FAA Raises Safety Ratings for Dominican Republic and Guatemala

The Dominican Republic now complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) following a reassessment of the country’s civil aviation authority in late-April, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.Guatemala also had its safety rating elevated following a review of the country’s civil aviation body that same month.
Their safety ratings were raised from Category 2 to Category 1. A Category 1 rating means the country’s civil aviation authority complies with ICAO standards. A Category 2 rating means a country either lacks laws or regulations necessary to oversee air carriers in accordance with minimum international standards, or that its civil aviation authority — equivalent to the FAA for aviation safety matters — is deficient in one or more areas, such as technical expertise, trained personnel, recordkeeping or inspection procedures