ICAO terminology distinguishes between Standards and ______.

• A. Guidance materials
• B. Operational procedures
• C. Recommended Practices
• D. Inspection criteria

Answer: (C)

ICAO uses Safety and Regulatory Standards and Practices (SARPs). The two parts are Standards and Recommended Practices. Standards are binding: they specify the required level of safety and performance, and States implement them in their national regulations. If a State can’t meet a Standard, it can file a difference to explain the deviation, but the aim is to align with the Standard. Recommended Practices, on the other hand, are guidance describing preferred ways to achieve safety and interoperability; they are not legally mandatory, though they represent best practice and States are encouraged to follow them. Guidance materials provide interpretation and explanations but are not binding.