In ICAO's framework, what are the regulations called and what is the guidance called?

• A. Regulations are called Standards and Approved Practices; Guidance is called Annex.
• B. Regulations are called Standards; Guidance is called Annex.
• C. Regulations are called Annex; Guidance is called Standards and Recommended Practices.
• D. Regulations are called Annex; Guidance is called Recommended Practices.

Answer: (C)

In ICAO’s structure, the binding rules are Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). These establish the required performance and procedures that states should meet. SARPs are published in Annexes to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which is why Annexes are seen as the regulatory core of the framework.

Guidance, on the other hand, is provided to help implement those rules and is not legally binding in the same way. This guidance comes mainly through Procedures for Air Navigation Services (PANS) and other guidance documents, which describe recommended methods and practical approaches for meeting the SARPs.

So, the regulations are the SARPs published in Annexes, and the guidance is given by PANS and similar documents that aid implementation.