1. 18-20 Dec 2018
Aerodrome Certification Workshop
Paris, France
Eng. Mohamed Iheb Hamdi
ICAO MID Regional Officer for Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AGA)
Regulatory Framework and Aerodrome
Certification Requirements
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To provide an insight into the rationale behind and principles of SARPs on aerodrome certification
To develop participants’ skills and knowledge regarding aerodrome certification processes and
procedures.
To develop participants’ knowledge and skills in overseeing the implementation of aerodrome
certification requirements
To highlight the importance of aerodrome certification in assuring arerodrome operational safety
Session Objectives
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States’ obligations under the Chicago Convention to comply with international specifications
Need to ensure a globally harmonized safe and secure aviation system, in particular, a safe and
efficient airport
Let us take a look at the commitments of ICAO Contracting States
The Preamble sets the tone
Aerodrome Certification Requirements
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"WHEREAS the future development of international civil aviation can greatly help to create and
preserve friendship and understanding among the nations and peoples of the world, yet its abuse can
become a threat to the general security; and
WHEREAS it is desirable to avoid friction and to promote that co-operation between nations and
peoples upon which the peace of the world depends;
THEREFORE, the undersigned governments having agreed on certain principles and arrangements in
order that international civil aviation may be developed in a safe and orderly manner and that
international air transport services may be established on the basis of equality of opportunity and
operated soundly and economically;
Have accordingly concluded this Convention to that end.”
Chicago Convention - States’ Obligations: Preamble to the Chicago Convention (1944):
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States shall certify aerodromes used for international operations in accordance with the specifications
contained in ICAO Annex 14 as well as other relevant ICAO specifications through an appropriate
regulatory framework.
The regulatory framework shall include the establishment of criteria and procedures for the
certification of aerodromes.
Aerodrome Certification – ICAO Annex 14
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What?
Aerodrome certification is a process of ensuring that an aerodrome complies with the applicable safety
rules, regulations and specifications thereby assuring the users, travelling public and airlines that the
aerodrome meets the safety requirements.
Why?
To minimize the risks to the users and meet the obligations thereof
Aviation’s safety record and increasing traffic volumes; competition amongst airports.
How?
Compliance with the safety regulations in force and the commitment to safety through an active Safety
Management System
Aerodrome Certification
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Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) Data :
Accident rate: 0.57 per million departures and steady; the actual no. of departures is increasing
1 in 5 accidents due to overrunning
RWY excursion accounts for 83% of all accidents
Approach & landing result in 45% of hull losses
Majority of accidents on or in the vicinity of airports!
So, a constant safety assurance effort is needed!
Aerodrome Certification
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(Accidents only; serious incidents and other incidents not included)
Total no. of aircraft accidents: 1650 (MTOM>5700 kgs)
RWY excursions & Incursions: 422 (25.6%)
No. of accidents by phase of flight:
Taxiing: 3; Take-off: 90; Landing: 329
Aircraft propulsion types involved:
Turbofan: 245; Turbojet: 18; Turboprop: 159
RWY excursion occurrence: 352 (21.3%)
ICAO ADREP Data: RWY Excursions & Incursions 2000-2009
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Accidents and Fatalities by Phase of Flight (Boeing Data)
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Annex 14, Volume I has technical specifications and requirements associated with:
Aerodrome Certification Requirements
Design of Aerodrome Facilities
Aerodrome Operational Services
Aerodrome Operational Safety Issues
Chapter 1, Section 1.4 on Certification of Aerodromes stipulates the requirements
It also emphasizes the obligations and responsibilities of both the regulator and the operator
Aerodrome Certification
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Annex 14, Volume I, Ch. 1, Section 1.4 specifies:
“….When an aerodrome is granted a certificate, it signifies to aircraft operators and other organizations
operating on the aerodrome that, at the time of certification, the aerodrome meets the specifications
regarding the facility and its operations, and that it has, according to the certifying authority, the
capability to maintain these specifications for the period of validity of the certificate. The certification
process also establishes the baseline for continued monitoring of compliance with the specifications….”
