Based on the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO's) evolution into the realm of safety regulation, which is unforeseen by the Chicago Convention, this thesis analyzes the legitimacy of the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) and ICAO's authority to regulate the sovereign states that enable its existence as an international organization. It concludes that ICAO's creation and operation of the USOAP is legitimate and sustainable based on: (1) an examination of international organizations generally; (2) the history and evolution of aviation safety audits; and (3) the relevant provisions of the Chicago Convention. Possible amendments to the Chicago Convention with the purpose of enhancing the USOAP are also considered and recommended.

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