International Law and ICAO Annexes/Conventions
The Chicago Convention framework
The Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago, 1944) created ICAO and the 19 Annexes. Article 1 confirms complete and exclusive sovereignty of a State over its airspace; Article 5 covers non-scheduled flights; Article 6 requires special permission for scheduled services; Article 8 deals with pilotless aircraft; Article 12 requires rules of the air to conform to the Convention; Article 32 covers licensing of personnel; Article 33 covers recognition of certificates; Article 37 requires each State to keep its rules and practices in line with Annexes; Article 38 covers differences notified to ICAO.
The other key treaties
Know the Warsaw/Montreal system for carrier liability, the Tokyo Convention 1963 (offences on board), the Hague Convention 1970 (unlawful seizure), the Montreal Convention 1971 (acts of violence at airports), and the Rome Convention 1952 (surface damage). Distinguish the Paris Convention 1919 (historical) from Chicago. Annexes to remember: Annex 1 Licensing, 2 Rules of the Air, 6 Operations, 8 Airworthiness, 11 Air Traffic Services, 13 Accident Investigation, 14 Aerodromes, 17 Security, 19 Safety Management.
Traps and worked example
Traps: confusing Article 33 (mutual recognition of certificates) with Article 32 (licensing); assuming Annexes are mandatory in every detail (States may file differences under Article 38); and mixing the Tokyo and Montreal 1971 offences.
Rule of thumb: sovereignty (Art 1) beats everything; certificates are recognised only if issued to standards at least equal to Annex minimums.
Worked example: "A foreign CPL holder flies in India. On what basis is the licence accepted?" Under Article 33, India accepts the licence if the issuing State's standards equal or exceed Annex 1 minimums - but the licence does not automatically confer Indian privileges; national rules still apply.