Aerodrome Certification
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Paragraph 1.4.1: “States shall certify aerodromes used for international operations in accordance with
the specifications contained in this annex as well as other relevant ICAO specifications through an
appropriate regulatory framework.”
1.4.2. Recommendation: States should certify aerodromes open to public use in accordance with these
specifications through an appropriate regulatory framework.
1.4.3. The regulatory framework shall include the establishment of criteria for the certification of
aerodromes.
Annex 14, Vol. I Specifications on Certification of Aerodromes
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1.4.4. As part of the certification process, States shall ensure that an aerodrome manual which will
include all pertinent information on the aerodrome site, facilities, services, equipment, operating
procedures, organization and management including a SMS, is submitted by the applicant for the
approval/acceptance prior to granting the aerodrome certificate.
Note.—The intent of a safety management system is to have in place an organized and orderly
approach in the management of aerodrome safety by the aerodrome operator. Guidance on an
aerodrome safety management system is given in the Safety Management Manual (SMM) (Doc 9859)
and in the Manual on Certification of Aerodromes (Doc 9774).
Annex 14, Vol. I Specifications on Certification of Aerodromes
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Basic Aviation Law
Aviation Authority such as DGCA/CAA for carrying out safety oversight
Staffing structure of DGCA/CAA
Technical Regulations including criteria for certification of aerodromes
Guidance for staff and all stakeholders;
Aerodrome Certification processes and procedures
Post Certification safety inspections and surveillance
Remedial actions for any non-compliances
ICAO Doc 9774 – Manual on Certification of Aerodromes
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Guidance on aerodrome manual preparation including details of particulars to be included
Maintaining the currency of the manual and carrying out amendments to the manual
Roles and duties of the Regulator
Roles and obligations of the Aerodrome Operator
Dealing with requests for exemptions/deviations
Aerodrome Safety Management System
Examples of an Aerodrome Certificate and of an application for grant of an aerodrome certificate
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Chapter 1 has guidance on:
The General requirements, in particular, the obligations under Art. 15 of the Chicago Convention
The need for certification of aerodromes
The Scope of the guidance in the manual
ATS, AVSEC, MET issues to be addressed separately
DGCA/CAA to ensure co-ordination of various entities
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Chapter 2: Aerodrome Certification Regulatory System
Prerequisites for the introduction of the regulatory system
Existence of basic aviation law that mandates aerodrome certification and development of regulation
An authorized State entity (DGCA/CAA) to develop and promulgate regulations
Basic Aviation law must:
Establish the DGCA/CAA to act on behalf of the Govt. to ensure aviation safety
Provide for adoption of regulations
Authorize the DGCA/CAA to inspect/audit and grant certificate
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Chapter 2 –Aerodrome Certification Regulatory System (Cont’d.)
Aerodrome certification regulations to include:
Mandatory certification requirements in the regulations
Certification procedure
Duties & responsibilities of the operator
Safety audits, inspections & testing
Imposition of sanctions for non-compliance
Use of military aerodromes by civil aircraft
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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CAA regulations to cover:
Certification requirements and criteria
Compliance with applicable technical specifications, Procedures and guidance material
Conduct of periodic surveillance inspections and audits
Action to be taken for continued non-compliance
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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The criteria for certification of other aerodromes:
All airports and airfields in operation and whose air space is closer to or overlaps that of the nearest
international airport; or
Even may be only those airports and airfields near international airports and/or to limited use or specific
limited time=use airports for special events
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Chapter 3: Aerodrome Certification Model Regulations
Samples to assist States for developing their own national regulations Framework:
A. General
B. Aerodrome Certification
C. Aerodrome Manual
D. Obligations of the aerodrome operator
E. Exemptions
General section
Lists the various definitions and applicability of the regulations for clarity
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Aerodrome Certification Regulations - Salient Features:
Certification requirements (criteria)
Applying for a certificate
Grant of a certificate, if everything is satisfactory
Endorsement of conditions of use
Duration of the certificate
Surrender of the certificate
Transfer of a certificate
Interim certificate
Amendment of a certificate
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Regulations to specify format of an Aerodrome Manual (purpose, scope, its structure, & contents in
brief), its maintenance and amendment from time to time, as needed;
Aerodrome Manual is a legally binding agreement between the operator and the regulator. Generally,
in five parts to include all details;
Any changes in the operational status of the airport must be quickly reflected in an amendment of the
manual;
Effective document control and management is needed.
