

the functions of the Authority and enhance the ovcrall performance of the Authoriq,; (c) detennine ar:d appr ove estirnates.
incontr anil expeuditure of the Authoriry: and (d) determine the terms and conditions ol employment of the staffof the Aurhoriry t2 No" 27 Civil Aviation Act 2423 (2) The Board shall approve the organisational structure of the Authority which shall include administrative and technical departments, inspectorate divisions and units rrecessialy for the proper functioning ofthe Authority in accordance with paragraph (c) ofsubsection (2) ofsection l7- f Remuneration of members.

Filling of vacancies.


12- The Chainnan and the other members of the Board and a person co-opted by the Board under subsection (8) ofsection 6 shall be paid such remuneration: fbes and allowances approved by the Minister and shall be reimbursed by the Authority for expenses incurred in connection with the discharge of their functions. '

13.

(1) \Lhere the Chaiflrumor amember oftlie Board referred to in paragraph (e) of subsection 2 of section 4 dies.
resigns, is removed from office or is absent for a continuous period exceeding 3 months or is by reason ol'illness unable to perform the tunctions of his office for a continuous period of 6 months- (a) the metnbers of the Board shall, as the case may be, elect one of their nttmber to act as Chairman until such time as the Chainnan resumes his office or another is appointed in his stead; and (b) in the case ofthe membel the Chairman shall, subject to this Act, have anollter person appointed to the Board.
Q) Where a person is appointed as Chairman or appointed as a member to fill a vacancy, he shall hold oftice for the remainder of the tenn ofthe previous Chairman or member, as the case may be.

and shall.

subject to this Act, be eligible fbr re-appointment.

PART III-OBJECTS, FLTNCTIONS AND POWERS OF SIERRA LEONE CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY 14.
'lhe objec.t of the Authority is to promote sa{bty- securiry and facilitation, economic aud environmental efficiency ol civil aviation in Siena Leone by regulating including, Iicensing, certifring and authorising civil aviation, in accordance with the obligations of Sierra Leone under the Chicago Convention and other applicable international agreements.

in order to-- :- Object ofA uthoritv No.


27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 l3 (a) meet intemational and domestic demands fbr air fransportation and cargo services in Sierra Leone; (b) provide oversight in the operation and maintenance of aerodromes and related aviation facilities; and (c) advise Govemment on the efficient levelopment of the aviation industry.

15.
15.

(l) The Authoriry shall be responsible for civil aviation Functions of in Sicrra l.eone and the implementation and enforcement of this Act Authoritv and regulations made under it and the obligations of Sierra Leone under the Chicago Convention and other applicable intemational agreenlents.

@ Without prejudice to the generaliq, of subsection ( I ).
the Authority shall have responsibility to- (a) be the national competent authority for the implementation and coordination of Internatioual CivilAviation Organisation and other civil aviation matters.
(b) prolnote and develop safety and security in civil aviation, including oversight; (c) put in place arrangements to frain its staff to acceptable standards and competency for the performance of their duties; (d) ensure due conrpliance with the convenrions, annexes: protocols, standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation; s 14 No.27 Civil AviationAct 2023 (e) establish a State Safety Programme and a National Sruveillance Programme to achieve an acceptable level ofsafety in civil aviation: (0 develop guidelines and guidance for the irnplementation of a saf'ety mallagement system that requires operators and stakeholders in the aviation sector to incorporate safety marragement s)'slclns in their operational activities; G) enter into agreements for co-operative endeavours in the field of civil aviation, aviation safety and security with other contracting states, international and regional organisations; (h) enforce the requirements conlained in the National Civil Aviation Securitl,' Prograrnme; (i) license and register aircraft and ensure safery of air navigation and aircralt" inciuding airworthiness; 0 collaborate insecuring,tothe highestdegree practicable, uniformity in regulations, standards and procedures in relation to aircraft.
personnel, airways anci auxiliary services in orderto faciliute and irnprove air navigation by adopting and alneuding, where practicable, the standards and reconrmended practices and technical guidelines issued by the lnternational Civil Avi a t ion Organ isation to contracting srates alrd ntodel regulations developed by a Regional Safety Oversight Organisation of which Sierra l-eone is a nrember; No.
27 Civil AyiationAct 2023 l5 (t) enter into mutual agreements in the event of lease, charter or interchange ofan aircraft for the trarrsfer of all or part of the safety oversight responsibilities in respect of the aircraft to ensure continuous surveillance of the registered aircraft to the state of the operator; O register and de-register- (i) aircrafts; (ii) interests in aircrafts or a part of aircrafts.
including the recognition ofthe validity of certificates or licences of foreign registered aircrafts; (m) recognise certificates of airworthiness, certificates of competency, radio licences and other licences issued by other contracling states; (n) license ancl certif!

civil aviation inspeclors" security personnel responsible fbr screening, special agents.
auditors or other propcrly, licensed or certified persons; (o) make regulations with respect to securiry rneasures tbr the purpose of safeguarding civil aviation against acts of criminal violence, aiL piracy, the introduction ol unauthorised weapons, explosives or incendiary devices onto an aircraft; (p) licensc air transport, subjcct to relevant rules and directives in force" for the econouric regulation of airports- airlines, airport catering, ground handling service operators.
avialion l'r'cight forx.arders and other providers of air transport services: 3 t6 No.27 Civil lviation Act 2023 (q) license and register aircraft so as to ellsure airworthiness of aircrafts and safety in air navigation: (r) coordinate and participate in aeronautical search and rescue: (s) license aircraft operations pcrsonnel inclurling cockpit and cabin crew, flight and ground engineen, air traffic controllers, llight <iispatchers, air traffrc sert'ice and electronics personnel; (t) train and license persolls engaged in- (i) oversight and monitoring; (ii) maintenance, operatinn and air traffrc services; (iii) aviation securitl': (u) certify, license and authorise aerodrornes and air navigational services and providers; (v) regulate, promote and deveiop air transport operations and services; (w) reguiate and co-ordinate civil aviation firefighting services and faciliries within Sierra Leone; i (x) ensure eft-rcient utilisation cl the navigable airspace, including the provision ofnlles for- fi) safe altitude of flight; No.
27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 17 (ii) prevention of collision between aircrafts, between aircraft and land or watervehicles and objects, and between aircraft and other airborne objects; (iii) the interception and safeguarding of aircraft; (y) provide facilities and personnel for the regulation of air raff-rc ; (z) levy ofcharges for services provided by the Authority for the use of the facilities of the Authoritv and for the issue of licences, permits and certificates; (aa) provide facilities and personnel for the regulation of aviation security; Ob) certi$/ ard regulate air travel agencies; (cc) ensure that air operators, aerodrome operators, concessionaires and users of aerodromes abide by the environmental protection laws and regulations including protection from aircraft noise, engine emission, handling of hazardous material, petroleum product seepage, waste management and applying the appropriate sanctions in the event of violation; (dd) regulate the use ofaeronautical chats and units of measurement in air and ground operations; (ee) publish and disseminate aeronautical information peltaining to civil aviation; 18 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 (tr) establish, develop and rnanage training facilities for the purpose of training of employees in subjects necessary for the proper performance of the Authoriry; (gg) represent Sierra Leone in matters relating to civil aviation; Cnh) advise the Government on matters relating to civil aviation including the execution and implementation of intemational civil aviation agfeements; (ii) receive, coordinate and manage International Civil Aviation Organisation state letters and related matters; ff) take measures to ensure that aerodrome operators provide adequate level of rescue and firefighting services for the category of aerodrome; (kk) authorise, licence and certi!
aviation service providers futcluding ground handling service providers, aviation fuel suppliers, catering service providers, cargo and mail delivery sewice providers and any other allied aviation service providers; 0D regulate siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance and safety management of aerodromes.
(nrn) regulate the establishment and use of aerodromes including the control ofactivities or development of facilities likely to attract rvildlife on or in the vicinity of aerodromes; No.27 CivilAviationAct 2023 19 (nn) regulate standards in aeronautical meteorological services forthe safe conduct ' ofcivil aviation operations; (oo) require persons engaged in or employed in or in connection with air navigation to supply mereorological information for the purposes of air navigation.
(pp) grant aircraft radio station licenses, (qq) regulate aeronautical radio frequency spectrum utilisation in Sierra Leone; (rr) prohibit and regulate the installation of structures, which by virtue of height or position is consideredto endangerthe safelr ofaA navigation; and (ss) perform such other functions as are necessary for the attainment of the objects of the Authority.
(3) The Authority shall by regulation requAe that a civil aircraft operating under its registry or operated by its air operators to cornply with irrterception orders from other states.

16.
(1) TheAuthoriry shall have, for the performance s1i1s Powers of Authority' ' functions under this Act, the power to- (a) receive gifts, grants, donations or endowments made to it or any other monies in respect of it and to make legitirnate disbursement thereof in accordance with this Act; (b) invest monies not immediately required for its purposes in the manner provided in this Act or any other written law; n No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 - (c) cielegate the performance of its duties and functions to other persons, in accordance with a written contract in that regard; (d) establish subsidiaries and enter into such joint ventures, partnerships and other associations with public or priyate institutions as it may consider necessary to enable it to conduct its affairs, perform its functions and discharge its duties; (e) acquire, hire, hold, lease out, dispose ofall types of assets or properly including land: Provided that theAuthority shall not sell, let or otherwise dispose of a building, land or other assets vested in it except with the consent ofand subject to any conditions tirat may be imposed bythe Government; (0 let or hire plant, machinery', equipment or other assets acquired or reguired by the Authority, as the case maybe; and (g) appoint a body or bodies to advise it in reladon to the performance of its functions.
(2) Notwithstanriing subsection (l) the Authoriry shall- (a) promulgate ruies and regulations governing the notification and reporting of incidents involving aircrafu in coordination with the bureau; (b) carr.v out investigations into complaints or occun'ences relating to aviation safety and securify, after due notice to the persons concemed; No.
27 CivilAviation Act 2023 2t (c) by order require a person to take such action as may be necessary to prevent further violafi on of this Act, regulations, rules, orders or directives; (d) take necessary steps or corrective actions, including the grounding of an aircraft or sealing premises of an air mnsport service provider or provider of allied avi at i o n service, in orderto implementthe findings of accidents and incidents investigations and ensure compliance with this Act and the regulations, rules, orders or directives made under it; and (e) implement mandatory and voluntary safety reporting system and ensure the establishment of protection mechanism for satety data and safety information and related sources in accordance with ICAO SARPs.
17.

(l) TheDirector4eneralshallhavepowertoperformsuch Powers of B:t"ttf,]:- acts, including issuing and amending directives,.

orders, *1"r' regulations and procedures and conduct investigations other tian aircraft accidents and serious incidents, pursuant to and in accordance with this Act.

(2) Notwithstanding the generality of subsection (l), the Director-General shall have power to- (a) publish reports, orders.
decisions, rules, and regulations issued under this Act in such form and rnanner as may be best adapted for public information and use; (b) take evidence, issue subpoenas, and take depositions in the conduct ofpublic hearings or investigations authorised by this Act; t D No.27 Civil Aviation Aet 2023 (c) establish, subject to the approval of the Board, the organisational structure of the Authority which shall include adminisfative and technical departments, inspectorate divisions and units necessary for the proper functioning of the Authority.
(d) appoinq subjectto the approval ofthe Board, senior staffof the Authority.

(e) appoint such otler staffas may be necessary for the proper disctrarge of the functions of the Authorify Power to obtain information 18.
(l) The Director-General shall have power, in the performance of his functions under this Acg to- (a) require, by notice in writing, an air operator or an aviation service provider to fumish, in such form and manner and within such tirne as may be specified in the notice, periodical or other information, estimates or returns concerning such matters as may be specified in the notice; &) interview an air operator or a aviation service provider and require such operator to furnish such particulars as the Director4eneral may require; and (c) require, by notice in writing, an air operator or an aviation service provider to complete a form contained in the notice with particulars relating to a matter specified in the notice and to return it in such rnanner and witbin such time as may be specifisd.
I I , No.

27 Civil,4viationAct 2023 x @ A notice referred to in subsection (l) - (a) may be served by delivering itto the operator or aviation service provider to whom it is addressed or by sending it by registered post to the last known address ofsuch operator or aviation service provider; (b) shall state that it is served in exercise ofthe powers conferred under this section and shall include a general statement of the purpose for rvhich the information, estknates, returns or particulars are required.
(3) When a request to furnish informatiou, estimates, returns or particulars is made under subsection (l ) it shall be furnished by the air operator or aviation service provider concerned or a person specifically authorised for that purpose.
(4) Subject to this section, an air operator or aviation service provider shall, to the best of his l,owledge and belie{ answer when so required, questions put to him orally or in writing by the Director4eneral or an officer of the Authority authorisea i' tt behall; nrjt later than the date specified in the notice.

"t (5) A return or otler commercially sensitive information collected by the Authority under this section shall not be disclosed to a person, unless authorised under subsection (6).
(q A return orother information referred to in subsection (5) may, subject to the directions of the Director-General, be disclosed- a (a) to a person ifrequired fordreperformance of that person's functions under this Act; (b) ifrequired by law or as evidence in a court of law.
24 No.27 Civil Avtation Act 2023 A An air operator or aviation service provider who- (a) fails to answer a question put to him as required under this Act or furnishes an answer to such a question which is false or rnisleading in a materialrespect, knowingthe answer to be false or misleading; or (b) wilfully obstructs the Director-General or an officer or employee of the Authoriry in the performance of his functions under this Act, commits an of,fence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 5,000 United States Dollars or equivalerrt in Leones, or to imprisonmentforaterm not exceeding 12 months or to both such fine and imprisonment.
(8) An officer or employee of the Authorify who, in the course of his performance of any fimction under this Act- (a) wilfully discloses a retum or other information obtained in the course of his perfonnattce of such function to a person not authorised to receive that information; O) uses information obtained in the course of his performance of such function for the purpose of speculating in a stock, bond or other security or goods or services- before , its release is authorised by the Director-- General; or (c) otherwise contravenes this section, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 5,000 United States Dollars or equivaient in Leones.
or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

,' i a No.27 CivilAvitttion Act 2023 ?

( |g.
(0TheDirector4eneralshallhavepowertoisstrewrifienPoweftoissue so ;:#ljl** orders to a p€rson or organisation, where th;;;;;;ces warrant- (a) directing compliance rvithin such time as may t'e specified in the terms and conditions of a licence or certificate issued by the Authority; or (b) requiring the doing of anything which in the opinion of the Director-General, is reasonably necessary to ensure compliance v,'ith this Act and regulations made under this ,{ct. (2) A person or organisation aggrieved by an order issued under subsection (1) may appeal to the High Court which may modify the order as the circumstanc€s of the case may require' (3) For the purpose of investigating whether the terms and conditions of a licence or certificate issued by the Authorry or a provision of this Act are being or have been complied with' an 'inspe"to, oftheAuthority authorised in thar behalfmay' in accordance wiitr ttris Act and the International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and recommended practices relating thereto' - (a) enter the premises of an air operator or other holder ofthe licence or certificate; &) board an aircraft; (c) seize a document or property of an air operator or other holder of the licence or ertifrcate issued by theAuthority under this Act; (d) interview an enrployee of an air opertttor or other holder of the licence or certificaie issued by the AuthoritY under tlis Act; or ?6 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 (e) require the attendance of and question a person referred to in paragraphs (a), (c) and (d) forthe purposes of an investigation.
{4) A person agrieved by a finding of the investigation conducted under subsection (3) may lodge an objection with the Authority which shall give the gbjector the oppornrnity to be heard conceming his grievance before action is taken to apply the prescribed penalty for non-compliance.
I (5) A person who obstructs an inspector of the Authorit-v in the performance of his function under subsection (3), commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$O0Unitedstates Dollars or equivalent in Leones, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both such fine and imprisonmenr Emergency orders 20.
(1) The Director-General shall, whenever he is of the opinion that an emergency requiring imrnediate action exists with respect to safety and security in civil aviation, either- .
(a) upon complaint or the Director-General's initiarive without comPlaint; (b) on the Director'General's orders, without answer or other form of pleading by the interested person or persons, and with or without notice, hearing orthe making or filing of a report, make such just and reasonable orders, rules or regulations as may be essential in the interest ofsafe$ and security in civil aviation to meet such emergency and immediately thereafter initiate acfion relating to the matter giving ri$e to such order, rule, orregulation.
A\ Where an emergency order is issued bythe Dkector- General under subsection (l), a person subject to this Act.

shall observe and comply rvith that order, as long as it shall remain in effect.

, No.

27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 z7 21.. (l) TheDirector-General maygrantexemptions fromths Power to requiremints of observing an order ot rule trnder this Act or in its 1].Tl ^, -- - t*"tnt'ottt' aviation safety and securitiregulations if tn" oirecto.c"""J F,,J, such action would be in the public interest.
A The Director-General shall issue regulations governing the application for and approval ofexemptions.

(3) The Director-Ceneral shall publish any exemption actions taken as approPriate.

(4) Except as provided in subsections (1), (2) and (3), the Director4eneral shall not grantexemptions fromthe requirements of this Act.

PART W-ADMIMSTRATTYE PROVISIONS 22.


0) TheAuthority shall have a Director-General who shall Appointment be appointed by the President, on the recommendation ofthe Minister, of- Director- subjecttothe approvalofParliament.
General' @ A person shall not be qualified for appointnent as Director-Ceneral uader subsection (l), unless he has considerable knowledge and experience in aviation, administration, industry or engineering and has such other qualifications and proven ability in such other fields as may be relevant for the functions oftheAuthori$.

(3) The Director General shall be assisted by 2 Deputy Directors-General referred to in section 26 and any one ofthem may, in the absence ofthe Director-General.
act as Director General.

the of performance ofthe tbllowing functions, to- 23.
The Director-General shall be responsible to the Boar4 for lunctions BXfjrt;1- (a) :;:ffi';"l;I:fi *1$il:1* ofthe duties (i) control over personnel and activities of the Authority; fir) issuance of orders, directives in- structions sr circulars to address specific technical matters; ,x No.27 Civil AiationAct 2023 &) provide overall leadership in the general operations and efftcient administration of the affairs or activities of the Authority; (c) initiate and mailttain highJevel contact with interested parties, both local and intemational, in relevant areas of the operations of tle Authoriry; t (d) monitor and supervise the preparation ofthe annual budgets and reports of the Authority for the review and approval ofthe Board; (e) oversee the work and discipline of other staff of the AuthoritY; and (f} perform such other functions as may be assigned by ttre Board or necessary for the purposes of the AuthoritY.
Porrer to delegate- 24.
(l) The powers conferred on and the functions of the euthority under fhirAct are vested in the Director-General who may exercise them directly or by delegation' 8) The Director-General may, in uriting and subject to this Act, delegate a function of the Director-General to- (a) an inspector or ernployee in a department under his authoritY; (b) a Regional Safety or Security Oversight Organisation; (c) an air operator, an aedal work operator' a general aviation operator, a maintenance facility or to any other qualified person; or No.
27 CtvilAiationAct 2023 E (d) a properly qualified private person, subject to such regulation, supervision and review as may be prescribed: Provide4 however, the Director4eneral shall ensure that such functions are not delegated in such a way that air operators, aerial work or general aviatlon operators and maintenance facilities, in effect, regulate themselves.
(3) The Director General may delegate his safety management and security oversight powers to assigned aviation safety and aviation security inspectors respectively and other qualihed persounel outside of the Authority: Provided, however, the Director General shall ensure that such functions are not delegated in a way that the inspectors and qualifie<l personnel conduct themselves in a way that there is no perceived or potential conflict ofinterest.
(4) The DirectorGeneral shall establish the credentials of the safety and security inspectors of the Authoriry.

