Article 83 bis is an amendment to the Chicago Convention that became effective in June 1997. It authorizes Contracting States to make bilateral transfers of safety oversight responsibilities related to the lease, charters, and interchange of aircraft. It gives states a basis and legal framework for entering into bilateral agreements transferring responsibilities under Articles 12 (Rules of the air), 30 (Aircraft Radio Equipment), 31 (Certificates of Airworthiness), and 32 (a) (licenses of Personnel).

Typically, the State of Registry transfers the responsibilities to the state in which the aircraft are to be based (State of Operator).

Article 83 bis allows placement of safety oversight responsibilities with the State that is in a better situation to discharge safety oversight.

Article 83 bis guarantees that bilateral agreements for transfers of oversight responsibilities are recognized by all ICAO States.

Bermuda currently has agreements with:
    * Russian, MoT
    * Austrian, Austro Control
    * Republic of Uzbekistan, Flight Safety Oversight
    * Republic of Azerbaijan, State Concern

For a copy of the Article 83 bis and all the other Articles, please view them on the ICAO website www.icao.int