U.S.-Israel Aviation Cooperation

In 1983, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for technical assistance. Under that agreement, the FAA provided technical assistance and expertise in developing and improving air traffic operations in Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport terminal areas. Since then, there have been ongoing developments in the area of aviation.

In 1987, an annex was added to the agreement that established the terms and conditions of an equipment lease for two ARTS IIA modification kits. The equipment, with an estimated cost of $174,720, was to be leased for a period of four years.
In 1991, the agreement was further expanded to set forth the terms and conditions under which the FAA may make personnel available to provide civil aviation technical assistance to Israel. Assignments may be in the fields of air traffic control, facility engineering, aviation safety and other aviation related disciplines. More specifically, the FAA was to provide two specialists with backgrounds in the acquisition and installation of flight inspection systems.

In 1996, the FAA signed another MOU with the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) of Israel. According to the MOU, the FAA will provide instructors to conduct Aircraft Certification Systems Evaluation Program (ACSEP) training in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Another MOU was signed in 1997 between the FAA and the CAA to encourage development of civil aeronautics and air commerce safety and to provide technical assistance to the CAA Also, in 1997, the 1983 Agreement was further expanded to set the terms for the purchase of equipment.

In 1998, two annexes were added to the 1983 MOA for the loan and purchase of equipment by the Israel Airports Authority (IAA). An appendix was also added making personnel available for temporary duty to provide technical assistance to the IAA.

In 2000, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the FAA and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) to establish the terms and conditions for mutual cooperation in the promotion and development of civil aviation. Included is the exchange of information, execution of joint analyses, coordination of research projects, exchange of staff and equipment, joint symposia and reciprocal consultations.

Also in 2000, a Memorandum of Agreement between the FAA and the (ISA) was signed. Under the agreement, the FAA will provide the ISA assistance in the development and modernization of the civil aviation infrastructure.

Sources: Partners for Change