US officials downgrade Venezuelan aviation safety rating

US authorities downgraded Venezuela's aviation rating Friday, saying the crisis-torn nation isn't able to meet basic international standards for airline safety. The FAA said it recently performed an “extensive review” of Venezuela's civil aviation authority, leading to the status change. “The Venezuelan regime does not comply” with international standards, the FAA said. Venezuela's aviation authorities either lack regulations needed to oversee their carriers at a minimum standard or they don't have adequate expertise, training or inspection procedures, among safety concerns, the FAA stated. Venezuela joins countries such as Malaysia, Bangladesh, Costa Rica and Ghana to be deemed below international standards. The rating doesn't automatically ban a nation's planes from landing in the US, but they are subject to more restrictions. <br/>