(5) The Director General shall, notwithsranding dre power to delegate his functions conferred under this section, bear ultimate responsibility for a function vested in him under this Act.

25.
The Director4eneral shall, in the exercise ofhis functions Public and porvers under this Act, cortsider the following, among other interest things, as being in the public interest- _a (a) the promotion, encouragement and development of safety and security in civil aviation; (b) the regulation of civil aviation in such manner as to bestpromote safety, security, facilitation and economics of air transport; 30 No.27 Civil AviationAct 2023 (c) enhancing public knowledge, awareness and understanding ofthe regulated sectors; and (d) taking into account the need to protect and preserve the environmenl Othcr statf of Authority.
26.

(l) The Authorify shatl have, in addition to the Director- Ceneral, 2 ieputy Directors{eneral, one ofwhom shall be resporsible for administration and the other for technical operations, an lntemal- Auditor and such other offrcers and staffas may be necessary for the efficient performance of the functions of the Authority under this Act.
Q) The Deputy Directors-General, Internal-Auditor and such otherofficers and staffof the Authority shall be appointed by the Board subject to such terms and conditions as the Board shall determine.

Secondment of public officers.

27.

Public offrcers may, at the instance of the Authority' be seconded or otherwise render assistance to the Authority but the Authority may request the withdrawal of a seconded staff who is out his functions in a manner satisfacfory to the unabte to AuthoritY.
"rtty Protection of officers and staff.

28.

A action or other proceeding shall not be brougfit or instituted against the Authority' a Board member, Director4eneral or other staffof the Authoriry or a per'son delegated under subsections e,) *a(3) of section 24 in respectof anything done in pursuance of and or execution ofthis AcL Indemnity cf o{ficers.

29.
29.

A me.mber of the Board a Director-General, an empioy'ee of the Authority or a per:on to whom the Director-General has delegated hisauthorityrmdersubsection(2)ofsection24shalibeindemnifiec Uy rt u Autiority against a civil proceeding brought against hirn *iri"g from the-lawful discharye of the functions or exercise of the powers conferred on the Authority under this Acl No.

27 Citil Aviation Act 2A23 3l 30.
(l) Notwithstanding anyhingcontained in anyotherlsqr Limitation of no suit shall lie against the Authoriry, Board memters, Director- Xi[lr?f;*" General or any other employee of the Authoriry in the execution of a public dufy under this Act or in respect of an alleged negligence or default in execution of a public duty under this Act or such law, unless it is commenced wifhin one year next after the act, negligence, or default complained of, or in the case of continuance of damage or injury, within one year after the ceasing thereof.
Q) A suit shall not be commenced against the Authority, a Board member, a Director-General or staffoftheAuthoritv before the expiration of a period ofone month after written notice of intention to commence fhe suit is served upon the Authority by the intending plaintiffor his agent and the notice shall clearly and explicitly state the cause ofaction, the particulars ofthe clairn, the name and place of abode ofthe plaintiffand the reliefsought.

3I.
3I.

The Director-Genelai shallhave the powerto use, available Cooperation services, equipment, personnel, and fucilities of other agencies .f X:Hg: Sierra Leone with their corlsent, on a reimbursable basis when - appropriate, and on a similar basis to co-operate with those agencies in rhe establishment arrd use of services, equipment and facilities of the Authority.

PN{I V-FINA\ICIAL PROVISTONS 32.
(l) The activities of the Authoritv shall be financed by Funds of AuthoritY' funds consisting of- (a) rnonies appropriated from time to time by Pariiament for the purposes ofthe Authority; &) a safety charge on ail air tickets and freight charges, (c) fees in respect of services provided by the Authority &om the issue or renewal of- 52 No.27 Citil Aviation Act 2023 fi) airtravel organisers licence; (O air transport licences, permits and certificates; (iir) air operator certificate; (iv) calibration of navigation aids; (v) personnel licences; (vi) ticket sales charge; (vii) aircraft maintenance organisation approval; (viii) aircraft regish'ation and certifi cation ; (x) certificate of airwofihiness; (x) rentage of ProPertY, Piant and equipment; (rQ medical examination fees; (xir) sale of information and publications; (xiii) contract registration fees; (xiv) other licence, certificates, permits.
contracts or leases issued under this Act; (xiv) registration of legal insrurnents aud interests; (xv) aerodrome, heliport and helipad operating licence; t No.
27 Civil Aviation Act 2$23 J-) (xvi) grant and renewal of aviation height clearance approval licence to telecom and other entities; (xvri) Aviation Training Organisations; and (n'iii) registration of agencies; (d) iines payable for violation of civil aviation regulations, rules and orders; (e) sums accruing to the Authority bJ, way of gifts, endowments.
bequest, grant or other contributions by persons and organisations ior the purposes of the duthority; (t) i'etulrrs nn investments; (g) other sums rvhich ntay,.

from time to titne, accrue to the Autiroriw.


(2) Tire funds of the Author-ity shall bs divid,:d as follorvs- (a) B0% for the financing ofthe activities ofthe Authority O) l0% to be aliocatetl to ihe Sierra Lecrne AircraftAccident and Incident htvestigation Bureau created under section 74 of this Act; and (c) i0% to be paid into the consolidated fund fbr appropriation by Parlianient.

(3) 'Ihe funds of the Authority shall be applied only for the purposes ol the approved budget of the Authortty.
v Inveslment of funds ol Authority.

Estimates r:i income and expendituie of Authorit-v No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 33.

Furrds of the Authority, not imlnediately required for rnseting an obligation or the discharge of a function of the Authority ma)', with the approval ofthe Board, be invested to the best a.dvantage of the Authority.

34.

(l) The Director-Geueral shall, not la-ler than one lnonth beibre the end r:f the financial year.
prepal'e and submit to the Board for its approval, estimates of the income and expenditure of the Authority for the next ensuing l-inancial year and ma)' at any tinre beftrre the end of the financial year, prepere and submit to the Board ftrr approval estimates supplementary to the estimates for the financial year.

O) An expenditure shall not be made out of'the funds of the Authority unless that expenditure is part of the experrditure approved by the Board under subsection (1).
Ac:L'ount and audit of Auth0nt\'.

35.

(l) The Authority shal!

keep proper books cf accoulrt and other records in relation to the activities, propefty and fiuances of the Authority in a fornr approved by the Auditor-General, and shall prepare in respect ofeach financial year oftheAuthoritv a financial statement wlrich shall include- (a) balance sheet accounts: (b) income and expenditure accormts; and (c) source and application of funds.
- (2) The accounts ofthe Authority kept under subseclion (i ) shall, not later than 3 months after the end ofthe financial year, be audited by the Auditor-General or an auditor appointed by him.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2).

the Auditor General or the auditor appointed by him shall be entitled to have access to all books ofaccount, vouchers and other tinancial records of the Authority and to require such infonnalion and explanation thereon as he may think fit.

No.
No.

27 Civil Aviation Act 2423 3-5 (4) TheAuthority shallprovide theAuditor General or an auditor appointed by him with all necessary and appropriate facilities for the examination of the account and records of the Authority.
(5) The Auditor General or the auditor appointed by hirn shall sublnit to ihe Authority a report on the audited accounts and the financial statements retbrred to in subsection (l ) and shall, in his report draw artention to- (a) irregularities in the accounts; (b) matters that are likely to adversely affect the operations of the Authority; and (c) any other matter which, in his opinion, ought to be brought to the notice of the Authority.

36.
36.

The finaircial year of the Authoritl' shali be the same 35 1[s Financial year of Authoritv' financial year of the Government.

37.

(l) The Authority shall, within 4 months after the end ofAnnual the Ftlancial year.

submit to the Minister an annual report on fllgrcport' performance of its functions during that year and otr its policy and pro€ralnmes.

@ An annual report under subsection (l), shatl include the accounts and annual financial statement under section 35 and the report of the audit thereon.
(3) The Minister shall lay copies of the annual report beforc Parliarnent within 2 months after hc has received {he report.

38.

(l) -l'heAuthorityshallhaveaninternalauditorwhoshall be responsible to the Board.

Internal audit' (2) The internal auditor shall, at the end of every 3 months, submita report on the audit ofthe books and records ofaccount of the Authorilv in respec{ of that period to the Board through the Director.General.
36 No.27 Civil Avialion Act 2023 (3) The internal auditor shall fbrward copies of the report to the Board, the Internal Audit Committee and to the Minister' PART VI._ruRSPACE CONTROLAND FACII.,ITIES Use of air:pacc 39.

(l) 'l'he Directcr-General shall develop, plan for, and tbnnulate policy with respect to use of the navigable airspace of Siena l-eone.
@ The Dircctor-General may assign by rule, regulatiorr, or order the use of the navigable airspace under such terrns' conditions, and limitations as the Director-General may t-tnd necessary to cnsure the safery of aircraft and the efircient utilisation of such airspace.
(3) The aurhorit-v- of the Direcror-General under subsccrion (2) shall ire exercise<i orrl1, in that airspace fbr rvhich air rrirfllc confiol responsibilirJ* has ilot been assigned to a lbreign country by international agreentenr or other arrangement' (4) Sierra Leone Registered aircraft flying over fhc hig,h seas shall ccrmply with rules and regulations as estatrlished under irirnex 2 to the Chicago Conventtott.
(5) Aircraft in distrcss over Sierra l-eorre air spilce shall be providecl with all practical measures of assistance and ma-v- pcnnit tlie owners of the aircraft or the State of Registry to do so' as necessitated by the circumstances.

(6) When unrlertaking search firr tnissing airera[t' the entity rcsponsibie lbi scarch aud rescue shali coll;rborirlc aIId r:*oidinate measulcs in accordance with annex 12 to the Chicugo Convention.
(1) Subiecr to such cortditions as nlay lr prescriircd br' rhe appropriate authorities, Siera Letlne slrall pemrit irnmediat-' entny lnto its teritory of search and rescue units of other states fbr the plrrpose of searching {br the sile ol'i.irctaft accidents anrl r'cscl:ing ..:urvivots of such accidents.

No.

27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 37 40.
(1) fire Director-Generalshall, ashemavrleemltecessary, Regulation of -j air sPace in the interest of aviation safety issue air traffrc issue rules u regulations relating to- (a) flight of aircraft: (b) navigation, protection, and identlfication of aircraft; (c) protection of petsons and properry on the ground; (d) the efficient utilisation of the navigable airsPace, including rules- (i) regulating safe altitude of flight; (ii) for the prevention of collision between aircrafts.
between aircraft and land or water vehicles and objecrs andbetween aircraft and airbome objects: and (e) i};,Tjffi TJ' i,1;i*i'LTj#' J'' :,'""* flying unlaud.rlly above the teritory of'Siena Leone.
(2) Thc l)irector-General shall provide, as required in the irrrerest of a'riation safety" the necessary facilities and personnel for the rcgulation attd protection of air traffic' (-i) 'fhe authotit-v granted to the Director-Gcneral under this scr:r,ir;rr shali 'ne cxercised only in the airspace for which air traffic control responsibrlity iras notbeen assigned to a foreign couutry by inte rnalional sgreement or othet iilrangement' i4) T'he Director-General shatl, in exercisin g the authority granted .r,,idir"hurging the duties imposed by this Act" give full ionsi6et:ati.r, to rh.
requirements of narional def'errce, commercial and generai aviation an,C the public riglrt of transit tkough the navigable airspace.

38 No.27 Civi!

AviationAct 2423 Authority to enter into cooperalive aviation agrcenlcnt Bilateral exchange of safety ovcrsight responsibi- I itics.

41.

(l) The Director-General shall encourage international eurd regional cooperation in the regulation and administration of aviatiou and sectuilY.
(2) The Director-General may enter into agreements for co-safety operative endeavoul's in aviation safegr 616 securiry- r,i'itlr other regional contracting SEtes to the Convention on llltenlat;onal Civil Aviation and shall, in co-ordination with ministry responsible for foreign affairs, negotiate, agree to and manage such regional intemational agreements' (3) The Director-General may, wbere appropriate to civil aviation safety and security and the public interest, delegate certain aviation safety and security tasks under the international agreement to citizens ofSierra Leone or to citizens of other contracting States or regional bodies with which Sierra Leone has entered into an internati<lnal or regional agreement.
(4) The Director-General may, subject to the approval of the Board, cause to be implemented fiom time to tirne' surcharges on ticket sales by international passengers for the purpose of meeting obligations arising from international and regional cooperative safbty and sccurity irrangemenLs.

42.
42.

(l) The Authority may pursuant to Article 83 bis of the Convention on Intemational Civil Aviation and bilateral agreement with the aeronautical authorities of another state which has ratified Article 83 bis, transfer to, accept or recognise from that sfate all or part of their respective firnctions and duties with respect to registered aircrafu underArticle l2 (Rules of the air).
Article 30 (Aircraft Radio Equipment), Article 3 I (Certificate ofAirworthiness), orArticle 32(a) (licenses of personnel) of the Convention.
(2) The Authority shall relinquish responsibilitv rvith respect to the functions and duties transferred by the Authoritl' under subsection ( I ) for Siena Leone registered aircraft transferred abroad and accept responsibility with respect to the functions and duties under those articles of the Convetrtion, fbr aircraft registered abroad that are transferred to Sierra l-eone.

t No.
t No.

27 Civil lviation Act 2tr23 39 (3) The Authority may predicate in the agrecnient, the transfer of functions and duties under this subsection on any conditionr: the Authoritv deems neccssary and prudent, except that thr Arrthoritl' nla)' not trausfer responsibilities for Sierra Leone registere<l aircraft 1o a country tliat the Authoriq determines is not in conrpiiance with its obligation under international law tbr salbty oversight of crvil aviation.
(4) The Authority lnay, pursuant to an agreemententered into under this section, recogtise certificates and licences issued or rendered valid hy the slate ofan operator.

(5) The Authority shall notiff and inforrn the lntemational Civil Aviatiou Organisation and other states concerned ofthe transt'er arrangemelll of tire e.rlistence of an agreement.

(6t I'he Authority shall have the powet to exchange with fcreigr governrlrents through appropriate authorities of the goverirmelrt olsierra Leone.
information pertaining to civil aviation.

PART' V I I- NATIONALITYAND AIRCRAFT OWNERSI{IP .13.
(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), an aircraft shall Aircrali not fly or operate within Sierra Leone unless- regtstratron (a) it is registered- (i.; in Sierra l-eone: (ii) in a conffacting state of lntemational Civil Aviation Orgzurisation, or iiii) in a state in which Sierra Leone has entered into an agreernent rvith regard to the registration o1'aircraft; and (b) it bears, in the prescribed ntanner, the necessary nationality and registration marks.
40 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 g Notwithstanding subsection (l)' - (a) where special circulnstances exist, the Authority may, subject to such conditions as the Authoriry thinks fit, exempt a foreign registered aircraft &orn flying or operating within Siena Leone; .
(b) an unregistered aircraftmay fly rvithin Sierra Leone, if and as long as it is flown for the purpose of- or in connection with an experiment ortest, or any otherpurpose which appears to the satisfaclion of the Authority to be valid to pennit the aircraft to fl1' umegistered.

(c) the Director General may €xclnpt kites' porvered parachutes and drones frotn registration.
(3) An aircraft exempted under subsections (2) shall carr.v' in addition to other doculnents which it may be required to carry under this Act, au exeinption registration certificatc or an1' r)ther document, certifying that the aircraft is so exempted and stating any conditions subject to which the exemptinn rvas granted' (4) A person rvho cotttravenes subsection ( 1) or rvho tlies or operates an aircraft bearing natiorality and registration marks purporting to have been iegistcred in a statc olher tltan u'hcrc il has been registerecl, commits an ol'fence and is liable on conviction 1o a fine not less than 50,000 uniled sEtes dollars or equivalent io l,eones or to imprisonment for a term not less than l0 years or to both such finc and imprisonment.
a Recordin3 of interest in a ircraft.

44.

(l) The Director-Cieneral shall estabiish and niaintain a National Civil Aircraft Register; a system for recc'rding doculnents rvhich affect title to or inrcrest in a civil aircraft regisfered in Sieira Leone and in an aircraft engine, propeller, appliance or spare part intended for use on an aircraft registered in Sien"a Leone' No.
27 Civil AviationAct 2023 4t (2) A document affecting title to or an interest in an aircraft' propeller, appliance or sqar: part shall not be valid' aircraft urf"tt it I r""ota"a in the National Civil Aircraft Register' "ngin", (3) The validity of a document recorded in the National Civil Aircrait Register shail, unless otherwise specified bythe parties ,i.t io= be deteimined under the laws of Sierra Leone and the requiretnents for documents to be recorde'd shall be specified in regulations issued by the Director-General' 4s.
(l) The Authoriry shan, by resultlon1 made 11ferr{: }|n?Jh:t Act, authorise a persorL as may be specified in the regulaflons' Io deaths in keep records of-- aircraft' (a) :#i:il'rff :,::H:?#,il'-ls# Leone; and (b) death, outside Sierra Leone' ofapersonwho' being a traveller on an aircraft registered in Sieri Leone, is killed on the joumey in an aviation accident.

(2) The Authority shall keep a record of retums made to it under subsection (l)' (, A person who contravenes subsection (l) commits an offence.
and is iable on conviction to a t-ure not exceeding 25'000 United Stares clollars or the equivalent in Leones: Provided llowever that proceedings for an offence under this section shall not be instituied except by or with the consent ofthe Afromey-General and Minister of Justice' 46.
(l) A lawful entry into Sierra Leone or a lawful transit ilffiit;";1. across Sierra Leone, with or without landings, of an aucratt shall not of aircraft on Patent claim' entail- hv No.27 Ctvil Aviation Act 2023 (a) a seizure or detention of the aircraft; O) a proceeding being brought against the o\.\mer or operator ofthe aircraft; or (c) any other interference with the aircraft, by or on behalfofa person in Sierra Leone, on the ground that the construction, mechanism, pafis, accessories oroperation ofthe aircraft is an infringement of a patent, design or model.
(2) Duringthe inportation into and storage in Sierra lrone ofspare parts and equipment tbr an aircraft and their use and installation in the repair of an aircraft there shall not be allowed- (a) seizure or detention ofthe aircraft or ofthe spare parts or equipment; O) proceedings being brought against the owner or operator ofthe aircraft or the owner ofthe spare parts or equipment; or (c) any other interference with the aircraft spare parts or equipment, by or on behalf of a person in Sierra Leone, on the ground that the spare parts or equipment or their use or instaliation are an infringellleri of a paietit, design or model.
(3) Subsection (2) shall not apply in relation to spa.re parts or equipment which are sold or distributed in Sierra Leone or are exported from Sierra Leone for sale or distribution.

(4) A deposit of security shall not be required in connection with an exernption from seizrre or detention ofthe aircraft.