Aerodrome Manual Preparation:
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Contents of an Aerodrome Manual:
Part 1 – General
Purpose and scope; Requirements (legal and technical); Conditions of use; Procedures for notifying AIS and
promulgation of information; System for recording aircraft movements.
Part 2 – Aerodrome Site information
Plan showing all essential details are per regulatory requirements;
Site title.
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Contents of an Aerodrome Manual (Cont’d.):
Part 3 – Aerodrome information to be reported to the Aeronautical Information Services (AIS):
Aeronautical data including the aerodrome’s name & location.
Aerodrome data:
RWYs, TWYs and apron(s); Aerodrome and RWY THR elevations, Dimensions of RWY strip, TWY strip,
RESA, Stopways and clearways; Declared distances; Disabled aircraft removal; RFF category available;
and Emergency planning & arrangements
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Contents of an Aerodrome Manual (Cont’d.)
Part 4 – Aerodrome Operating Procedures & Safety Measures:
Reporting procedures, Procedures for preventing unlawful interference, Plans for handling aircraft
emergency, Details of RFF Services, personnel and equipment; aerodrome inspections; Inspection and
maintenance of visual & non-visual aids; Movement area maintenance; Operational safety management
procedures; Wildlife hazard management; Obstacle control; Disabled aircraft removal; Handling of
dangerous goods; Low visibility operations; Site protection
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Contents of an Aerodrome Manual (Cont’d.):
Part 5 – Aerodrome Administration & Safety Management System
Aerodrome organization chart with contact details of key safety officials
Safety Policy and organization
Safety strategy & planning
Hazard identification analysis and risk management
Data collection and analysis
Internal safety audit & review system
Safety measures programme including change management
Safety assurance, safety promotion & risk control
Staff training and competency
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Obligations of the Aerodrome Operator:
Compliance with applicable rules and regulations, Standards & practices
Must employ competent operational and maintenance personnel
Aerodrome operations and maintenance procedures must be in place
Must have a functional Safety Management System –an essential requirement for grant of a certificate
An effective internal safety audit and reporting
Provide access for the CAA inspectors to inspect the aerodrome
System for notifying and reporting any changes to the CAA, ATS and pilots as needed
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Obligations of the Aerodrome Operator (Cont’d.)
Special internal inspections in the interest of safety
Removal of obstructions from the aerodrome surface and
Posting of warning notices to warn the public
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Exemptions:
Model Regulations must specify how exemptions can be granted;
Need for submission of appropriate aeronautical studies with justification;
Risk mitigation measures and operating procedures;
Time limitations & action plan for correction with time frame;
Monitoring safety performance by both the CAA & the Aerodrome operator; and
Endorsement in the aerodrome certificate.
Aerodrome Certification –Doc 9774
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Chapter 4 –Aerodrome Certification Procedures
Aerodrome Certification Procedures must be clear and specific;
Various time lines need to be specified and adhered to;
Procedures must ensure compliance with safety specifications;
Adherence with the applicable regulations essential for grant of a certificate; otherwise, it may be refused.
