CIVIL AVIATION
Entry in Encyclopedia of Global Studies
Abstract
Civil aviation has unique characteristics compared with other industries: it is not only wide-ranging but also an instrumental force of globalization. The term civil aviation refers to the operation of any civil aircraft and related activities for the purpose of transportation by air. In other words, civil aviation covers all aviation activities except military operations. Although generally the design, development and production of a civil aircraft is considered separately as in aerospace industry, in a broader sense civil aviation and the operation of a civil aircraft refers to the design, development, production, and use of aircraft and all related activities and facilities for serving some kind of transportation activities by air. Unlike many other fields that grow domestically first and then expand to other countries, the civil aviation industry has had an international character from its beginning. This verity is partly a result of the uniqueness of air transportation. Travel through air has naturally a beyond-border character and needs some legal requirements between countries. In addition, safe and secure air navigation and air transportation between countries requires standardized special equipment, facilities and operational procedures. Another reason for the international characteristic of civil aviation is the industry's massive need for financial investment. Generally, the domestic markets of individual countries are not strong enough to finance the needed investments. History Civil aviation and globalization move in tandem. That means civil aviation has always fostered