No.

27 Civil Aviatt<tn Act 2023 4: 47.


(l) where it is allege<i by an interes"g. p.1t"i-1:1, IllT:r::X'#, foreign aircrafl, other than an aircraft to which section 46 apphes' una., crri""go which is making a passage through or over Sierra Leone, infringes Convention.
in itsetf or in Jpart of ii, an inventioq design or model which is entitledtoprotectioninSierraLeone,itshallbelauflrl'subjectto an,l in accordance with Rules of Court, to detain the aircraft until its orvner deposits or secures in respect of the alieged in&ingement' a ..the deposited surn'" which shall be such sum as sum referied to as may be agreeri betrveen the interested parties or in default of ug.
""*.rt] frxed by the Authority or some person duly authorised on ii U"t rtf and shall be made or secured to the Authority in such manner as niay be approved by the Authority' (2) An aircraft in respect of which a deposited sum has beenmadeundersubsection(1),shallnot,duringthecontinuanceor in the course ofthe passage, be subject to a Iien, arrest' detention or prohibition whether by order of a Court or otherwise' in respect of or on account of the alleged infringqment' 4g.
(l) TheAuthoritymaydetainorseizeanaircraftwhi"hit P*lu" nr found to be engaged in an improper or illegal activity or to secure the compiian.. *i* this Act or regulations made under it and may make such further provisions as appears to the Authority to be necessary or expedient for securing the detention' 8) Where there is a default in the payment ofairport and airnavigation charges incurre'd in respect ofan aircraft at an aerodrome' the Auihority may, subject to this section' detain' pending pavrnent- (a) an aircraft in respect of which the charges were incurred, whether or not they were incurred by the person who is the operator of the aircraft at the time when the detention begins; or (b) any other aircraft of which the person in default is rhe operator at the time when the detention begins.
tA No.27 Cittil Aviation Act 2023 (3) Where the charges are not paid within 60 days of the datewhen the detention begins, the Authorif ma-v sell the aircraft in order to satis$ the charges.
(a) The Authority shall nct detain or continue to detain an aircraft under this section by reason of an alleged defuult in the payment of airport charges if the operator ofthe aircraft or any other person claiming an interest in the aircraft- (a) disputes that the charges, or any part of them, are due; and (b) gives to the Authority, pending the determination of the dispute, sufficient security for the payment of the charges which are alleged to be due.
(5) The Authority shall not seil an aircraft under this section without leave of the court, and the court shall not grant leave except on proofthat- (a) a sum is due to the Authority for airport charges; (b) default has treen made in the paynenr of the charges; and (c) the aircraft which the Authority seeks Ieave to sell is liable to sale under this section by reason ofthe defaull t6) Where fhe Authority iilends to apply to seil an aircrafg it shall- (a) give notice of the intention to any person ryhose interests may be affected bv the application; and (b) afford to a person referred to in paragraph (a), an opporhrnity of becoming a parq,, to the proceedings on the application.
No.

27 Ciyil A,-iation,4ct 2023 45 A Where the court grants leave r.u:der subsection (5), theAuthoriry shall ensure that the aircraft is sold at the best price that can reasonably be obtained.

(8) Failure to comply with subsection (7), though acticlnable as against the,{uthority at the suit of a person who suffers ioss in consequence of non-compliance, it shall not, after the sale has taken place, be a ground for impugning its validity.
(9) A proceeding of a sale under this section shall be applied in payment of- (a) airport or air navigation charges which the coud has found to be due; (b) tax or duty, rvhether of customs or excise, chargeable on imported goods which are brought into Sierra Leone by the aircraft or value added tax; (c) expenses incurred by the Authority in detaining, keeping and seliing an aircraft, including expenses incurred in connection with an application to the court; and (d) any other charge in respect of the aircraft which is due by virtue of regulations made under this Act.
(10) A surplus, if any, after the payments made under subsection (9), shall be paid to any person whose interests in the aircraft have been divested by reason ofthe sale.

(l I) The power ofdetention and sale conferred under this section extends to the equipment of the akaaft.
and stores for use in connectiou rvilh its operation, being equipment and stores carried in the aircraft, whether or not tley are the property of tlre operator, and references to the aircraft in sub-sections (2) to (9) include, except where the context otherwise requires, referettces to the equipment and stores.
4 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2A23 (12) The power of detention conf'erred by this section extends to aircraft documents carried in the aircraft and such documents may, ifthe aircraft is sold in accordance with this section, be transferred by the Authority to the purchaser.
(13) The porver of detention confened by this section extends to any subsequent occasion when the aircraft is on the aerodrome on *hi"t those charges were incurred or on any other aerodrome owned or managed by the Authority' t (14) Nothing in this section shall prejudice any right of the Authoriry to t""oit' charges or part of a charge by action in court.

PARI VII-SAFETY RFfI-II..Af,ION OF CMLAVI,AION 49- (l) The Director€eneral shall promote safety of civil Cenera!
safety powers avlatlon oy issuit'g, prescribing and revising from time to time- and duties (a) regulations, directives, rules' instructions' orders and requirements implementing' at a minimum, all standards of this Act and the regulations made under it relating to the Annexes to the Chicago Convention except forICAOAnnex 13; O) such other reasonable directives' rules instructions, orders' requitements' or minimum standards governing other practices' methods, and procedures as the Director-General may find necessary to provide adequately for safety in civil aviation; @ The AuthoriS shall, where it is unable to implement a provision of this Act or regulations made under it relating to the Annexes to the Chicago Conventiory - (a) institute an acceptable means of compliance to ensure that equivalent means of safery is achieved; and No.
27 Civil Aviation Act 2423 4',t a 47.
(l) Where it is alleged by an interested person that a foreign aircraft, other than an aircraft to which section 46 applies, which is making a passage through or over Sierra Leone, infringes in itseif or in a part of iq an invention design or model which is entitled to protection in Sierra Leone, it shall be lawful, subject to and in accordance with Rules of Court, to detain the aircraft until its orvner deposits or secures in respect of the alleged intingement a sum refen:ed to as "the deposited sutn", which shall be such sum as rnay be agreed between the interested parties or in default of agreement, fixed by theAuthority or some person duly authorised on its behalf and shall be made or secured to the Authority in such manner as may be approved by the Authority.
(2) An aircraft in respect of which a deposited sum has been made under subsection (1), shall not, during the continuance or in the course ofthe passage, be subject to a lien, arest, detention or prohibition whether by order of a Court or otherwise, in respect of or on account of the alleged infringement.

48.
48.

(1) The Authority may detain or seize an aircraft which is found to be engaged in an improper or illegal activity or to secure the compliance with this Act or regulations made under it and may make such further provisions as appears to the Authority to be necessary or expedient for securing the detention.
1J) Where there is a default in the payment ofairport and airnavigation charges incurred in respect of an aircraft at an aerodrome, the ALrthority rnay, subject to this section, detain, pending payment- (a) a,r aircraft in respect of which the charges were incurred, whether or not tley were incurred by the person who is the operator of the aircraft at the tirne when the detention begins; or &) any other aircraft of which the person in default is the operator at the time when the detention begins.
* 48 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2$23 (c) the operation poses or may cause imminent danger to persons or property on the ground: (d) the operator of the aircraft is not in possession of the appropriate authorisation forthe aircraft.

@ The Direc{or-General may.

subiect to subsection ( I ) take suchsteps as are necessary to detain such aircraft, pilot in conrmand or member of rhe flight operating crew of the aircraft' Right to access.
52.TheDirectorGeneralorapersonauthorisedb-vhirnshall have unrestricted, unlimited and unintem'rpted acc'ess' for the performance of his fuirctions and duties, to aviation equipment and facilities including- (.d) aircraft; (b) (c) (d) (e) (0 (e) (h) o o (k) 0) (1n) (n) aerodromes; air navigation services facilities; hangars; approved maintenance organisations; workshops; ramps; fu el storage facilities; air operator offrces; cargo handling areas; aviation training organisation fac i iiti es; aircraft manufacturers and tnaintenance facilities or organisations; training fucilities (including sirnuiators); any other civil aviation related premises or facilities.
Sai-ety assessment for foreign air operators.

53.

(I) The Authority shall assess the safety of air transport operations b)'foreign air operators in Sierra Leone' No.

27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 4) @ The Director-General may lnake regulations regarding the satbty of operatious and surveillance of foreigr air operators operating in Sierra Leone.
(3) The Director-Ceneral or a person authorised by him shall have right of access tc, search a foreign aircraft without unreasonable delay, on landing or departure and to inspect the certificales and other docunents prescribed under this Act and regulations made under it retating to the chicago convention for fhe purpoot of ensuring that the aircraft is being operated safely' (4) The Director-General may, subject to subsection (5), direct an operator or pilot in command of a foreign aircraft operating within Sierra Leone, not to operate an aircraft where it is unsafe to do so or where t}le aircraft is likely to be operated in an unsafe manner.
(5) The Director-General shall take such steps as are necessary to detain or prevenr the flight ofsuch aircraft and to noti!

the state ofregistry and the state ofthe operator of the aircraft, as the case may be.

54.

(1) The Director-General shall issue personnel licences Personnel or certificates speciSing the capacity in which a holder thereof is lrcence- authorised to serve.
(2) A person who wishes to obtain a licence or certificate may file an application with the Director-General' (3) Where the Director-General, after investigation of an application under subsection (2), hnds, that the applicant possesses the prop.r qualifications fbr, and is physically able to perform the duties pertaining to the position for which the licence or certificate is sought, issue such liceace or certificate.
(4) The Director-General may, in lieu of such a finding consider prior issuance of a licence or certi-ficate by a foreign state that is a member of the International civil Aviation organization as satisfactory evidence, in whole or in part, that the holder possesses the qualifications and physical ability to perform the duties pertaining to the position for which the iicence or certificate is sought' 50 No.27 Civil AviationAct 2423 (, A licence or cefiificate issued under this section shall contain such tenns, conditions, tests ofphysical fifiress, and other mattrers as &e Director-General may determine to be Decessary to assure safety in civil aviation.
(6) Notwithstanding subsection (4) the Director Geneml may suspend revoke, prohibit or resftict a licence or certificate in such manner as deemed appropriate.

( (l) A personnel licence or certificate issued by the Director- General under subsection (l).
shall- (a) be numbered and recorded by the Director- General; O) state the name and address oe and contain a description ofthe person to whom the licence or certificate is issued; and (c) be titled with the designation ofthe privileges authorised- (8) The Director General shall prohibit a person from exercising the privileges of an aviation licence, certificate or other documents for just cause.

Airworthiness certificate.

55.


0) An aircraft shall not fly or operate in Sierra Leone unless a valid certificate of airworthiness for that aircraft is issued by* (a) fhe Director-General undertlrisAct if it is an aircraft registered in Sierra Leone; (b) a state in which the airc*t is regisrerecl; or (c) the state of the ope.raror.

@ Notwithstanding subsection (l), an aircraft may fly within Sierra Leone without a cefiificate of airwolthiness if it is_ l, No.
27 Civil AviationAct 2023 51 (a) a glider not being used for the commercial air transport ofpassengers or aerial work other than aerial work which consisB ofthe giving of inskuctions in flying or the conducting of flying tests in a glider owned or operated by a flying club of rvhich the person grving the iqstruction or conducting the test and p€rson receiving the instruction are members; (b) a balloon flying on a private flight; (c) akite; (d) a porvered parachute or drone; (e) an aircraft flying in accordance with a permit to fly issued by the Director-General; or (t) an aircraft flying in accordance with a special fight permit issued by the Director4eneral' (3) A person who flies or operates an aircraft which does not have a certificale of airworthiness commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 50,000 United States Dollars or equivalent in Leones or ts imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment' -q6.
(l) A person shall not conduct air transport operations 8}:rffirX':' unless that Person- (a) h1tffiT.

;[*1T:#ffi :T::il: operated; or (b) holds an air operator certificate, issued from another contracting state ,for the type of serv-ice operated.
52 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 @ A person who contravenes subsection (l) commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 50,O00UnitedStates Doliars or equivalent in Leones or to imprisonment for a term not erceeding l0 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

Privileges of licence, certificate and authori- sation.

57.
57.

(1) A person shall not ac1 as a pilor or member of a flight operating crew in an aircraft or engaged in thc operation ofan aircraft unless that person- c (a) holds a licence issued by the Director4eneral under this Act; (b) holds a foreign licence recognised by the Authority; or G) operates a kite or powered parachute or drone exempted in subsection (2) of section 55.
@ A person shall not act as a member of a cabin crew unless hehas- (a) obtained autlrorisation &orn the Authority to exercise the privileges ofcabin crew or has otherwise been permitted by the Authority to exercise such privileges; or O) obtained authorisation or permission from another state recognised by the Authoriry.

(3) A person sirall not act as an aircraft maintenance engineer or air traffic controller unless that person holds a licence issued by the Director-General under this Act.
(4) A person who contravenes subsection (i), (2 ), and (3)commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 25,000 United States Dollars or the equivalent in l,eones or toimprisonmentforaferm not exceeding l0 years" or to both suf,h fine and imprisonment.

No.

27 CivilAiattonAct 2023 53 58.


(1) The Director-General shall provide for the examination Approved and tr-aining for approved training organisations giving instuc,i", ATT:ffiil: in air traffic control, cabin crew, grourd handling and other related ffianisations fields, as u,rell as flying or in the repair, alteration, maintenance, and overhaul ofaircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances, as to the adequacy of the course of instruction, the.
suitability and airworthiness of the airgraft and the equipment used by the school and the competency ofthe instructors.

@ The Director-General may issue, amend, vary, cancel, refuse and suspend certificates for such approved training and maintenance organisations.

59.

An application for a certificate issued under thisAct shall Fonns of be in such fornL contain such information and be filed and served in application.

such manner as rnay be prescribed.

60.


(l) SierraLeoneshall- Airports and air (a) facilitate the provision of airport, radio lrl]iff*"" services, meteorologicai services, and other rafety air navigation services in accordance with tud*ds.
the standards and practices recommended or established from time to time under the Chicago Convention; (b) adopt and put into operation the appropriate standard systems of communications procedure, codes, markings, signals, tightin& and other operational practices and rules which md!

be recommended from time to time under the Chicago Convention.
(c) collaborate in international measures to secure the publication ofaeronautical nlaps and charts in accordance with standards which may be recommended or established from time to time under the Chicago Conveniion.
v No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2A23 (d) regulate the installation of structures which by virtue of height or position may b1 considered dangerous to the safety of air navigatiou and determine fees and other relevant requirements for the grant ofpermits for the installation cfsuch stnlctures' @ The Director-General shall issue airport certificates- to, and iuUfisn minimum safety standards for the operation of airports, including aerodromes owned or managed by the Authorify thatservescheduledorunscheduledpassengeroperationsofair operator or foreign air operator aircraft' (3) A person desiring to operate an airportthat is required by theDirector-Glneral, to be certified may file with the Director- deneral, an application for an airport opemting certificate' (4) Where the Director-General finds, after investigation' thatsuch person is properly and adequately equipped and able to conduct a raf.
op"rutior in accordance with the requirements of this Act and the rules, regulations, and standards prescribedthereunder' he shall issue an airport operating certificate to such person' (5) An airport operatrng certificate shall contain such terms, conditions and limitations as are reasonably necessary to assure safety in air transport, the breach of which shall entitle the Authority to suspend or cancel the certificate' (6) Unlessthe Director-General determines that it would becontrary to the public interes!
the terms.

conditions and limitations contained in a certificate shall include- (a) the operation and maintenance of adequate safety equipmen!

including fire-fighting and rescue equipment capable ofrapid access to any portion of the airport used for landing take offor surface manoeuvring of aircraft; and (b) the conditio-n and maintenance ofprimary and secondary runways as the Director'Ceneral determines nc-cessaryr.

No.27 CivilAviation Act 2023 55 61.


A person shall not establish a solid waste disposat facility Limitation on or receives putrescible waste within 5 kilometres ofthe vicinity orr" ii[[i!ti"' aerodrome unless the Director-Generar determines tlat such an iirtra.

exemption from this requirement would have no adverse impact on any aviation facility.

62.
62.

(i) An air operator shall make or cause to be made *"6 Duties of air inspection, maintenance, overhaul or repair of equipment used in :::jf,l}",T. civilaviation and to ensure that the operations conducted are in "-'" accordance with this Act and the regulations, directives and orders issued by the Director-General under this Act.
(2) A holder of an Air Operaror Ce*ificate shall ensure that the maintenance of an aircraft and operations of an air operator are conducted in the public interest and in accordance with the requirements of thisAct andthe regulations, directives and orders issued by the Director-General under this Act.
(3) A holder of an air operator certificate shall observe andcomply with the authorisation and limitations of that certificate, therequirements of this Act and the rules, regulations, and standards issued bythe Director-General under this Act.

(4) A person performing duties in civil aviation shall observe and comply with the requirements of this Act and the rules, regulations and standards issued by the Director-General under this Act.
(, A person who offers, or accepts, shipment, cargo or baggage for commercial air trz.nsport, whether originating or arriving in international flights to or &om Sierra Leone, or for flights withfol Sierra Leone, shall offer or accept the shipment, cargo, or baggage in accordance with this Act and regulations made under it rgtating to Annex i8 to rhe chicago convention and the Internarional civil Aviation organisation Technical Instmctions for the safe Transport of Dangerous Goods byAir.

63.
63.

(l) The Director-General shall- Inspection of aircraft.
56 No.27 Civil AviationAct 2A23 (a) make such inspections of aircraft' aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances used by an operator of civil aircraft as may be necessary to determine that the operators are maintaining them in safe condition for the operation in which they are used; and (b) notify each operator of any finding identified on the inspection of the aircraft' engines' propellers and other equipment and aPPliances- A) Where the Director-General finds that an aircraft' propeller' or appliance, used or intended to be used aircraft Uy * op"Jo.incivit aviatloru isnotin acondition for safe operation' he shatl notify the operator accordingly' "ng;in", (3) An aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller or appliance to whichsubsection(2)appliesshallnotbeusedirrcivilaviation,soas not to endanger civil aviation, until found by the Authority to be in a condition for safe oPeration- 64.
0) The Director-General may, where, as a result of a re- inspection oi re-examination, of a civil aircrafg aircraft engine , propeller' upili*"", air operator school, or repair organisation or shop' or a pl*, holding-a certificate issued under this Act" determines that aviation or commercial air transport or the public inGrest ,rr"ty i, .
"quir", it, issue an order amending, modiffing, suspending or ,"uoking, in whole or in patl an airworlfiiness certificate, persorulel certificate, air operator ce rtifrcare,or certificate issued under this Act for an airport, school or approved maintenance orgauisation' "iuit @ The Director-General shall, prior to amending' modifying, iuspending orrevoking a certificate'' inforrn its holder as to any grounai or reason relied on by the Dtector-General for the propot"a action and, exceptin an elnergency, shall provide the iroUer an opporarnitv to respond to thosegrounds or reastrns and beheardasiowtythecertiticateshouldnotbe a m c n d e d ' modified, suspended or revoked.
i Amendm€nt, modification, suspension and revoca- tion of ccrti- ficate.

L No.