Also needed for transfer of a certificate;
A State may choose to engage a competent outside agency if CAA is not fully geared to do the job;
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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The DGCA/CAA promulgated procedures encompass the following:
Introduction
Certification Process
Dealing with Expression of Interest
Assessment of the formal application and field/onsite inspection & verification
Grant/refusal of a certificate with reasons for refusal
Promulgation of the certified status in the AIP
Transfer of a certificate and
Surrender of a certificate
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Aerodrome Certification Procedures
1. Expression
of interest
2. Assessment
by regulator
3. Formal
application
4. Assessment by
regulator
5. Issue of
certificate
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Grant of a certificate is subject to:
Application meeting all regulatory requirements
Compliance with all safety specifications including development of appropriate standard operating
procedures
On-site verification indicating adequacy of facilities and equipment
Existence of a functional SMS, and
CAA being satisfied with operator’s competence to operate the aerodrome in a safe manner
Aerodrome Certification Procedures
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The aerodrome certificate may be refused or an existing certificate suspended for any of the following
reasons:
Any non-compliance with the CAA regulations and safety requirements
Inadequate/unsafe operating procedures
Not following approved safety procedures and other risk mitigation action in case of exemptions
granted
SMS not functional, inactive and ineffective and
Any significant safety concern as assessed by the regulator.
Aerodrome Certification Procedures
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Chapter 5 –Roles & Responsibilities of the Regulator
Establish an aerodrome regulatory directorate/entity – Directorate of Aerodromes Standards and Safety
(DASS) to perform all aerodrome safety oversight tasks:
Initial and periodic inspection
Approval/acceptance of Aerodrome manual
Ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, Standards and Recommended Practices
Assessing safety of aerodrome operation and maintenance
Checking adequacy of aerodrome emergency response services
Notifying differences to ICAO from any Standard, Procedure or Recommended Practice;
Aerodrome Certification – Doc 9774
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Chapter 5 – Roles & Responsibilities of the Regulator (Cont’d.)
Review of Aerodrome Safety Management System
Review of aerodrome notification and reporting
Establishing procedures and parameters for the conduct of aeronautical studies;
Evaluating the results of obstacle surveys & monitoring the obstacles in the vicinity of the aerodrome;
Developing parameters and metrics for the evaluation of aerodrome operational procedures,
restrictions and alternate safety measures.
Aerodrome Certification –Doc 9774
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Functions and Responsibilities of DASS:
Notification to the AIS and other agencies
Conduct Safety Audits:
Pre-inspection briefing
Administrative inspection (documents, records, certificates etc.)
Movement area inspection
RFF Services inspection
Fuel facilities inspection
Night inspections
Post inspection briefing
Aerodrome Certification - Doc 9774
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Functions and Responsibilities of DASS (Cont’d.)
Other safety functions like:
Evaluating full-scale emergency exercises
Providing guidance at design and construction stages
Final inspection of completed projects to check compliance
Organizing and participating in safety seminars to promote safety
Compliance and Enforcement
Developing and maintaining aerodrome standards
Technical library and records
Plan human resources requirements including identifying the qualifications, duties and responsibilities
of aerodrome inspectors
Aerodrome Certification - Doc 9774
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Aerodrome Certification –Doc 9774
• Duties of DASS/Aerodrome Regulatory
entity:
• Other safety functions such as assessing the
results of aerodrome emergency exercises,
any development projects for safety impact
• Compliance and enforcement of applicable
safety specifications
• Maintaining the currency of national
requirements in line with Annex 14
amendments
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Doc 9774, Chapter 5 also includes guidance on:
Structure and levels of DASS Staffing’
Qualifications, duties and responsibilities of the aerodrome inspectors
Appendix 1 - Particulars to be included in the Aerodrome Manual
Appendix 2 - Sample application form;
Appendix 3 - Conduct of aeronautical studies
Appendix 4 - Sample aerodrome certificate used by one State
Appendix 5 - Typical organizational structure of the DASS and
Appendix 6 - List of references
Aerodrome Certification –Doc 9774
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Organizational structure of a typical aerodrome safety and standards directorate