Rules as Code Aviation Portal
The Belgian Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport used Rules as Code (RaC) to create a new portal that brings together complex legal requirements for the aviation industry into a user-led, online aircraft registration .
The problem space
Aviation laws are complex, with lots of different rules that need to apply to different users ranging from big commercial airlines to recreational drone users. Traditionally, aircraft registration was completed using a paper-based form, which was then processed by public sector staff. However, often information was missing and staff had to contact the applicant potentially multiple times to get more details.
Likewise, aviators didn’t know if they’d filled out their license application correctly. It could sometimes also be unclear if they actually met the legal requirements until they heard back from Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport.
The new RaC solution
Belgium’s Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport developed a new online portal for users to apply for their aircraft registration, and perform other tasks. Using the portal, owners and operators can register and manage their fleet online.
The online process is user-led, taking applicants through all the necessary steps and questions in a user-friendly way. Through the online process, users know that their application has been filled out correctly and that they meet all the legal requirements.
The outcomes are impressive:
- Licenses are issued in half the time
- The RaC process takes half the effort by staff
The Aviation Portal’s evolution
Interestingly, the OECD case study on the Aviation notes that originally they tried to replicate the existing workflow and processes within a new RaC system. However, Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport realised it needed to pivot. User experience designers were brought into the project. User journeys were mapped and then translated into wireframes. The wireframes were tested extensively and then refined. This created a user-led journey with a tailored process.
Global applications
There are obvious global applications for this RaC solution. Aviation laws all over the world could be codified to deliver a better user experience. In fact, the OECD case study on the Aviation outlines the ideal scenario of an international portal that’s used by all countries and aviation authorities. For larger airlines in particular, the ability to deal with one portal and system for all countries would be highly beneficial. It would also help to create a more standarised approach globally.
“If more countries adapt a similar online approach, pilots will not have to carry paper documents with them while flying.” (from the OECD case study on the Aviation ). This would be a big step towards moving to a digital-based system.
The portal in action
Unfortunately, all the interactive services need a user login to proceed, so we can’t show you screenshots of the actual application process and how the rules have been turned into code.
However, the next section does show some other RaC solutions in action.
RaC benefit portals
If you want to try out some RaC applications, you might like to look at the RaC solutions below.
Note: You’ll need to enter real postcodes/zipcodes for these applications.
- (New Zealand)— NZ citizens can check their eligibility for four specific social security benefits. Users are presented with a Drupal form that’s connected to OpenFisca, the platform that runs the Rules as Code.
- Benefits Launch (Philadelphia, USA) — Philadelphia residents can check if they’re eligible for public benefits. Users are taken through a series of short screens.
Above is a screenshot of BenefitMe's form
Salsa Digital’s take
Many Rules as Code applications are focused on working out if citizens are eligible for benefits, so it’s great to see this very different RaC application. Belgium’s Aviation shows how Rules as Code creates a faster, more streamlined process that quantifiably saves both users and public sector employees a significant amount of time. It also brings much better clarity around aviation laws, and how they’re applied to license applications. We strongly encourage consolidation, especially within government, so we think it would be great to see other aviation departments around the world following suit!