27 Civil Aviatton Act 2423 (3) A person whose certificate is affected byan order of theDirector-General under this section may appeal against it to the High Court and the Director-General may be a party to such proceedings.

57 65.

(1) A person shall not- Prohibition.
(a) operate a civil aircraft without an airworthiness certificate, or in violation oftlre terms and conditions of such certificate; (b) serve in a capacity in connection with acivil aircraft, aircraff engine, propeller, or appliance used or intended for use in civil aviation without a certificate authorising that person to serve in such capacrty, in violation of a terms and conditions of such certificate, or ofan order, rule, or regulation issued under this Act; (c) employ for service in connection with a civil aircraft used in civil aviation, a person who does not have an personnel certificate authorising that person to serve in the capacity for which the person is employed; (d) operate as an air operator without an air operator certifi cate, or in violation ofthe terms and conditions of such cerlificate; (e) operate aircraft in civil aviation in violation of a rule, regulation, or certificate issued by .
the Director4eneral under this Act; (0 while holding a certificate issued to a school or approved maintenance organisation under thisAcq violate aterm, condition, or limitation thereof or an order, rule, or regulation made under this Act relating to the holder of such certificate; and 58 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 Trainine schcol.

(g) perform a duty or function as a member of the crew of an aircraft or maintenance personnel while being underthe influence of alcohol or psychoactive substance.
@ The Director-General may, in the public interest, exempt a foreign-rcgister:ed aircraft and personnel serving on an aircraft under paragraph (a) ofsubsection (l) but however shall not grant an exemption from observing air taftlc regulations.

66.
66.

( l) The Director4eneral may conduct a school or schools for the purpose of training employees of the Authority and other persons engaged in the aviation industry in those subjects necessary for the proper performance of the authorised functions of the Authority.

@ The Director-General may authorise attendance al courses given in such schools by employees of the Authoriry and other persons engaged in the aviation industry.
(3) The Director-Gerreral shall, where appropriate, require paynent of prescribed fees to ofket the costs of training prcvided by such school or schools.

\hiida.tion.

67.
The Director-General may, inthe discharge of certification and inspection responsibilities, vaUdate the actions of the civil aviation authority ofanother stare in lieu oftaking the specific action, subject to the following restrictions- (a) personnel or ainvorthiness certificates, the orher state shall be a signatory to the Chicago Convention and fulfilling their obligations under the Chicago Convention witJi respect to the issuance and currency ofthe relevant certificates; (b) Air Operators, require supporting docurnenrs and information to show that state meet its obligations under the Chicago Convention regarding certification and ongoing validation oftheir air operators.
No.

27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 59 68.

(1) The Director General or a person authorised by him Rrsht to shallhave unlimited, unrestricted and unintlrrupted access to irrrp""t ilrT::t* aviation equipment and facilities listed in section 52 and aviation documeuts in accordance rvith their functions and duties including- (a) manuals; (b) certificates, approvals, authorisations, permits; (c) procedures; (d) technical files; (e) personnel files; (0 personnel licences; and (g) other related documents.
(2) The Director-General or a person authorised by him shali have uniirnited and unresfficted access to a civil aircraft registered in Sierra Leone wherever ttrey are operated in the world in order to- (a) ensure that the aircraft is airworthy and is operated in accordance with this Act, regulations issued under this Act relating to applicable International Civil Aviation Organisation Annexes; @) .determine that its operations are ccrnducted in accordance with this Act, regulations issued under this Act relating to applicable International Civil Aviation Organisation Ar,nexes.
(c) enter and inspect securify procedure.
60 No.27 Ci'vilAviation Act 2023 (3) The Director-General or a person authorised by him shallhave unlimited and unrestricted access to land, facility or building inSierra Leone or land outside an airport occupied for business purposes connected with an airport or airc.raft operator, including handling, for the purpose ofconducting quality control activities- (4) The Director-General or an person authorised by him shall have unlimited and unrestricted access to require an aircraft op€rator, airport manager or occupier of land outside the airport used for business purposes connected rvith the airport to provide information relevant to an audit, inspection, survey, test or investigation.
(5) The Director-Generai or a person authorised by him shall have unlimited and unrestricted access to relevant security documentation and records.

(6) The Director-General or a person authorised by him shall have unlimited and unrestricted access to intervjew a person for the purpose of assessing the standard of security or the implementation of security procedures.

Document to 69.
Document to 69.

(t) An aircraft engaged in international air navigation or I-:T:9^:1 domestic operations wherever it is registered shall carry on board board arrcran.

the following certificates and docu:nents- (a) certihcateofregistration; O) certificate of airw'ofthiltess; (c) appropriate licenses for each member of the crew; (d) joumey log book; (e) aircraft radio station licences, ifthe aircraft is equipped with radio apparatus; n-o.

27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 61 !


(0 list of names, place of embarkation and destination of passengers fbr passengers flieht; G) cargo manifest and detailed declaration of cargo; (h) certified true copy of air operator certificate; (} operations specifications, 0) environmental protection certificate or aircraft noise certificate; (k) certificate ofinsurance: and 0) any other document that maybe required from time to time by orders or regulations issue by the Director General.
(2) The Authority may waive the requirement of paragraph (d) if the reletant information is available in the aircraft technical log.

(3) An air operator shall ensure that all entries in the journey log book are made concurrently and are permanent in nature.

i0- (1) The Authority shall monitor and enforce compliance Transportation with the provisions ofAnnex 18 to the Chicago Convention an6 ,1r.
ofdan8erous Intemational civil Aviation organisation oo" glSa; i;h"t;;i goods bv air' Instructions for the safe transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.

(2) in exercise ofhis authority under subsection (1), the Director-General may vary the application of the Technical lnstmctions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air on behalf of Sierra Leone and submit variations to the Technical Instrrrctions on behalf of Sierra Leone where necessary.
62 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 Certification of aircraft maintenance organisations 71.

(l) A person shall not engage in or carry out the maintenance of an aircraft, aircraft components or aircraft materials or the manufacture of parts for the Purpose of maintenance or associated training activities without a certificate of approval issued by the AuthoritY under this Act.
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fure not exceeding 25,000 united states Dollars or equivalent in Leones or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

Certification of aviation training organisations.

12.
12.

(l) A person shall not operate or hold out ,Is an aviation training organisation without an aviation training certificate issued by the Authority under this Acl' @ A person lvho contmvenes subsection (l) commits an ofFence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 25,0A0UnitedStates Dollars or equivalent in Leones or to imprisonment for a terrn not exceeding 10 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

PART D(-AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS AND SERIOUS INCIDENTS N{VESTIGANONS 73.
(1) This Part applies in respect of aircraft accidents anri serious incidents, occurred- Application of this Part.

(a) in or over Sierra Leone; O) when Sierra Leone is the State of Registry and; 0 the location of the accident or the serious incident cannot definitely be established as being in the territory ofany other state; or (ii) the accident or the serious incident occurred in the territory of a non-contracting state No.
27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 63 which does not intend to conduct an investigation in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention.

(c) Where an accident or serious incident involves a state aircraft and a civil aircraft, a civi!

aircraft used principaly for state aircraft or occurs while a state aircraft used for purposes of Civil Aviation.
@ The specifications concerning the State of the Operator apply only when an aircraft is [eased, chartered or i,ierchanged'and whin a State is not the State of Regisuy and if it dischargei in respect of this AcL the functions and obligations of the State of Regisnry.
(3) The Bureau shall ensure that its investigation procedurei and practices are compatible with the Convention on intematlonai Civit aviation, and the Standards and Recommended Practices contained in lnternational Civil Aviation Organisation Annex I3 to the Chicago Convention.

74.
74.

(l) There is hereby established the Sierra Leone Aircraft Establishment Accident and lncident Investigation Bureau which- i:*"J' (a) shall be a bodv corporate with the power to i:::::ll sue and be sued in its corporate name, except hcident for matters associated with accident reportt, "ro BJ;:l:"tt"" (b) (c) *f;#:,t1""?
"iii:,"'li*'iHse or propertv shall be functionally independent from other Sierra Leone aviation authori'ties and other entities that could interfere with the conduct or objectivity of an investigation; (d) shall not receive nor seek instructions in the conduct of an investigation; a. No.27 Civil AviationAct 2023 (e) *il'il: H"#;:l:::"::,?,il' :ri:l (' investigations; *:j l3:":*TH:iffi:::fl1 irHl the aircraft or wreckage and all relevant materials as well as the accident site against ::::a_Y,,Hi*iffiiT,Hi:;:ilH::f; ATS records, and shall have unrestricted ::lTi":,::'#:ii:JL:ffi",*1:"*n'i:: can be made without delay by authorised personnel, partic ipating in the investigation; (g) shall be headed by a Commissioner of l;:i,",::' u'[*""' ;";, [::,' :1 | : recommendation ofthe Minister responsible for aviation subject to the approval of Parliament; " (2) The Minister shali facilitate cooperation befween the Bureau, judicial authorities and other entities to ensure that tlie conduct of investigations is- (a) in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation Annex l3 to the Chicago Convention; and (b) not irnpeded by administrative or judicial investigations or proceedfurgs.
(3) The Commissioner shall for the purposes of this part of the Act- (a) make., issue aud amend regulations for the conduct of accident and serious incident ffi : ?

:,:: HJ H:ilH:;J,"'} I CA O No.

27 Civil Aviotion Act 2023 65 O) establish, issue and amend directives, rules, instructions, orders requirement, or minimum standards governing other practices, methods and procedures: 75.
(1) The activities of the Bureau shall be financed rvith sufficient anrl supplernentary fuirds consisting of - Irunds of Burcau- (a) subvention-s and budgetary aliocations liom the Govemmerrt; (b) sums accruing to the Bureau by way of gifts, endowments, bequests, grants, or other contributious by persons and organisations, provided that the terms and conditions auached to a gift, endowment, bcquest, or gant are not inconsistent with the functions of the Bureau; (c) funds provided in respect of thc monies accruing to the Bureau ttnder paragraph (b) ofsubsection (2) ofsection 32; (d) foreign aid and assistance: and (e) allother sums which ma1'- flcm time to time, accrue to the Btreau Ilom any lar,v'fuI s<lurce.
{2) The Government shali ensure supplementary funds are readily available in the case of a major accident or justified need to enable the fulfilment ol'the obligations of the Bureau under this Act.

76 (l) fhe state shall establish a coordinatecl farnily IJIJ::I assistance pierr to provide the inost appropriate and tirnely assistance vicrims and possible to aircraft accident victims and their families.
families (2) fhe National Disaster Management Agency shall coordinate r.r,rth the Authority and the Bureau the n€cessary assistance t.-' aircraft accideni vir-:tiins and the ir famiiies with air operalols.

airport operators and arry other interested third partl'.

(3 j fhe National Plalfonn shall coordinate support rvithin Sierra i-cone anil viith other states for the development.

preparation and irnpleinerltatiotr of the family assistance plan under subsection (l).

ff lio.27 lnvcsltPillr)ns Civi!


Aviatir-,n.4ct 2023 ubjectives of 77.

(l) The sole obiectivc of an aircraft accidenr or serious rurcldent investigation conducted under this Act shatl be the prevention ofaccidents and serious incidents and nof to apportion hlame or liabiliw.
r @ investigations nnder subsection (l) shall be coiiducted separa{.e frorn investigations conducted for the purposes r:f establishing blarne or civil or criminal liabiliry (3) lnvestigations shall include,- (a) the gathering, rccording anti analysis of relevanl infomration of an accident or serious incident; (b) the protection ofcertain accident and serious inci<lent investigation records in accordance with section 9l ; (c) if appropriate, the issuance of safery recommendationsl (d) if possible, the determination of the cause s and or contributing factors; and (e) as appropriate, the completion of the final report.
(4) A filding.

cause or confributing factor determined runder this Act shall not be construed trs assigning ia.rrlt or determmiug civil or criminal Iiability.

(5) A safety recommendation made under this Act shall not be construed as assigning fault or determining civil or cnminal liability.

Functions ol' Bureeu.

18.


(l) The Bureau duly authorised or accrediteci person or investigator shall be solely responsible tbr a civil aircraft accidenr and serious incident investigation and in erercise of his funct.ions shal!

- No.

27 6t Civi.l Aviation.lct 2$2:r (a) institute an investigation ilrto the circurflstances of a serious incirient when the aircraft is of a maximum milss of over 2,250kg and may delegatc.
the whole or a part of an investigation to another state or a regional accident and serious incident investigation organisation by mutual ar.rangement and consent; (b) institute an investigarion into the circumstances of an accident and bc resporrsitrle for the conduct of the invostigation and may delegate the whole or a part of the investigation to another state or a regional accident and serior:s incident investigation organisation by mutual arrangement and consentl (c) ensure due compliance with International CivilAviation Organisation Annex I3 to the Chicago Convention and protocols, Teclrnical Instructions, Guidance and Procedures from the International Civil Aviation Organisation in respect of the investigation of aircraft accidents and serious incidents; (d) conduct interviews, take staternents from rvitnesses and such other persons as deemed fit and require such witnesses or persons to rnake and sign a declaration as to the tnrthfulness of the statelnent made by them; (e) coordinate and supervise relevant agencies or parties to an investigation; (0 facilitate the e>ichange of knowledge, information, and relevant personnel of accident investigation agencies ot International Civil Aviation Organisation and other menrber states: 68 No.27 Civil Aviation Ao 2023 (.g) advise the Minister on malters relating to civil aviation accident investigations and prevention; (h) create specialised deparlments fcrr thc purpose of carrl,ing out its functions; 0 establish ard n.iaintain a standard, functional, up-to-date laboratories, workshops.
hangars, office equipment.
investigators equipmenl means of conrnrunication and fiansportation or such other facilities, necessaly for the carrying out of its duties; 0) approve, design, and coordinate constanr training for skiils acquisition for staffof the Bur*u in line with global development in aviation accidc:nt investigation and prevention; (k) undertake activities <ir actions relevant, or related t<l ac.cident investigation and improvement ol'safety in thc ar,iation industry: 0 <levelop and approve directives, orclers, circulars.
and trtlrer publications" (m) enter into auangcments rryith other oi'ganisa- tions to facilitatc the conriuct of investigations.

(n) provide rr:i,.
(n) provide rr:i,.

:r,aut, timely ancl validateil infonna{ittn rr, tire larnilies irnd the accidenr survivols rcearding the progress of the investigationl (o) establish Safety data collection anC processing systems- with protectron lneasures to enable the sharing and exchange of informaticn, as requred underAnner: l9 to the Chicago Convention; (p) coordinate and ensure ttre implemcntation ot State Safery Progsamme activities reiated to the Btreau.
Japun rouorssuuuro3 peluodde =sEq 3q ssatrm '(t) uollresqns lou ll?tls uosJad v (i) "q .

;o irouarl e .ro3 petutor-ldu aq II"qs tcuolsslruluol aq I (Z) 'trusurlutoddzer ro3 alqr;3r1a Jq lJut{s pue srca,( 9 -luJ'dIeIlJedJo lunordde aql crl lce[qns paulutoddu30 iuelurulsul .Iauorssru er!
ut po$rreds aq ,{uur sB suoqlpuos puu suuel qons uo Jalslul4 ar{t Jo ttorlepuaultuocal aqt uo luoplserd oql ,{q paturotldu aq lluqs ffiil , ur,r,1ur,rt,iy oqA\ rJuolsslurutll eq1 ,(q papeaq aq lfBtls nse]ng .lrlJ (t ) '08 'uo1le8t-lse,rirt aql ur Suuudtrtged'louuoslad pazrJoqlne .

{q [e1ep moqr^r opeu aq uux 3.


)r.raptA, r() sierJeluu lue^olsjJo uollEtllittuxa p+813p e leq] etnsua ol usql Je^o lolluo) pe]3rrlselrtn a^Bq llut{s pu8'spJocel sIV pue sraplorer n13lg Sutpnlcur'uotletot.tctap Jo 3ui"re31ld'suos.rad pastJotl:ln?un ,(q sser;u lsute8u olts lueplf,Ju eql sB l[e,$ sl?

sleualptu lue^a["u Jlu puz a8zlcaut ro l]8J3ll3 aq] ]retord ol 'ruapl3oeJo o{s Jo auecs eql rJAo loJluo3 put ol ssoore pered'.ueqtm anuq (p) ,trnrlcatrlo ro ,,,uruor r,olf,lIJil:li ;il: lsql sallrlue laqlo pu?
soulroqlne uotlel^E or?is Jaqlo uto4 luapuodepm,!1euot1cury eq (c) :sSurpaecord ro suollu8tlsa,rut lurrrpnl ro alr]urlslurtupe f,q pepadur Jq tou 11eqs pue ,(e1ap tnoqrl^r leuelsu lErluapr^e lJp ol ssaof,s pelJtJlseJun e^E'.

{ (q) :uopua^uoJ o8ecrq3 eqt ol [ [ xeuuY uollssluuSJo uoll?lAV F^r3 lEuorleu]?lul Jo suotst,rord aqt qll/( lualsrsuoo 'suorle8qso.tul Jo pnpuoc eql ul ,grroqlnu puu acuepuedapur peJelleJtm a^eq (e) 'nPtJnfj JO SJ?A\Od $ fT.gT, -lleqs neerng oqJ (tl '61 trY uoltDt^Y l!^!
:t tz 'oN 70 No.27 Ciwl At'iation Act 2023 (a) experience in aviatjon industr_v rr.ith a sound latowledge of the provisions of nternational Civil Aviation Organisation Annex l3 to the Chicago Convention; C) been trained and qualified in aircrafi accident invesri.qation.

or (c) been involved in accidentorserious incident investigation.

Funclions of Cornmissioner.

81.

(l) The Commissioner is responsible fbr the day-to-da-v- administration ofthe affairs of the Bureau.
(2) Without prejudice to the generalitv of subsection ( I ), the Commissioner shali- (a) repoft on the administrative activities of the Bureau to the N4inister.

(b) establish and maintain a system fbrAviation safeq, data and safety lnformation collection.

analvsis and protection in coordination with the authority in accordance with ICAOAnnex l3; t Powers ol Commissioner.
(3) The Commissioner may delegate a function to an officer of the Bureau but shall nor be relieved of the ultimate responsibility for fhe perfonnancc of the dclegated function.

82.

(t) The Commissioner rnay.

for the purposes of thisAct- (a) establish policies and procedures to be foilorved in the conduct of investigations; O) institute investigations into the circurnstances of accidents and serious incidents and any, other occurrences whiclr may have aviation safetv implications: No.
27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 7t (c) Celegate the investigation.
in whole or in parl to another state or a regional accident and serious incideni investigation prganisation, when decmed to be appropriate: (d) establrsh the credentials or letters of agreement of the investigatir:n personnel, seconded investigators, experts and other partic ipants spec ifying their entitlement and obligation in accordance with the implementa- tion regulation or other approveci procedure- (e) delegate the powers of investigation to the members of an investigation team and provide each member with a certificate of appoint- ment; (0 appoint observers and Jrarticipants required for an investigation; (g) permit participation of accredited representatives from other states involved; (h) establish a process for the timely issuance and publishing of regulations, rules, directives, orders, circulars.
publications, guidance materials to the public; (i) release ofthe final report; (i) enrer into agreements with other stakeholders to facilitate the functions of the Bureau.

