Main Function
The AAIS is mandated to investigate air accidents and incidents occurring in the territory of the United Arab Emirates, and to participate in the investigation of accidents and incidents conducted by other States where a UAE-registered aircraft has been involved.
About the Sector
The official foundation of the AAIS took place in October 2011 as a sole body in the United Arab Emirates mandated to fulfill this mission for the purpose of identifying causes and contributing factors.
Before October 2011, several investigations were conducted by the GCAA and the corresponding Final Reports were published. All available safety-related data and information, that was collected as a result of accident and incident investigation in the United Arab Emirates, have been preserved in an AAIS database.
Investigation Objectives
The objective of an AAIS investigation is to enhance aviation safety by determining the causes and contributing factors related to air accidents or incidents, and to issue safety recommendations to prevent reoccurrence. Investigations are conducted in accordance with the UAE Civil Aviation Law (20) of 1991, in compliance with the Air Accident and Incident Investigation Regulation (AAIR), and in conformance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention). It is not the purpose of the investigation activity to apportion blame or liability.
AAIS Structure
The organizational structure comprises three principal functional units, namely:
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Air Accident Investigation Section (AAID):
The AAID conducts independent investigations into all civil aircraft accidents, and serious incidents involving aircraft with a maximum take-off mass exceeding 2,250 kilograms. The AAID may also, at its discretion, investigate serious incidents involving aircraft below this threshold and incidents where such investigation is considered likely to enhance aviation safety.
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Accident Prevention and Safety Recommendations Unit (APSRU):
APSRU is responsible for monitoring and ensuring the implementation of safety recommendations issued by the AAIS, as well as for conducting safety trend analysis and studies within the framework of the UAE State Safety Programme (SSP). The APSRU also holds the mandate to conduct investigations and safety studies related to emerging aviation technologies, including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), and advanced air mobility platforms such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
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Quality, Standards, and Publications Unit (QSPU):
The QSPU is tasked with the development and maintenance of investigation-related procedures, regulatory guidance, and internal quality management systems. The Unit ensures compliance with national and international investigation standards and oversees the quality assurance of investigation reports and other materials intended for public release, in accordance with the transparency and safety objectives prescribed under the UAE Civil Aviation Law and Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention.
Organization Chart
Management Structure