The United States operates one of the safest and most complex aviation systems in the world. The responsibility for maintaining this high level of safety is shared among FAA, the air carriers, and aircraft manufacturers. In this regard, it is important to note that FAA and the aviation industry rely on a series of overlapping controls to ensure that aircraft are maintained safely.

Despite the impressive record, OIG investigations have revealed that there are those who compromise aviation safety by engaging in illegal activities such as engaging in the illicit trade of substandard unapproved aircraft parts, illegally transporting hazardous materials by air, and other safety-related crimes.

Each year since 1998, OIG has identified aviation safety as one of the top management challenges facing the Department. OIG also conducted numerous criminal investigations involving aviation safety.

OIG's aviation safety investigations generally fall into four categories. We investigate:

* Allegations involving the illegal manufacture or distribution of aircraft parts that do not meet FAA standards (Suspected Unapproved Aircraft Parts).
* Persons charged with falsifying certification or authentication of their qualification to operate an aircraft (airman certificate) to conduct aircraft repairs or to act as an aircraft mechanic.
* False statements regarding the condition of aircraft or filing false aircraft certifications
* Shipping or allowing the shipping of hazardous materials by air without obtaining proper certification.