(2) 'the Commissioner may institute an ittvestigation.

wirere- (a) ire considers it necessarv in the public intcrest and safety lessons to be learnt; or (b) a citizen of Sierra lrone is on board an aircraft involved in an accident overscas.

72 Appointrncnt of lnvestigator- irr-Charge.

No.27 Citil AviationAcr 2tJ23 83.


(i) The(lomniissionershall, furthepurposesofcarrying out aninvestigation into an accident or serious incident, shall appoint an lnvestigator-in-Charge and other persons as investigators.
@ An investigator-in-charge appointed under subsection (l), shall.- (a) direct the conduct ofarr investigation under this Act on behalf of the Corrmissioner; and O) report to the Commissioner on all investigations, including proposing findings as to causes and contributing factors and sal'et1' recomrrendations related to investigations conducterl by the Bureau.
(3) An Investigator-in-(Iharge shall have unhampered access to and control over the scene ot'sile ofaccident, to protect lh,-'aircraft or rvreckage and all relevant materials as well as the accident siie against access by unauthorised persons;, pilfering or dereriolation, inr:luding flight recorders and ATS records, and shall havc unrestricted control over thenr to ensure that a detailed examination of relcvant materials or evidence can be rnade without delay by a.uthorised personnel, participating in the investigation.
(4) An Aircraft Accident lnvestigator shali be a person nroperly trained and qualified in the investigation ofaircraft accidents anci scrious iucidents.

Apporntmrrri of other staif 84.

'lhe Bureau shall recruit such other staffas is neccssan, fur thc execution of the functions of the Bureau under this Acl.

No.

27 Civil AviationAct 2023 t) 85.
(l) Norwithstanding anyhing contained in anyotherAcq Investigation jurisdictions' the investigations conducted by the Bureau shall not ba impeded 6y administrative or judicial investigations and proceeding' Q) The Bureau shall enter into arangement with the judicial aurhority and other entities to establish the coorporation mechanisms with regards to aircraft accident and incident investigations and ensure separation between the investigation coducied imder ICAO Annex 13 md the one conducted by other au*rorities, (3) The Bureau's duly authorised or accredited person's or investigator shall, for tlre pupose of investigating an accident or incident- (a) nave unhampere{ unlimited and unresricted ac€ss to and control of-- fi) the scene or site of the accident or incident as well as the aircraft involved in tle accident or incident, parts ofsuch aircraft, its contents or its wreckage, and any flight recorders and other recordings relating to the flight; (ii) the results of the medical examination ofthe bodies ofvictims or of tests made on samples taken from the bodies of victirns; (iii) the results of nledical examinations of tlre persons involved in the operation of the aircraft or of tests made on samples taken from such persons; and (iv) aryr relevant information or records held by the owner, the operator or the manufacturer of the aircraft and by the otvner or operator of an aerodrome or air navigation installation or the civil aviation authorities; 74 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 (b) have porver tc- (r) summon and examine all such wifrtesses as deemed fit and to require such wibresscs to answer any question or furnish any information or produce any books, papers, documents, and articles which the Accident Investigaior may consider relevant and retain any such books, papers, documents, and a*icies until the completion of the investigation; (il) conduct interviews take statements from witnesses and all such other persons as deemed fit and to require any such witnesses or persons to make and sigrr a declaration as
 to the firrthfulness of the statement made by them; (iii) enter and inspect any piace, building or aircraft, the entry or inspection whereof appears to the Accident Investigator to be requisite for the purposes of the investigation; (iv) require the medical examination ofthe bodies of victims; (v) require the persons involved in the operation of an aircraft to submit to a medical examination; (vi) examine, removg test, take measures for the preservation of or otherwise deal with any ailcraft invotved in an accident or incident for the purposes of the investigation including flight and data recorders; and I No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 75 (vii) take such measures for the preservation of evidence as considered appropriate.
(c) take all reasonable me:tsures to protect the evidence and to maintain safe custody of the aircraft and its conten8 for'such a period as frray be necessary for the purposes of the investigation; and (d) relinquish control ofthe accident or serious incident site and release custody of the aircraft, its contents, or parts thereofas soon as they are no longer required by the investigation.

86.
86.

An owner, operator, pilot-in-command, crew members, Ii*H:"ry operator ofan airport, air fraffic controller, or any otherperson having and serious knowledge ofan accident or serious incident shall, subject to this incidents' Act and Regulations made under it, report to the Burezu and provide as much information as required by the Bureau as is available as ' soon as possible and by tbe quickest means available.

87.
87.

The Comrnissioner shall, where he is notified of an aircraft Decision as accident or serious incident or any other occwrence that may have safety aviation implications, decide on the extent of the investigation required and the procedures to be followed in carrying out the investigation, based on the safety lessons it expects to draw liom the investigation for the improvemellt of safety.

||""J|?:r,*.

88.

(l).


The Bureau shall institute an investigation into the Delegation circurmtances of a serious incident when the aircraft of a maximum of iniestiga- mass of over 2,250kg and may delegate the whole or a part of the tron' investigation to another state or Regional Accident lnvesti-eation Organisation by mutual agreement and consen!
in any event, the Bureau shall use every means to facilitate the investigation- 76 No.27 Cipil Aviation Act 2023 (2) The Bureau shall institute an investigation into the circumstances ofthe accident and be responsible for the conduct of the investigation, but it may delegate the whole or a part of investigation fo another state or a Regional Accident Investigation Organisation by mutual agreemer$ and consent, in any event, the Bureau shall use every means to fusilitate the investigation' Duty to avoid conflict of interest.
89.

(l) To achieve functional independence of the Bureau an<l to ensure the credibility of its investigations, members of the Bweau shall avoid actual and or potential conflicts of interest in respect ofinvestigations carried out by the Bureau' @ The Bureau may second expert from theAuthoriry or other organisation in the state as invesrigators provided, however' theBureau shall ensure that such secondees conduct themselves in suchawaythatthereisnoperceivedorpotentialconflictofinterest.
Preservation of evidence.

90.

(l) An owner, operator, and crew members shall, where an aircraft accident or seriotts incident takes place, to th€ extent possible, and until otherwise instructed by the Commissioner or except as otherwise required under this Act- (a) take reasonable measures to protect th€ evidence, including documents specified under this Act; ald (b) maintain safe custody of the aircraft and its conteilts for such a period as may be necessary for the Purposes of an investigation. '
(2) Subsection (1) shall not be construed as preventing a person Aom taking necessary measures ta ensure the safety ofany person and properfY.

(3) Where evidence relevant to an accident or serious incident has to be interfered with contrary to subsection (2), the person directing supervising or affarrging the interference shall' to po.ribt" in the circumstances, prior to the interference, ih" record the evidence by pht-,toe.ra|i: and otlrer appropriate means available.
"*t"n, No.27 Cit,il Aviation Act 2023 77 91.
(l) When conducting an investigation, the Bureau shall Protection of ensure the nondisclosure of th; fo[owing records to the public o, invcstiSation for purposes other than accident or serious ir"il;i";;Gil unless the Court determines that their disclosure or use outweighs the likely adverse domestic and intemational impact such action may have on that or any future investigations- rccords' (a) -cockpit voice recordings and airborne image recordings and any transcripts from such recordings; and .
O) records in the custody or control of the Bureau including- O statements taken from persons by the accident investigation authority in the course of their investigation; (ii) communications between persons having been involved in the operation of the aircraft; (iii) medical orprivate information regarding persons involved in the accident or incident; .
(iv) recordings and transcripts ofrecordings &om aAfaffrc control units; (v) analysis of and opinions about information, including flight recorder information, made by the accident inrrcstigation authority and accredited representatives in relation to the accident or incident; (vi) the draft final report ofan accideflt or serious incident investigation; 78 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 - (vii) any other records or information obtained or generated by the accident investigation authority as part of an accident or iacident investigation, that it considers needs to be protected in the same roann€r as the records lis&d above.
Administration balancing test.

92- (l) Where a request is made for a record listed under section 9l is to be disclosed or used in a criminal' civil' adminisu-ative, or disciplinary proceeding the court shall satisry itself that a material fact in question in the proceedings cannot be deterrnined rvithout that record, before administering the balancing test.
@ The court shall be the authority responsible for administraring the balancing test under subsection ( l) and subsection (1) ofsection 91. lnvestigator not com- pellable witness.

93.
An investigator shall not be compellable to appear as a witness and the opinion of the investigator shall not be admissible in ajudicial, administrative or disciplinary proceedings related to apportioning blame or liabiliry in al accident case' Draftfinal94.TheConrmissionershall,beforereleasingthefuralreport I:p--:1,::,^- on his investigation' send a dtaft final report to states and organisations tiat participated in the investigation, inviting their signifi cant and substantiated comrnents' rnvestrgatron' Final report on investi- gation.
g5.TheCommissirrnershali,int]reinterestofaccidentand serious incident prevention, make a final report on its investigation publiciy availabie as soon as possible and, if possible, within 12 months.

Safety recommend- ations.

96.

(l) The Comrnissioner shall.

at any stage of the investigation, recommend in a dated transmittal correspondence to the appropriate aulhorities, including those in other states' any pr"uJir" u.tion that it considers necessaly to be uken prornptly to enhance aviation safetY.

No.
No.

27 Ctvil Aviation Act 2023 'i9 (2) The Commissioner shall address, when appropriate, safety recommendations arising out of its invesfigations in a dated transmittal correspondence to the accident investigation authorities of other states concemed and to the Intemational Civil Aviation Organisation when International Civil Aviation Organisation documents are involved.

97'.
97'.

The Commissioner shall re-open an investigation if new Re-opcning and sigrrificant evidence becomes available after the investigation of .investi- has been closed.

where Sierra Leone did not institute the investigation, it shall obtain the consent ofthe state which instituted the investigation.

gatlon' 98.
gatlon' 98.

(1) A person shall not circulate, publish or share a draft offence' r€port or a part thereof, or a document obtained during an investigation of an accidelrt or serious incidenl wi*tout the express consent ofthe Bureau, uniess such report or document has already been published or released by &e Bureau.
@ A person who contravenes subsection (l) commits an offence and is liable on convictior; to a fine of not less than 50,000 United States Dollars or equivalent in Leones or to irnprisonment to a term of not less than 10 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

(3) A person shall not without the written consent of the Commissioner, disclose information obtained during an investigation except for the purpose of the performance of the frrnctions of the Bureau.
(4) A person u'ho couffavenes subsection (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, to a fine ofnot less than 10,000 United States Dollars or equivalent in L,eones or to imprisonment to a term ofnot less Lhan 5 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment" (5) A penson wtro contravenes this Act or regulations made under it or ra.ilfully resists or otherwise obsffuct-s an investigator in flre execution of his po!!
'ers and duties under this Act or regulations made under it orknowingly gives fulse or misleading information to ,nr1 Civil Aviation Act No.27 an investigator under this Act or makes a report of an accident or serious incident knowing that such report is false or misleading inforrnation commits an offence and is liable on conviction, to a fine of not less than 25,000 united States Dollars or equivalent in Leones or to imprisonment to a term of not less than l0 years, or to both such fineand imprisonment.
PARI X -ECONOMIC REGUI-ATIONS 99.
(1) A person shall not provide.air services unless the person- (a) holds a licence issued by the Director- General for that purpose under this Act; O) obtains from the Authority, an operating authorisation in the case of foreign air operators designated under any air service agreement to tvhich Sierra Leone is a party; (c) obtains from the Authority, an approval for use ofa foreign registeted aircraftby a Sierra Leone licensed air oPerator; (d) obtains from the Au&ority, an operating permit for the ca:rying out of aerial work in Sierra Leone by a foreign based operator.
{2\ The Authority rnay issue an air service licence to an applicant only ifthe applicant- (a) cornplies with regulations and other requirements of the Autlroriry, including the filing ofan insr.rznce policy or self-insurance plan approved bytheAuthority, sufficient to pay, for bodily injury to, or death ol an individual or for loss of, or damage to, properfy resulting from the operation or the aircrafr under the :L?

[T:ff.of s Air transport liccnces.

I No.
27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 8r O) is found to be fiq willing and able to perform properly the transportation covered by the application and to conform to this Act and the rules, regulations, and the standards of the Authority prescribed under this Act- (3) The provisions of subsection (2) are continuing requiremenis for an air operator with respect to the mnsportation authorisedbytheAuthoriryandthelicenceshallnotremainineffect unless the air operator complies with those requirements' (4) A person who undertakes any of the activities specified under tiris section without a licence, an authorisation' approralorpermitcomrnits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 25,000 United States Dollars or equivalent in Leones or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding l0 years' or to both such fine and itnPrisoument' 100.
(l)ApersonshallnotperformaerialworkonaflighttbrAerialwork hire or reward unless tr," f".ro, t olds a permit issued under this Act.

permit' (2) A person who performs aerial work on a flight without a permit ;;*"irt an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 25.000 United States Dollars or equivalent in Leones or to imprisonirent for a term not exceeding 10 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

101.
101.

(1) A person shall operate an aircraft on aithorised air Air routes and ainvaYs routes and ainvaYs.

8) A person who contravenes subsection (l) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fme not exceeding 25'000 United States Dollars or rhe equivalent in Leones or to imprisorunent for a term not exceeding i0 y"utt, or to bbth such fine and imprisonment.

No.27 CivilAviationAct n 2423 Certification 102.


(l) A person shall not engage in or carry out the $-|]|:t^^ maintenance of an aircraft, aircraft components or aircraft materials marntenance il;i;iir^.

or the manufacture of parts for the purpose of maintenance oi associated training activities without a certificate of approval issued by the Authoriry under this Act.
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (l) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 25,000 United States Dollars or equivalent in Leones or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding l0 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

Certification 103.

(l) A person shall not operate or hold out as an aviation oI avtaltoD ;ffi1;n'-' training organisation witlrout an aviation training ce,rtificate issued organiitions.

by the Authority under this Act.


Q) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an ofFence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 25,000 United States Dollars or equivalent in Leones or to imprisorunent for a term not exceeding 10 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

Terms and 104.
Terms and 104.

(l) A licence issued under this Part shall speci& the of terminal poinu and intermediate points, if an;,, between which the air ;::::::^ operator is authorised to engage in commercial air hansport and the service to be rendered.
(2) There shall be attached to the statement of the privileges granted by the licence, or any amendment to it, such reasonabie tenns, conditions, and lirnitations as the public interest rnal'require the breach of which shall entitle the Authority to suspend or revoke the licence.
(3) A licence issued under this section to engage in international commercial airfianspon on a scheduied, non-scheduled or chafler basis shall designate the terminai and intermediate points only in so far as the Authority shall deem practicable and otherwise shall designate only the general route or routes to be followed.

No.

27 CivilAviation Act 2023 83 105.

(1) A foreignairoperatorshallnotengageincommercial air is in-fJrceanairservice ;:11H::.
* lllcicn air transportwithin Sienaleoneunlessthere licence issued by the Autirority for that purpose' / @ An application for a licence shall be made in writing to theAuthority but addressed to the Director-General and shall be in such form and contain such information as the Authority shall require.
(3) The Authority shall issue a licence if it finds that- (a) the applicant is fit, willing, and able properly to perform international commercial air transport and to conform to the provisions of thls Act and the rules, regulations' and standards of the Authority prescribed Pursuant to this AcU (b) the applicant is qualified, and has been ,lesignated by ils government' to perform international commercial air transport utder the terms of an agreement with Sierra Leone; (c) the transportation will be in the public interest; and (d) complies witb regulaticlns or orders of the Authority governing the filing of an ittsurance policy or self-insurance plan approved by the Minister which is suffrcient to pay, for bodily injury to, or death of' an individual or for loss of, or damage to' property, resulting from the operation or maintenance ofthe aircraft under the licence' (4) The provisions ofparagraph (c) ofsubsection (3) are continuing requirements for an air operator with respect to the transpon;ion authorised by rhe Authoriry and ttre licence shall not ,"*uln in effect unless the foreign air operator complies with such requirements.
84 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 106" 0) The Authority rnay alter, amend' modify' a licence' in Pou,er of .luthority to rvholeori"pmforfailuretocomplywithanyrequirementofthisAct o, *y *t", ,"gulation or standards prescribed under it or any term' T,lji.o; ", ;;;;i; condition or limitation of the licence' licence.
(2) A person who has an interest in a licence altered' t-' *oain"a, suspended, or revoked under subsection ( 1 ), amended, may file with the Authority, a protest or memorandum in support of or in opposition to the alteration, amendntent' modification' suspension' or revocation ofa licence' charges.

107.
(l) The Authority shall, subject to subsection (10), draw upascherne,prescribingchargestobepaidto*reAuthorityinrespect of services oi fu"iliti"t provided by the Authority' (2) Notwithstandrng the generality of subsection (l )' the services and fbcilities that the Authoriry may charge for, include- (a) the issuance' renewal or variation of airworthiness certifi cates; (b) the issuance, renewal or variation of Personnel iicettces: (c) aerodrome inspection, certification and licensing; (d) inspection of aircraft; (e) air oPerator's cerlificates; (0 the approval of aircraft maintenance organisations and aviation training organisations; (g) noisc and environmental pollutiou; (h) airtransPort licences; 0 other services related to the operation of aerodromes: No.
27 Civii Aviatton Act 2023 85 () use or rental ofassets ofthe Authority; and G) any other services related to the functions of the AuthoritY under this Act' (3) The scheme referred to in subsection ( I ) shall' before publication in the Action Information Centre under subsection (4)' besubmitted to the Minister.
(4) The schetne referred to in subsection ('l) shall be published by the euthority in anAction Information Centre giving itre effective aate of the coming into force of the scheme' (5) The Authoriry may change and revise charges and submit such changes or revisions of the charges to the lr{inister LetJre p,rbti"ation ii the Action Information Centre in accordance with subsection (4)' (6) A charge shall be payable within a period specified by theAutiroriry, and any failure io pay within the specified period *uV u*r"t a penatry *t'i"t' tttutt be a percentage prescribed- by ii.
'erit ttiry and calculated in such manner as may be prescribed ,futi,ority frorn the due date for paynent until the actual Uy tt date of PaYment. "

(7) Where the total amount due is not paid within the period ,p".#"a, ,n" Authority may seize the- aircraft or.

other property which is the subject of th.


arnor*t not paid and the Authority shall retain the aircraft or properry until payment is made in full' (S) If the total amount due remains unpaid for a period of 60 days irorr the riate ofthe seizure ofthe aircraft or other properlry *fri"t i, the subject of the amount not paid' the Authority may commence legal proceedings to sell the aircraft or property in accordance with such procedure as the Minister ma1" by stat'rtory instnrment, Prescribe.
(9) The charge referred to under subsection (6) shall be reasonably related ,o .

*-p"n"' incurred' or to be incurred' by the Authorityin relation to the provision of a service or facility' 86 No.27 Civil Aviation.4ct 2023 (10) Notwithstanding subsection (l), the Authority may determinenon aeronautical charges or charges other than regulatory charges tluorrgh a biCding process.

