Legal and Operational Disconnect: A Case study on PD 1570 and its non-application in Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations

This case study examines the alignment between Presidential Decree No. 1570, which governs the professional practice of Aeronautical Engineering in the Philippines, and the aviation regulation of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) particularly the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR). Although PD 1570 clearly define the scope of Aeronautical Engineering Practice, the questions remain regarding its practical relevance within CAAP-regulated aviation operations. The study concludes that PD 1570, while legally valid, holds limited to no operational influence in civil aviation activities unless supported by explicit CAAP regulatory provisions. To address this gap. The study recommends the establishment of a conditional or supplementary CAAP licensing pathway for Aeronautical Engineers, and the issuance of joint PRC-CAAP clarification guidelines, and formal recognition of Aeronautical Engineers in airworthiness support functions.