Who is ultimately responsible for the safety of civil aviation in a country?

The ultimate responsibility for the safety of civil aviation in a country lies with the competent authority of that country. This authority is typically a government agency, such as a civil aviation administration, that is tasked with establishing regulations, overseeing aviation operations, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This includes the formulation of policies, enforcement of aviation laws, certification of airmen and aircraft, and oversight of air traffic control operations.

The role of the competent authority is to create a framework within which all other aviation-related entities operate, effectively ensuring a systematic approach to aviation safety. This authority coordinates with various stakeholders, including local aviation communities, military aviation authorities when necessary, and individual pilots, to promote a comprehensive safety culture throughout the aviation sector.

While other options play a part in maintaining safety and operational standards, their roles are supportive or operational, whereas the competent authority holds the overarching responsibility for the regulation and enforcement of safety measures in civil aviation at a national level.