A.pplication 108.
(1) The convention for the unification of Certain Rules :ill:lii:"j Relating ro International Carriage by Air signed at Montreal on 28th cri Unifica- May, 1999 and related amendments, shall from the commencement of lion of Ruies lrh Act have the force of law and shall apply to- (a) international carriage by air to and from Sierra Leone in relation to carriage by air to which those rules apply; and O) non-international carriage by air within Siena L,eone, irrespective of the nationality of the aircraft performing the carriage and shall, subject to this Act, govern the rights and liabilities of carriers, passenger, consignors, consignees and other persons.
(2) A the carrier shall, in the case ofan aircraft accident resulting in the death or injury of a passenger, in accordance '*'ith the Convention forthe Unification of Certain Rules Relating to International Carriage byAirsigned at Montreal on 28th May.
1999, make an advance payment of at least- 30,000 United State Dollars within 30 days frcm fhe date ofthe accident, to the passenger who is errtitled to claim compensation in orderto meet his immediate economic needs, (3) An advance payment under subsection (2), shall not constitute a recognition of liability and may be off set against any amount subsequently paid as damages b,v the carrier.

No.27 C ivil Aviatton Act 2023 87 L09.

(l) A carrier operating air transport services to, from o.
Air transport within Sierra Leone, or aerodrome operator, aviation fuel supplier, or ililffit.. a provirier of ground handling services, metrological services, air traffic control services, aircraft maintenance services or such other classes ofallied seryices shall maintain adequate insurance covering its liability under this Act and also its liabilit' towards compensarion for damages that may be sustained by third parties for an arnount to be specified in regulations made by the Authority.
@ The absence of an air transport services insurance undersutsection (l), shall be sufficient reason for the refusal, suspension or revocation ofpermission to operate the air fransport service or services in Sierra Leone.
(3) A person having a duty to maintain adequare insurance under subsection (1) shall submit quarterly returns to the Authority showing that adequate insurance is maintained and conditions necessary to create an obligation on an insurer to provide indemnity in the event of a loss has been fulfilled.
(4) A carrier operating air transport services to, from or within Sierra Leone, or aerodrome operator, aviatjon ftlel supplier- or any pr<lvider of ground services, air raffic coffrol services, aircraft maintenance services, who contravenes subsections (l) and (3), commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less 10,000 United States Dollars or its equivalent in Leones and its principal officers shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 1,ears.
t PART XI-ESTA BLISHM ENTAND MANAGEMENT OF AERODROi\ffiS 110.

(1) The lr{inisrer or a person or other authority may, in accordance with this Act- Establishment of aero- dromes.

(a) establish and maintain aerodroures; and 88 No.27 Ctvil Aviation Act 2023 G) provide and maintain in connection with aerodromes, roads, approaches, apparatus' equiPment and buildings and other accommodation.
A) The Minister or a person or other authority may' for the purpose ofexercising the f9wLs conferred by subsection (1)' ,.q,I#rrra or right in oi over land by agreement or in accordance ;fth *y law in force relating to the acquisition of land for public purposes.

(3) The Ministry responsible- for aviation shall be ,"rponribl, for public ao*esiic aerodromes' including the management of land use around the vicinity' Authorisation for establish- ment of aero- drome.

111.
111.

(l) A person shall not establish an aerodrome for non- military purpose unless that person holds an.authorisation issued by the Auihority for that purpose under this Act' (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 25'000 United State Dollars or equivalent in Leones or to imprisonment for a tenn not exceeding i0 years or to both such fine and imprisonment' Certification and regulation of aerodrome.

112.
(t) An aerodrome used for international civil air transpott operations slall be certified in accordance with the requirements prescribed bY the AuthoritY' Q) The operations of an a;rodrotne other than for international civil air transpoft operations shall be regulated by established standards issued by the Authority' (3) A person who contravenes subsections (l) and (2) commits an offenci and is liable, on conviction' to a fine not exceeding il,ooo Dollars or equivalent in Leones or to imprisonment for aterm noi exceeding l0 years or to both such fine and imprisonment' Aerodromes register.
I13.

(l) All aerodromes in Sierra Leone shall be registered in accordance ivith this Act and regulation made under it' No.

27 Civil Ayiation Act 2023 89 @ A person who contravenes subsection (l) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 25,000 United States Dollars or equivalent in Leones or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding I 0 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

ll4.
ll4.

The Minister or a person or other authority shalr, in Environmenrar establishing aerodlomes rrn<ier paragraph (a) of subseciion (lj o1 factom ro ue section I 10, have regard to the need to minimise so far as ..uronubly :ffifl:l:iJ, practicable- aerodromes.

(a) adverse effect on the environment; and "' ;*urk#rff#}:l;:r, 115.
(l) 1he Authorit_v shall have the power to cenrti and pe1y6y 16 regulate aerodrolnes and to r.:stablish ntinimurn safety standarC, to, ,orify the design, operations and maintenance of aerodromes.

aerotJromes (2) I'he Authoriry shall impose operating resric:tions or sanctions at a certified or regurated aerodrome, in the event of n,n- compliance with the regulatory requirement or an unresolved safbn, deficiency concerrl.
ll5" (l) TheAutrroriry shali ensure that suitable f'acirities are made available to relevarrt Governnrent authorities and agencies at airports firr tht'pr.r i:.ion iif clrsi,r*rs, unnrigration and health services.

Custolns, irnmigratiou and heallh services.

(l) T'lle pr-'r,ision ofthe customs, immigration anti irealtlr services '.mder subsection i l) shafi not be the responsibiriry cf the Authority, but of the appropriatrr Covernment autliority o. ug"n.1,.
{3) The rerrns iind conditions under r'hicb rhe facitities uuder srrbsection (l ) sheil be avairable and detennined by agreement betu'cen tlrc Autirolii,* a'<J the reievant Goveniment autrr'rity or.

agency.

qci No.27 Civil AvialionAct 2023 Obstructions near aerodrome.

117.

(l) Obstacle t,imitation Surfaccs shall be establishcd at aerodromes and approved by the Authority.
(2) Where tlre Authori$' is satisfied, with respect to any btrilding or slructure in the vicinity of an aerodrome to u'hich this section applies, that in order to avoid danger to aircraft flying in that vicinity in ,larkness or conditions of poor visibiiiry provisions shall be made; (a) by lighting or otherwise for giving to such aircraft warning of the presence of that buildiltg or structure; or (b) by the retnoval or reduction in height of any such obstruction or surface.
(3) The Authority may by order direct (subject to any conclitions speciired in the order) that the operator of the aerodrome and any person acting under the operalor's'instnrctions- (a) execute, install, maintain, operate, and as occasion requires repair and alter, such works and apparatus as mav be necessary for enabling such waming to be given in the manner srrecified in the order; (b) that the land be etrteled or passed over (rvith or without vehicles) as may be specified in the order: Provided that, no such order shall be made in relation to any building or if it appears to the Authority that structur€ there have been made, and are being carried out satisfbctorily; (c) that no works shall be executed on any land unless for the period specificd by the Authorir-v-, the operator of the aerodrome to which the order relates has served in the nlanner specified by the order on the No.
27 OivtlA',,iation Act 2423 9i occupier of that land, and on every olher persoti known by the operator to have an interest in the land, a written notice containing such particulars of the nahrre of the proposed works, and the manner in which and the tirne at which it is proposed kr execute them, as may be specif,retl by the order.

(d) no steps shall be taken in pursuance of the notice under paragraph (c) without the specific authorisation of the Authoriry.
if within the period specified by rhe Aurhoriry from rhe service ofthe notice on any person having such an interest.

the operator ofthe aerodrcrne receives written objection on the part ofrhat person to the proposals coiltained in the notice; anri (e) the operator of the aercdrome to rvhich thc order relates shall pay to any person havrng an interest il any land affected b-v tht: order adequale compensation for an-v loss or damage which that person rnay sufl-er in consequence of the order.
and tbr the purposes of this subsection any expcnse reasonablv incurred in connection with the lau.

'ful remoral of any apparatus installed in pursuance ofsuch an order, and su nrucli cf eny cxpense incurred in connecrion rvith the r-epair', alteration, demolition orremoval of auy building, structure or ercction to which such an order relates as is attributable to the operalion ofthe order, shall be deenreci to be loss or danage sufiered in consequence ol the order.
92 No.27 Civtl Aviatton Act 2023 (4) A person rviro contravenes sDbscction (l), commits an otlencc- and is liable on conviction to inrprisonment fbr a lern not Iess than 6 months or a fine not less than the equivalent of 5,0C0 UnitcC States Dollars or equivalent in Le<;ncs or both such f ine ani imprisonment; and any person who rvilfully obstructs a perscn in the exercise ofany ofthe powers conferred b;'such an order as albresaid shall be guiity c'f an offence and liable on conviclion to irnprisonrnent for a iem not less than 6 rnonths or a fine not less than 5,000 United States Dollars or equivalcnt in Leones or both such fine and inprisonr.irent.
(5) Nothing in this section slrall operate, in relation to any building or structure, so as to restrict the doing of any work for the purpcse of repairing.

ahcring, demolishing or removing the building or strucrure if - (a) notice of tlre doing of the rvork is given as soon as may be precticable to the operator of the aerrrdrome: and (b) the giving of waming of the presence of the building or structure in the ma,nner pnrvided by any order under this sectiou in forc:e in relation therelo is not intemrpted.
Trespass on acrodron-re.

ll8.

(l) Subject to subsection (2), a person who trespasses on land forming part of an aerodrome or upon rvhich navigational aids or an ;incillary facility is situated couirrits an offence ard is liable o:i conviction, tc a line oinot iess thzrn itX) l-htite<i Statss Doll:trs or cquivaienl ir: i-ecnes or imprisonr.t:cnt frrr a te rilt tii,i less thail I rnonth oi botlr such fine and imprisonrnent.
(.2) A person shall not bc iiable under subsection (l), unless it is proved that at the material time, nolices warnirlg trespassers of their liahilig'uncier this sect.io,l rvcre posted, so as to be readil.v seen and read by members of the public, in such positir:n on cr near the boundary ol'the aerodrome or land upon which a navigation;rl aid or arcillary facility is situated.

No.

27 L-iviiAvialio:r Act 2n23 93 119.


(l) The lvlinister may make regulatious by zoning or othenvise for preventing la.nds adja.cent to or in the vicinity of an acrodrorne or site fi'om being used or developed in a manner that is.

incompatible rvitb- R.estriction on usc of adjacent land.

(a) the cperation ofan aerodronre; (b) the safe operation ofan aircrafi: (c) the use or operatio,r of equipment or faci lities to provide services relating to aeronaulics without causing intertbrence with signals.
8\ The Authoritv shall monitor development on iand adjacent to or in the vicinit-v of aerodromes or aerodrome sites in order to ensure compliance with regulations rnade by the Minister under suhsecticn (l).

PART XII -,,ryIATION SECURITY 120.

(l) The Directoi-Ceneral shall prescribe regutations i,- Avtation empower an<i authorise aviation security inspectors to canv ou[ scourrly' sccuri{y oversight activities in an effective and timely manner.

{A 'fhe Authori4 shall, by regulations.


prescribe thal passengers and property intended to be carried in the aircraft hold or cabin in an aircraft be screcned by appropriate mears.

including x- ray metal detection or physical search or other procedures or faciliries enrployed or operated by personncl, employees or agents ofan air operator or foreign air operator prior to boarding an aircraft.
(3) 'i'he Atitlroritv iui), by regulations, plescribe sriclr other reasoilablc ruies requiring practices, methods and pru:edures relating to aviation securify as the Authorify may consider necessary to protect persons and properry aboard an aircraft engaged in corrmercial air transport operation against acts of criminal violence anci aircraftpri-racy.

(4)'ihe.Author i1, shall.

to the extent practicable.


requ ire uniforrll aviaticri sccuritv procedures for the inspection- detertion, and search of persons anil property in domestic commercial air iranspon and internatioual cornmercial air transport.

% Aviation security po!icies.

No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 l2l.


'Ihe Authoriry shall- (a) develop aviation security policies and requirements consisteirt u,ith Anner l7: (b) issue rules, orders, circulars or directives to require the implementation of immediatc security measures: and (c) provide oversight for the implementation of aviation security poIicies arid requirements.

National Civil Aviation Security Programme.

122.


(1) TheAuthority shalldevelop, inrplement and maintain a National Civil Aviation Securitv Programme and give effect to the requirements contained therein.
@ Without pre,iudice to the generality of subsection ( 1), the Authority shall- (a) require airport operators to develop implement and malntain aviation security pro.gramme for every airport: O) require airlines to develop, implement and maintain airline security pr ograrnme for every airline operating in Siena Leone; (c) conduct constant analysis of the level of threat to civil aviation and initiate such action by airlines.
airports- providers of' security services and other organisations contributing to the program.

as is sufficient to effectively mitigate the perceived level of threat; (d) establish.

implement and rnaintain a national civil aviation security training programme for training of persounel involved in or responsible for the National Civil Aviation Security Frog:ramme: No.
27 C'ivil AviationAct 7023 95 (e) establish, implement andmaintain aNational Civil Aviation Security Quality Control programme tbr measuring and ensuring ongoing compliance and effectiveness ofthe National Civil Aviation Security Progruurlme, national civil aviation security training prografirme and operator security progarnrne.

123.

The L)irector-General or an officer of the Authority authbrised in that regard by the Director-General may stop and search- Power to str'lp and search.
(a) a vehicle entering or leaving a restricted or prohibited place or area ofan airport; (b) a person or vehicle entering or leaving any area ofan airport, (c) an aircraft on the ground or an aerodrorne.

if lie has reasonable grounds for suspecting that an offence under this Act has been committed or is about to be committed, or as part ofsafety or security routine procedure.

124.
124.

(l) There is hereby established an Advance Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger System Passenger Uame ljijffi"" Record System.

(APl) System and Name Record (PNR) Syste m. (2) The Authority shall be the coordilrating agency on matters Passenger relating to Advanced Passenger Information System and Passenger Name Record System in line with internationally recognised standards.
(3) The ,A,uthority rnay, in consultation with relevant agencies, makc'regulation requiring air operators to subrnit advanced passenger infonnation and passenger name record prior to departure from or arrival in Sierra Leone.
% No.27 Ci,,il At,ialion,4ct 202-z (4) Subject to subsecrion (l ), the Authorify shall- (a) ensure that data collected, used, processed are protected fronr unauthorised dis- closure: (b) take lneasures to infonn ilrdividuals aboul the collection, use, processilrg and protection of data and related privacy standards.

(c) establish appropriate administrative mechanism for the n)anagelneltt of advanced passengr)r inlbnnation and passenger natne record data.

Securit-r, Oversighr Unit.

I25.


(l) The Authority shall have a Security Oversighr Unit to assis;f in carrying out the responsibilities ofthe Director General with respect to the regularion ofaviation security.

(2) A Security Oversight Unjr under subse*ion (t) shall coniprise rll'Aviation Security lnspectors and other staff who shall, under the supcrvisior.r and direction of the Director-General, carry out securiry oversight activities.
(3) The primary objective of the Security Oversight lJnit is roensurc - (a) protection and s;at'etv of passengers, crew, ground personnel and the general puhlic aqailtst acts of unlar,vlil!

in,"erference wirh civil aviation; and (b) rapid response to meet security threat.

@) The national aviation security inspectors are ettrpowerc,d to- (a) issue notices of deficiencies aud or recommendatirlns as appropriate: No.
27 Civil AtiationAct 2023 97 (b) enforce corrective actions including immediate rectification of defi ciencies; (c) appl,v enforcement measures; and (d) enforce relevant national aviation securiw requirements.

PART XIII -OFFENCES AND PENAINES 126.

(l) A person shall nor- Offences.
(a) operate in civil aviation, a civil aircraft for which there is not currently in effect an airworthiness certificat€, or in contravention of any terms or conditions of the certificate; (b) serve in a capacity as a personnel in connection with any civil aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller or appliance used or intended for use in civil aviation without a personnel certificate authorising that person to sen/e in the capacity, or in contravention of any term, condition, or Iimitation of the certificate, or in contravention ofany order, rule or regulation prescribed under this Act; (c) employ forservice, incomectionwidr acivil aircraft used in civil aviatiorl a personnel who does not have a personnel certificate aurhorising him to serve in the capacif for which the p€rson is employed; (d) operate as an air operator without an air operator ceftificate, or in contavention ofany term or cond ition of the certifi cate; (e) operate aircraft in civil aviation in contravention of any rule, regulation or certificate issued by the Authority under this Act; and '!
98 No.27 Civil lviation Act 2423 Civil penalties.
(fl while holding a certificate issued to a school or repair organisation or shop as provided in this Act, contraven€ a term, condition, or limitation thereof or conffavene an order, rule, or regulation made under this Act relating to the holder of such certif'icate, shall be subject to a civil penalty not exceeding 20,000 United States Dollars or equivalent in Leones for each such violation and if such violation is a continuing one, each day of such violation shall constitute a separate offence- (2) The Authority may, on such terms and conditions as it maydetermine as being in the public interest, exempt a foreign aircraft and personnel serving on the aircraft tom subsection ( I ), but exemption from observing air traffic regulations shall not be granted.
l2'1.

(l) A person, other than a person conducting an operation in domestic commercial air transport or intemationai comrnercial airtransport who violates a provision ofthisAct, a rule, regulation, or order issued under it shall be subject to a civil penalty not erceeding 20,000 United States Dollars or equivalent in Leones for each such violation and if such violation is a continuing one, each day of such violation shall constihtte a separate offer.ce.
(2) A person conducting an operation in domestic commercia!

air transport or intemational commercial air trarsport who violates any provision of this Act.

a rule, regulation, or order issued there under shall be subject to a civil penalty not exceeding 20,000 United States DollaJs or its equivalent in L.eones for each such violation and where such violation is a continuing one, each day of such violation shall constitute a separate of.Tence.
(3) The Director4eneral shall have pow€r to assess and cofiecta civi| penalty.

No.

27 Civil Aviation Act 2023 (4) In determining the amount of a civil penals, the Director-General shall take into account the nature, circurnstances, eKent and gravity of the violation committed and, with respect to a person found to have committed such violation, the degree of culpability, history of prior offences, ability to pay, effect on ability to continue to do business and such other matters as justice ma,v require.
y) (5) The Minister may, by statutory instmment, make reguiations governing the assessment and application of civil penalties and shall provide guidance concerning the amounts of penalties applicable to violation ofthis Act or regulations made under it.

(6) The Minister may, by statutory instrument, make regulations to adju* the amount ofcivil penalties to reflect inflation, at least every 5 years.
A Where a civii aircraft is involved in violation of this Act and the violation is by the owner or operator ofthe aircraft, the aircraft shall be subject to a lien for the penalty.

(8) A person who.

with actual knowledge of the facts of theoccurrence or can be imputed to have actua!
knowledge as a reasonable person exercising reasonable care in the circumstances, offers or accepts dangerous goods for commercial air transport in contravention of this Act in relation to Annex 18 to the Chicago Convention or the Intemational Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instmction for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, shall be subject to a civil penaity not exceeding 10,000 United States Dollars or equivalent in Leones for the violation of each part of the Act or regulations made under it relating to Annex I 8 to the Chicago Convention or the lntemational CivilAviation Organization Technical Instruction for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
128.

(l) A person who knovvingll, and wilfi.rlly- General (a) forges, counterfeits, alters, or falsell, *.r.

", i"#iitl.
a certificate authorised to be issued under this Act, or knowingly uses or attempts to use such certificate; or 100 No.27 Civil AviationAct 2023 (b) displays or causes to be displayed on aa aircraft a mark that is false or misleading as to the nationalify orregistration ofthe aircraft, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a f,ure not exceeding 5,000 United States Dollars or the eguivalent in Leones or imprisonment for a term not exceeding l0 years, or to botb such fine and imprisonment.
(2) A person who, with intent to interfere with air navigation within Sierra Leone,- (a) exhibia within Sierra Leone a iigiit, signal or communication at such piace or in such manner that is likely to be mistaken for a true light or sigral established pursuant to this Acg or for a true light or signal in connection with an airport or other air navigation facility, or, after due warning by the Authority, continues to maintain the misieading light or sigrral; or (b) knowingly removes, extinguishes, or interferes with the operation of a tme Iight or sigral, commits an offbnce and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 20,000 United States Dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding I0 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.
(3) An air operator, or an offrcer, agen1.

employee, or representative of an air operator who, knowingly and u'ilfull.v- (a) fails or refuses to make a report to the Authority required by this Act; (t) fails or refuses to keep or preserve an account, record or memorandum in the fonn and manner prescribed or approved by the Authority; No.
27 Civil AviationAct 2023 l0i _4, (c) mutilates or alters a report, account, record ormemorandum; or (d) files a false report, account, record or memorandum, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding I 0,000 United States Doilars or imprisorunent for a term not exceeding 5 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

(4) A person rvho neglects or refuses to attend and testifo.
or toanswer a lawful inquiry, or to produce books, papers, or documents, in obedience to a subpoena or lawful requirement of the Authoriry or an employee of the Authority authorised in that behalf, commi8 an offence anci is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 500 United States Dollars or its equivalent inleones or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ol)e year.

or to both such fine and irrprisonment.

l2g.

(1) The Con.vention on the Suppression of the Unlawfut !^ilifl.
Seizure ofAircrafts signed at the Hague onin tOttt Ouy of December ::1ffi' I 970 shallfrom the commencement oftlis Act have the force of law in Sierra Leone.

(2) A person who- (a) on board an aircraft in flighl unlawfully and by force or threat of force or by anY other fonn of intimidation, seizes or exercises conn'oi of that aircraft, or O) attenlpts to commit an act referred to in paragraph (a), in relation to an aircraft, or abets the commission of the act.
comrnits the offence of hijacking shall be liable on conviction to irnprisonment for Iife and to a fine of not less than 50,000 United States Dollars or its equivalent in Leones.
102 No.27 CivilAviation Act 2423 (3) A person who, while committing the offence of hijackingofanaircraft under subsection (2), commits an act of violence against a passenger or member ofthe crew ofthe aircraft, is liable to the punishment imposed rurder any law for the time being in force in Sierra Leone ifthe act had been committed in Sierra Leone.
commits the offence of hijacking shall be liable on conviction to imprisonrnent for life and to a fine of not less than 50,000 U n i t e d States Dollars or its equivalent in Leones.
-- (4) The High Court shall have jurisdiction to ty offenders underthis section where- (a) the offence is committed on board an aircraft registered in Sierra Leone; (b) the aircraft on board which the offence is committed lands in Sierra Leone with the alleged offender on board; (p) the offence is committed on board au aircraft leased without crew to a lessee whose principal place of business is in Sierra Leone or permanent residence is SierraLeone; and (d) the offence is commifted on board a non- Sierra Leone registered aircraft while such aircraft is within the tenitory of Sierra Leone.
Interference with crew members, etc.

130.

(l) A person who, while on board a civil aircraft- (a) assaults, intimidates or threatens a crew member, whether phl,sically or verbally.

ifthe assault, intimidation or threat interferes with the performance of the duties of the crew member or flight attendant, including a steward or stewardess of such aircraft or lessens the ability of the crew member to perform those duties; No.
27 Civil AviationAct 2023 IG (b) refuses to follow a lawful instruction given by the aircraft commander, or on behalf of Ihe aircraft commander by a crew member, for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the aircraft or ofa person or propefty on board the aircraft, or for the purpose of maintaining good order and discipline on board the aircraft: (c) fi :i:.-,v'fi:Ji,?
:T:.3ff 'H',;JffJ: (d) assaults, intimidates or threatens another person, whether physically or verbally; (e) :x::##:lrfi:ffi olu*u'" (0 consumes alcoholic beverages or drugs to' or resulting in intoxication, commits an offence and is iiable on conviction to a fme not less thaa 5,000 United States dollars or equivalent in Leones or imprisonrnent foratermnot less than 5 years or to both such fine and imprisonmen!
and if he uses a deadly or dangerous weapon in tlte commission ofthe offence, to imprisorunent for a term of 14 years.

131.

A person who, while on board a civil aircraft- Other civil aircraft offcnccs.
(a) smokes in a lavatory or smokes elsewhere in a Inanner likely to endanger the safety ofthe aircraft; (b) tampers with a smoke detector or any other safety-related device on board the aircraft; or (c) operates a portable electronic device when such act is prohibited, conrmits an offence and is liable on conviction to afine not exceeding 100 United States Dollars or equivalent in Leones or imprisonment for a term not exceeding I l,/ear, or to both such fine and imprisonment.
1C!,1 No.27 Civil Aviatiott Act 2023 Weapon and explosive viclation.

132.
(l) A person who, while on board, or while atternpting to board an aircraft intended for commercial air transpofi operation- (a) has on or about his person or properry a concealed deadly or dangerous weapon, which is, or would be accessible to the person in flight; or (b) has on or about his person, or has placed, attempted to place, or attempted to have placed aboard the aircraft a bomb or similar explosive or incendiary device, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a frue not less than 10,000 United States Dollars or its equivalent in Leones or imprisonment fcr a term not less than l0 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.
@ A person who wilfully and without regard for the safety ofhuman life, or with reckless disregard for the safbry of human life, does an act prohibited by subsection (1) comrnits an offence and is Iiable on conviction to a fine not less than 5,000 tjnited States Doliars or it sequivalent in Leones or imprisonment for a tetm rot less than 10 years, or to both such lure and imprisonment.
(3) This section shall not apply to- (a) law enforcement officers of Sierra Leone or ofanother state as agreed by'Siena Leone, who are authorised or required vrithin their official capacities to carry anns; (b) persons who may be authorised by the Director-General to carry deadly or dangerous weapons in commercial air transporq or No.

27 Civi!

.4viotion Act ?t't23 16 !


(c) persons transporting weapons contained in baggage which is not accessible to passengers in flight, if the presence of the weapons has been <ieclared to the air operator.

I33.

(l) Where the comrnander of an aircraft in flight mav, Irrlerltrcnce rvhere he has reasonable grounds to believe that a person ttn b,;ard ':]tl *"u rheaircrafl r-'--" :lI'.
'#1" "t - (a) has done or is about to do an act on the aircraft rvhile it is in flight which jeopardises or ma,v jeopardise- (D the safety of the aircraft or of pcrsoas on board the aircraft, or 1ii) the good order and discipline on boarcl the aircraft: or (b) has done an act which in the opinion ,rf tl-re comrnander is an <lffence uttder anv latv in forcc in the couney' in whicb the aircraft is registered, not being a law of a political natur e or based on racial or religious discrimination, subject to subsection (4), take such reasonable measures, including restraint of the person.
as rna)'be necessary to.

(i) prc,tect the safet-..' of the aitcrall ald persons on board the aircraft: {ii) maintaiu good order and discipline: on bi;,arC tlie aircra!i: or (iii) enable the cornrnander to disctnhark ur iir.

:liver that person in accordancc rvith subsection (6).
t06 No.27 Civil Aviatiori Act 1,423 (2) The commander may require the assistance of other creiwmembers and may request, but not require, the assistance of passengers, orauthorise other crew members and passengers to restrain a person under subsection (l).
(3) A crerv mernber or passenger may also take reasonable preventive mea^sures without authorisation undcr subsectiori (2) when Ite has rersonable grounds to believe that the action is immediately necessary to protect the safety of the aircraft or of persons or properfy on board the aircraft.
(4) A restraint imposed on a pcrson on board an aircraft undeilhis section shall be discontinued after the lirst time, following the restraint, when the aircraft ceases to be in flight, unless before, or as soon as is reasonable practicable after that time, the commander of the aircraft notifiesthe appropriate authorily of the country where the aircraft cea-ses to be in flight that a person is restlained and the rsasons fr:r the restraint" (5) Where the commander of an aircraft cornplies with subsection 14).
the restraint may continue- (a) for a period (including the perioC of fuither fligh$ betrveen the time the aircrafl ceased to be in flight and tire first occasion after that on which the commandi--r is able with requisite consent of the appropriate authorities to disenrbark or deliver the person under restraint; or (b) if the person under restraint agrees to coutinue hisjourney under restraint on board the aircraft.

(6) Where the comnrander of an aircratl.- No.
27 Civil Aviation Acl 2023 l(17 (a) disembarks a person under paragraph (a) ol' subsection (5), in the case of a Sierra Leonean registered aircraft, in a country or, in the case of any other aircraft in Sierra Leonc he shall report the facts of and the reasons for, the disembarkation ta- (i) the appropriate authority in the countrl, of disembarkation, and (ii) the appropriate diplomatic or consular oflicer of the country of nationality crf the person; (b) intends to deliver a person in pursuance of paragraph (b) of subsection (7) in Sierra Leone, or in the case of a Sierra Leonean registered aircraft.
in any othercountry, which is a contracting state, he shall befirre, or as soon as reasonably practicable after landing, give notification of his intention and of the .

reasons for it- (il to the appropriate authori4,; and (ii) in either case, to the appropriale diplomatic or consular officer of the country of nationality of that person.
('7) The commander of an aircraft who, without reasonable cause,fails to cornply with tiie requirements of subsection (6) corunits an offence and is liable on sull'Irnarv conviction to a fine of 50,000 United States Dollars or its equivalent in Leones.
(8) A person who wilfully and with reckless disregard for thesafeg, of human life, interferes or attempts to interfere with the safe cperation ofan aircraft in, or intended for operation in, the special aircraft jurisdiction of Sierra Leone, comrnits an offence and is iiabie on conviction to a fine rlot exceeding 100,000 United States Dollars or its equivalent in lrones or irnprisorunent for a term not exceeding I0 ;-ears, or to both such firre and imprisonment.
r08 No.27 Civil AviationAct 2023 LInlawl'ul intcrfcrencc with civil aviation.

134.
(l) A person who unlarvfully and intentionally-- (a) performs an act of violence againsf a person on board an aircrafl in fliglrt, on ground if that act is likely to endanger the safi:ty and security of that aircraft; e) destroys an aircraft in service or causes damage to the aircraft in a manner that renders it incapable of flight or which is likely to endanger the safety ofthe aircraft in tlight; (c) places cr causes to be placed on an aircraft in service by any means whatsoever a device or substanie that is likely 1o destroy that aircraft or to e:ause damage to the aircraft that renders it incapable of fliglrt,rr that is likely to endangerthe saf'ety of the aircraft in flight; or (d) obstructs.
interferes with.
destrovs, steals or causes damage to a communicatirrn, or navigation systenl, surveillance system, insfrument, cables or any part of the s1'stems nr instruments used in civil avia'tion; ie) communicates infr:rmation which he knows to be false, thereb-v endangering ttre safety tif an aircraft in fliglrt: (0 any disorderly behaviottt- in aud a.round a civil aviation facilitY, conurir; en oilence and is liable on convictiorr to a {iire of uot less than50,000 Uuited States Dollars or ils equivalent in Leones and not excecdillg iLi0,000 United Srates Doiiars ,.lr in equivaierrt in Leones or imprrisonmerrl fbr a tenn not less rhan i0 -vears- or 1o both the fir:e irnd irnprisonment" No" 27 Civil Aviaticn Act 2023 ID !
I J5.

A person u ho imparts or conveys or causes to be imparted or conveyed false infonnation, knowing the information to be talse' concerning an attcnipt or alleged attempt being made or to be made' to do an act which is an offence under this part commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 5'000 United States Dollars or ils equivalent in Leones or imprisonment for a tenn not exceeding 5 years or to bottr such fine and imprisor'ment' '#sjr;X;, 136.
A person rvho knowingly and without authority removes' Removins' conceals, or withhotls u purt otu iril aircraft involved in an accident, ;:"":-T:tti?

":t or property which was aboard the ail'craft at the time of the accident, part of cornmits an offence and is liabie on convictionto a fine nOt exceeding aircraft 5,000 tlnitecl States aollars and to ln'p'i'o"*"ni for a terrn 'ot l::i}:|.'

exceeding 5 yeats, or to both such fine and in imprisorlment' 131.

A person who willilllY- Dangerous goods.


(a) (b) delivers or causes to be delivered to an air operator tbr commercial air ffansport; or recklessly causes the transportation in commercial air transport or shipntent of a cargo.

baggage.
baggage.

or other propertv in contravention of this Act and regulations nrade under it relating to Annex l8 of the Chicago Convention and the International Civil Aviation Organisation Technical Instruction for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods byAir, commits an off':nce and is liatrle on conviction ttr a finc nol erceetling 5,000 United States Dollars or itr equrvalent in lrones or imprisonnrent fbr a ternt not exceeding 5 years or to bolh such fine and imprisonment.
138.TheAuorne,v-Ceneralmay,attherequestoftheDirecttl;.liosecuiirrn rnay instilutr' all necessary proceedings for the enforcernenr [i,Afl]tttv- ircrfl€rol.

of this Act, or anY tenn. ,:ondirion or limitation of a permit, cenificate or licence issuecl under this Act and tbr the punishrrrent ot' contraventir-rn of this Act- 110 No.27 Civil AviationAct 7023 Procedurc for civil ponalties.

t39.
t39.

(l) A civil penalty imposed or assessed under this Act may be collected by proceedings against the person subject to the penahy and, in the case of an aircraft subject to a lien for the penalty, by proceedings against the aircraft.

(2) An aircraft subject to a lien for a civil penalty may he seizedby and placed in the custody of the Director-Geneml.
(3) A report of a seizure and a basis for the seizure shall bepromptly fransmitted to the Attorney-General, and the Attomey- General shall, where necessary, promptly institute judicial proceedings for the enforcement ofthe lien against a seized aircraft.
(4) An aircraft shall be released fiom custody of the Director4eneral orF (a) the payment of the penalry or the amount agreed on in compromise; (b) the seizure in pursuance of judicial proceedings for enforcement of a Iien; (c) notice by the Attorney-General of failure to institute such proceedings, or (d) the deposit of a bond in such amount as the Director-General may prescribe, conditioned on payment of the penalf-r" or thc amount agreed on in contpromise.
PART XIV_MISCELLANEOUS PR OVISIONS Sovereigntl, o!/er airspacc of Siena Leone.

140.

(l) Sierra Leone has complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory.

(2) A srate aircraft of a contracting state shal I uot fly over the teritory of Sierra Leone or land thereou witlrout autlrorisation and in accordance with the terms of a speciai agreement.

No.

27 Ch'il Aviation Act 2023 llr 141.


(l) The Authority shall, by statutory instrument, make Regulatious regarding the interception of civil aircrafts.

Regulation tbr safety navigalron of civil aircraft a .a Q) Regulations made under subsection (l) shali provide that the lives of'persons on board and the safety of a civil aircraft shall not be endangered, in the event ofan interception.
(3) A civil aircraft flying above Sierra Leone without authority or if there are reasonable grounds to concludc that it is l-"cing used for a purpose inconsistent with the aims of the Chicago Convention may, in accordance with Regulations made under subsection (1), be required to land at some desigrated airport and instructed put an end to such vioiation.
(4) The Authority may take appropriate measures consistent with relevant rules of international law, including the relevant provisions of the Chicago Convention, in dealing with a civil aircraft that is required to land uuder subsection (3).

(-5) A Sierra Leone registered aircraft or air operator rvho has his principal place of business or permanent residence in Sierra I.one shall, in like rnanner, comply with interception orders given by another contracting state.
(6) A Sierra Leone civil registered aircraft or an aircraft operated by an air operator who has his principal place ofbusiness cr pennarlent residence in Sierra Leone shall not be used for a purpose inconsistent with the airns of the Chicago Convention.

142.

(l) A person shall no1 intercept a civil aircraft in the llrlerccption airspnce cr instruct it to land unless interception is carried out b)'the :HIl Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces in the performance of their duties.
(2) The pilot-iu-cormnand of a civil aircraft who receives instrul:tions to land from an authorised person shall conply with the insl.ructions.
l12 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2{t23 (3) Interception of a civil aircrafr in the airspace of Sierra l-eone is limited to determining the identity of the aircraft, unless it is necessary to return the civil aircraft to its planned track, direct it beyond the boundaries of Siena Leone airspace' guide it away frorn a prohibited restricted or danger area or instruct it to land al a designated acrodrome.

Misuse ol civil aviation prohibited 143.


A person shall not use civil aviation for any purpose nconsistelr with the aims of the Convention on International Civil viation.

Non- scheduled flight.

144.

(l) An aircraft of another contracting state, being an aircrafi.
not engaged in scheduled international air services, may be permitted to- (a) require landing, subject to the observance of the tetms of the Chicag'o Convention, to make flights into or transit non-stop across Sierra [.eone: and (b) ntake stops for non-traffic purposes withou{ the necessity of obtaining prior permission.

(2) The right under subsection ( I ) is reserved, for reasons irt'safery offlight.
to require aircraft desiring to proceed over regions tvhrch are inaccessible or wititout adequate air nirvigation fucilities to follorv prescribed routes or to obtain special peunission for such tlights.

(i) Regulations, conditrons or Iir:titations lllry be irnposed as consideretj desirablc on an aircraft, if engagcd in the carriage oi- passengers, cargo, or mail Ibr remuneration or hiie on other than schedulect inrernational air services and shall, sub.
;ect to the provisions ofr\rticle 7 ofthe Ciricago Conventiur',- have the privilege of'taking on or rlischarglng passengers.

cargo- or nrail Schcduled air scn'ices.

t;ti.

A sche<lulcd international air service shail not be oDeratsd over or into Sien:r Leone, except u'ith authorisation and in accordance with the terms of a special agleemstlt.

a a t No.

27 Cn,il Atioti<trt Act 2023 113 146.


(i) Permission may be refused to an aircraft of a cabotagc' r;ontracting state to take passengers, Inail or cargo carried for remuneration or hirc destined fbr a point within Siena Leone' (2) An arrangelnent shall not be entered into w'hir:h :pecifically grants such privilege on an exclusive basis to another state or an airline of another state or to obtain such exclusive privilege fiorn another s1ate. '

r47.
r47.

(l) Anaircrallcapableof beingflo*nwithoutapilotsha'l il#lfi: trol be flovrn over the territory of Sierra Leone without speclal auttrorisation and in accordance with the terms of such authorisatrott (2) Flight of an aircraft without a pilot in regions open to civil aircraft shall be controlled as lo obviate danger to civil aircraft.

148.
(i) Sierra Leone tnay, tbr reasons of rnilitary necessiry e1 Prohibitctl public safcty, restrict or proh ibii unifonn ly the aircrafl of other states ''.t" trorn flylng over certain areas of its territorl', with no distinction between its aircraft, r:ngaged in international scheduled airline services and the aircraft ofother contracting states' (2) A prohibiteti area uncler subsection (l), shall be of reasonabie extent trnd location so as not to interfere unnecessaril.t" with air navigation and <Iescriptions of a prohibited area and subsequent alteratiorrs shall be commruricated as soott as possible to the other contracting states and to the International civil Aviation 0rganisation.
(3) In exceptional circumstances or during a period of ernergency, or in the interest of public safety, and with immediate effect, it may be tempomrii,v resh'icted or prohibited to flving over the rvhole or any part of sierra Leone, without distinction of prohibition and sha!l be applicable .,vithouf distinction ofnationality to aircraft r:f other states.
(4) An aircraft ontering a restricted or prohibited area may Lre required to etTect a landing as soon as practicable thereafter at sorne designated ailport within Slerra Leone l14 No.27 Civil Aviaion.4ct 2t)23 [.anding at customs al rport A ppl ication of avi&t:L\n Rcgulations.
149" Except in a case wtrere, under thc terms of the Chicago Ctlrrvurtion (:lr a special authorisation, an airclzttt is permitted to cross Sierrr L.eorie rvithout landing, an ailcraft which enters Siena Leone rirall iar.id at an airport designated for the purpose of custorns arld c{hrr exrmination and depart from a sinrilarly designated customs ai4rort.

?

ai t, !

I50.
?

ai t, !

I50.

The larvs and regulations relating to the admission to or (lepi.rrture frorn Sierra Lecne, of aircraft engaged in intemi:tir;nal air narigaliort.

o, to the operation and navigation of such aircraft while rry ithin Siera Leone shall apply to all aircraft wilhc'ut distinctir:n as to naiionalif),, and shall be complied rvith by an iiircralt upon entering or departing from t''r whiie within Sierra I-eone.

Rules of rhe 3tr.

l5l.


(l) An aircraft flying over or manoeuvling within Sierra Leoneand carrying its nationaliq'mark, shall ccmply with the rules an<J regulations relaling to the flight atrd manocuvre of aircraft.

Q) Rules and regulations relating to the tlight and l))anoeu\,'rc of aircmft shall be unilbnn, to the greatest possible extent, witii those estahlished from time to time undcr the Chicago Converrtion and ovcr rhe high seas.
thc rules in force shall be those esrablished undcr the Chicago Convention.

(i) A person who violatcs a regulation unde; subsection (2).

L:c''nxrits aa offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not erceeding 5,000 Uniteti States dollars and to imprisonment for a ternr not r rceeding 5 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

i:ntr1'and clcar ance Rcgulations 152.


'lhe larvs artcl regulations of Sicn'a Lr:orte relating to adrnissi,-rn to or departure from Sierra Leone of passengers, crew or cargo of'aircraft.

such as regulatiolls relating to entry, clearance' irnrnigruticn.

pssspoits, customs, and quarantine shall be complied r,.

ith b1 r:r on belulf of such passengers, crew or cargo tlpon entrance into or departure from, or while within Sierra Leone.

t t -d No.

27 Civil Aviation Act 't {l', 1 I r.5 153.


Effective ,neasrtres sliall be taken to preveilt the spreari roy Prevcntic'n of rneans of air navigalion of cholcra, typhus (cpidemic) an,l sirrallpoi, :?i::,1"' yellow fbver, plague, arr<l such other cornmunicable diseases ss ;t ,t,"lt frn* time 1o time decide to designate.
and to that end, Sieri-;l I_.eone will keep in close consultation with the agencies concerned with international regulations relatirrg to sanitary measures applicabie to aircraft and :;uclr consultation shall be without prcjudrce to the application ofany existing intenlational convention on this subject to which it is a PartY.

154.

(l) Anairportwhich is opento publicuseby Sierral'eone i'fi:;t registered aircraft shall likewise, subject to the prcvisions ofArticle '.].',in"r.
5g ofthe chicago convcntion, be open under uriform conditions to the aircraft ofother contracting states and the like uniform conditions shall apply to the use, by aircraft ofevery contracting state' ofali air navigation facilities, including radio and meteorological services.

which may be provided for public use for the safety and expedition of air navigation.
*o (2) Charges thal ma-v be imposed or permitted to be irnposed for the use of sucit airports and air navigation Facilities by an aircraft tlf another contracting state shall not be higher and an aircraft- (a) not engaged in scheduled intentational air services, shall pay the same as a Sierra Leone registered aircraft ofthe same class engaged in similar operations: (b) engaterl in sclreduled ittternational ait' services shall pay the same as Sierra Lcone registered aircraft eligaged in similar international air services- (3) Charges imposed for the use of airports and other facilities under subseclion ( I ) shall be published and cotntuunicated to the lnternarional Civil Aviatioir organisation, provided that.
upotr representation by an interested contracting state, the charges irnposed 116 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 202i shallbesudecttoreviewbythelnteniationa.|CivilAviation Organisution-Council, which shall report and make recomntendations theieon for the consideration ofSiena I-eone or state concerned and fees, dues orother charges shall not he imposed in respect solely of the right of transit over or entry into or exit from Sierra l'eone of an aircraft ofa contracting state or persons or property thereotl' i o\ Search of ar rcrafl.
l55.TheAuthorityshallhavetheriglrt,rvithoutunreasonable delay,tosearchanaircraftofatrothercontractingstates()lllanding or departure and to inspect the certificates a'nd other documents prescribed under the Chicago Convention' Registratton of aircraft.

156.

(1)Apersonwhointendstoc)perateanail'crafiservicein Sierra Leone shall register the aircraft in accordance with the lavrs of Sierra Leone or undei the larv ofthe state of origin of the aircraft.
0) "lhe Director General may, upon requesl b'v an orvtter' operator of an airclaft or a person rvho irrlfils the requirements tirr registration ofan aircraft' tegister the aircraft and issite the ov;ner' op.rrto.

or person with a certificate of registration' (3) The Director General shall establish an<i maintarn a current .

"girr., of aircraft registered hy Sieira.

l'eolte a'rd the information recorded in the certificate of registration' 157.
An aircraft registered undc;r this Act shall carry the Slerra Leone nationaliry anC registration mark assigned to it by the Authoriry' 158.

An aircrafi registered in another state shall ltot Lre reqi'stererJ in Sierra l.eone, ulless ttrat aircraft has been deregistered il1 that state.

Sicrra Leone registered aircraft and nationality.

Dual rcgistration prohibited.

Lalvs governing registration 159.


The i-egistration or transfer of registration of an ailcraft shallbemadeinaccordartcewiththisActandtheregulationsmade under it, t t !i No.

27 (.

:ivil Aviation Act 2023 li7 160.

An aircraftregistered in Sierra Leone' engaged in local and internationalairnavigatiorr.shallbeartheappropriatenationaiitY and registration marks' Displa-v of marks.

l6l.
Information concerning the registration and oT nershiq "f I"J[:;:, an aircraft registered in Sierra Leone shall be supphed to anotner .onor.ring .ri* o, to the lnterna'tional Civil Aviation Organisation on demand, ir, addition, Sierra l-eone shall furnish reports to ttte ini"r"urioruf Civil Aviatiort Organisation, giving such pertinent data- ,, "* U. made available conclerning the ownership and control of aircraft in its register ancl habitually engaged iIr international air ,.tigi i"" ana iire data thus cbtairied by the Intemational Civil Auiuii.,o Organisation may be made available by it on request tt) other coutracling states" through the issuance r'f si:ecial ll:ll1ilf.}"'
162.

Practicable measur€s' reguiations or otheluise- shall be adopted' to faciiitate and c\pc'llie ,"rig"ti.r, by aircraft bef'ween Sierra Leone and other contracti:rg stales, and to prevent llnn€cessal)' dciays to aircraft' cre\\'s' pu.r"ng*., and iargo, especially in the administration of thc la'ws i".
r n,ini,o imnrigratlo n' qttaranl ine' curtoms and clearancc' 163. cusrcms anrl lnrnigration procedures ltTllinq intur"iJllll':] ;;}il];,ill air uavigation shal!bc estal:lished, sc tar as practicable' tn ut:o:t',1L:.

: prot,edures with thJ practiccs which uray be established or recomlnendt)d lr()Iil time to time, pursuant to the Chicago Convention' lcr4.

(1) An eircrait on a flilrht to, ftom, or across th.
: te:ritol)" ;;li]"'t of -,ntrther contactin3 state shall bc admitted tentporanlv lr(-c.L'I tluly subject to the existing ctlslolrs tegulations irnd iuel' lutrrtcaltt'tq' oils, spare paffs, regular equipment and aircraft stores on hoard an *r.rrit of a contracring stat;, on anival in Siena Leone and retained o,l frouta on leaving the tenitory and shall be erempt frorn cusionts duty, inspection fees or sirt;iar natic:rral or local drrties and charges.
(2) Subsection (i)' shall not apply to any quantities or artictes unloaded, excepl' in accordance with the existilg cuslo$ls ,e g,tlations, rvhich may iequire that they shall be kept under custorns supervision' 118 No.27 Civil Aviatiort Act 202J Aircraft tn dlstress.

lnvestigation of accidents.

(3) Spai'e parts and equiPinenl.


impor-fed into Sicrra l.,eone for incorPoration in or use ()n an aircraft of anotlier contracting state engaged in inlerrrational air navigation shall be adrniiled fi'ee of customs dutr'.

sutrject to compliance with the laws in fcrce, Provided that the afiicles shall be kept under cust(ims silpirvr:xoll and corrtrol 165.

(1) Sierra Leone shall provide such rteasrlres of urri*n.. to an aircraft in dislress in its teritory as it ma5' find p."",i"rUf .
*cl to permit, subjectto control bl'the relevant autliorities' orun.r, of the aircraft or authorities of the state in which the it " uir"ruft is registered to provide such measures of assistance as may be necessitated by the circumstirnces' (2) When undertaking search for a missing aircraft' Sierra Leone will collaborate in cooidinatcd measures which rnay be recommended from time to time pursuant to the Chicago Clonvention' ' a 166.
(1) Sierra Leone shall, in the eveut ofan accident to an aircraft of a colltracting state occuning in its territory'' involving death ;;;;;i"rt injury or indicating serious techtrical det'ect in the aircraft r*lg"i;on facilities, institute an inquiry into the circumstances or of the accident' in accordance' so far as the laws pennit' with fi-e f.o""drr" u'hich ma,v be recommerrde<t by the International Civil "it Aviation Organisation.
e) The state in which the aircraft is registered shallbc given the opportunity to appoint obse'rv:tt t: b.: presenl at the inquiry r:riirr.

report and nnainis of the inquiry shall be comniunicated to that state 16'.1.

Air navigation facilities and standard systcms.

(1) Sierra Leone shall, in its territory, so far as pructicable- (a) provide, airports, radio services' meteorologicat services and other air navigation iacilities' to {acilitate international air navigation; .
(b) adopt and put into operation appropriate standard systems of communicatiorrs procedure, codes, markings' signals' lighting and other operational pracdces and rules; No.

7.7 Civil A.viation Act 2$23 il9 e 6 (c) collaborate in international measures to secure the publication of aeronautical maps and charts, in accordance lvith standards rvhich may be recommended or established fiom time to time, pursuant to the Chicago Convention.

168.
168.

(l) An aircraff, in or over the territory "f nruy.rurry'rudio transmitting apparatusonly if a licence to install snd tr"f.r apparatus has iesnissued by the appropriate authorities "p".

* of the state in rvhich the aircraft is registered and the use of radio transmitting aDparatus shall be in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
Sit.t"^T:l: li!i**l- (2) Radio ransmitting apparatus may be used only by members of a tlight crew who are providetJ with a special licence for that purpose, isiued by the appropriate authorities of the state ttr rvhictr the aircraft is registereci' 169- An aircraft engaged in air navigation shall be provided lr"'rtir']"*" lvith acertificate of airworthiness issued or reudered valid by the state rvorthiness' in which it is regtstered.

170.
170.

(l)ThepilorofanaircraffandtheothermembersoftheLicencesof operaring crew engaged in intemarionot nuuigutioitf,"iii" p*rt6"6 Personnel with c.:rtifltcates of ccmpetency and licences issued or rendered valid by the state in which the aircraft is registered' (2) Tire right trr it-tuse to recoErise' for the purpose ot lhght above Sien'a Letlnc, cefiificates of competency and licences E-onr"C to arry of iu nationals by another contracting state' is reserved' 17l.
Certificales of airwofthirress andcertificates of compet*:y l;t:t,,1ilri., and licences issued or rendered valid by the contracttng stale_ll a,rd ticen"es.

rvhich an aircraft is registered, shall be recognised as valid' provided thattlrerequirementsurrdcrrvhichsuchcertificatesorlicenceswere issrred or renclered valid are equal to or above the minimum standards which uiay be established frorn time to time pursuantto the Ctricago Convention.

120 No.27 Civil Aviation Act 2{r23 Journey krg books.
Cargc rcstrrctrons.

Photogr aphic apparatus.

Adoptiorr of r nte rnal ion rl standanls arld prttced rttes 172.

There shall be maintained in respect of every iiircrF-ft engaged in air navigation a journey log book in which shaii be entsl'ed joumey, in such fomr particulars of rhe aircraft, its crew and of ':ach as ma)J be prescribed from time to tinte pursuaat to the Chicago Conventrcn.

r --- 113.
r --- 113.

(i) Munitions of war or impielnents of war shall not be carried in or above Sierra kone in an aircraft engrgeC Lr international rravigation, except by penrission and shall, bl regulations, (lelenllin3 what constitutes rr.runitions of war or irnplernents of war for the purposes of Article 35 of the Chicago Convention, giving due consideration, fbr the purposes of uniformity, to such recourmerrdations as the Internationa!

Civil Aviaticn Organisation raay from time to time umke.
@ Siera Leone reserves the right, for reasons of public or,3er and safety, t,t regulate or prohibit thc calriage of anicles in or abcve its lerritoiy and tlrcre slrall be no distinction betwcco an aircraft regislcreri rn sierra Leone engaged in intemaiional r:avigation and a;r aircra{t 0f {rttter statcs so engaged and no resriction shallbe imposed which rnav interfere with the carriage and use on airc|an of apparatus ltecessan/ for the opcration or rravigation of the aircraft or the safe.ry ol'the personnel or Passengers.
t1 1 T'hc use of photographic apparatus in an aircraft rnay bt-' prcrhibited or regulated.

t 75.

( l ) Iin nlatters in u'hrch unifom:iq'u'ill facilitate and improve air navigalion.

tlr.ere shali be collaboraiiol in securrng the highest pracrrcat,le dL'gree of uniformiry in reguleticns- siantlalds.

ploccdures, and organisation in relation to aircraft, personnel, ainvays and auiliary serv ices.
(2) 'Io rhis end, as n'ra,v be llecessar-\i' inlernational standards and recommencied practices and procedures adopted and atnenilcd by Inlernatiolral civilAviation organisation shall be aclopted and arneltied fi'orrr titne to ttme' No.

?7 Civil Aviation Act 2023 121 I t 176.
(l) Imrnediate notification shall be given to the International Civil Organisation of differences between the practice and that established by international standard, if and wllen it is impracticable to comply in all respec"s with international standard or procedure or to bring its own regulations or practices into full accord q,it} an intenrational standard or procedure after amendments of the latter, or it is deemed necessary to adopt regulations or practices difTering in any particular respect from those established by international standard.
Departures from inter- national standards and procedures.

8) In the case of amendments to international standards, if the appropriate amendments to the regulations or practices are made, notice to the Council shall be given within 60 days of the adoption of the amen&nent to the intemational standard or indication of the action proposed to be taken.

177.
177.

(l) An aircraft or part thercof with respect to which there exists an internationai standard of airworthiness or performance, and ivhich failed in any respect to satisry that standard at the tirne ofits certification, shall have endorsed on or attached to its airworthiness cefiificate a complete enumeration ofthe details in respect ofwhich it so failed.

Endorsenrent of cer-tifir:ates and licences.


@ A person holding a licence w'ho does not satisf, in firll the conditions laid dorvn in the international standard relating to the class of licence or certificate which the person holds shall have endorsed on or attached to his licence a complete enurneration ofthe particulars in which the person does not satisfy such conditions.

; 178.
; 178.

(1) An aircraft or personnel having certificates or licences Validit,r' of so endorsed shali not participate in international navigation, except ::*ii"l., with permission.

ard licences.

Q) The regislration or use ofan aircraft, or certificate or licence endorsed under subsection(l), shall be at the discretion of the appropriate authoriq,'.

a lu No.27 Ctvtl Aviation Act 2023 Designation l7g.
The route to be followed within Sierra Leone by an of routes and international air service and the airports which such service lnay use, arrpons.

may be designated, subject to the provisions of the Chicago Convention.

Rcgistration of new arrangements 180.

When arrangements not inconsistent'"vith the provisions of the Chicago Convention are made, they shal) be registered with the Council, to be made public as soon as possible.

Transfer of certain functions and duties.

181.


Notwithstandinglhe provisions ofAtticles 12, 3A,31 and 9{a) of the Chicago Convention, u'hen a Sierra Leone registered aircraft is operated pursuant to an agreement for the iease, charter or interchange ofthe aircraft or any similar arrangement by an operator who has his principal place of business or, if the person has no such place of business, his permanent residence in another conffacting state, it may, by agreement with such other state.
transfer to it all or part of its functions and duties as state of registry in respect of that aircraft under Articles I 2.

30, 3 I and 32 (a).

Penalty for non- ""' '^ conlormrty oI ;ili;;.

182.

Where the International Civil Aviation Organisation ^ Councilhasdecidedrhatanairlineisnotconformingtoafinaldecision rendered, the operaticn of that airline of a confracting state through the territory of Sierra l,eone shall not be allou'ed.

Repeals 183.
Repeals 183.

(l) Sections 59 and 60 of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority Act, 1988 are hereby repealed' Savings.

Regulations.

A) The CivilAviationAct,20l9 is hereby repeaied- 184.

A licence or certificate issued or statutot Y instrutnent made underthe CivilAviationAc!

2019 shall remain in force r-urtii expressly revoked.
185, The Ministermay, make such regulations- orders and rules" as may be considered necessary or expedient to provide for regulating air navigarion and air transport, giving effect to the Chicago Convention and the Alnexes thereto and generally.

for the beffer carrying out the objects and purposes of this Act.

No.

27 Civil AviationAct 2023 123 ., .t !

i passed in Parliament thisl2th day of April , nthe year of our Lord rwo thousand and Twenty Three.

PARAN UMAR TARAWALLY, Clerk of Parliamenr.


Trns Pnnrrep IvpnrssroN has been carefully compared by me u'ith tile Bill which has passed Parliarnent and found by me to be a true and correct printed copy ofthe said Bill.

PARAN UMAR TARAWALLY, Clerk of Purliament.

PnrNreo ANp PUsLtSHep gy IHr GovtxluElr PRI}TIINC DgpantUrNr, Sleitre i-eorve.

G.tz-t,te }lo- 41 or 29nr Juuq 2023.