Implementation of Quality Management System (QMS) by Aeronautical Meteorological Service Providers Dr. Olli M. Turpeinen (C/MET/AIM) International Civil Aviation Organization 14 April 2010

Background Quality management (QM) require-ments introduced in ICAO Annex 3/ WMO Technical Regulations [C.3.1] in 2001, as part of Amendment 72 Provisions aligned with those relating to Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) introduced in 1999 in ICAO Annex 15

ICAO SARPs ICAO Annex 3 provisions regarding QM §2.2.2 – MET service provider should establish a QMS to become a Standard in 2012 §2.2.3 – QMS should be compliant with ISO 9000 §2.2.4 – QMS should provide assurance that MET info supplied complies with stated requirements

ICAO SARPs §2.2.5 – QMS should include verification/validation procedures in regard to OPMET exchange, resources for monitoring adherence to prescribed transmission schedules §2.2.6 – Compliance of QMS should be demonstrated by audit

Stated Requirements All set out in ICAO Annex 3, regional air navigation plans and WMO regulatory documents geographical and spatial coverage format and content time and frequency of issuance period of validity Ch. 3,4, 6-10, Appendixes 2, 3, 5-9 of Annex 3 Regional air navigation plans

Stated Requirements (Cont’d) Accuracy of measurements and observations Attachment A to Annex3 Accuracy of forecasts Attachment B to Annex3 OPMET exchange requirements Ch.11 & Appendix 10 to Annex3

Stated Requirements (Cont’d) Qualifications & Training of Met Personnel WMO TR Chapter B.4 – Education and Training WMO Doc 258 – Guidelines for the education and training of personnel in meteorology and operational hydrology – Vol. I: Meteorology (its appendix) New Standards in WMO Technical Regulations ex-pected in 2012 (subject to approval by the WMO EC)

Rationale Provides assurances of consistent service standards to users Protects MET service providers against loss of business to low-cost “unscrupulous” competition Provides a basis for State regulation for service providers

Link between QM & Safety Management Systems (SMS) SMS a requirement SMS principles must be applied in the provision of safety-related services for international air navigation All ICAO annexes include specific SMS provisions Exception: those related to data provision (i.e. Annexes 3 & 15)

Link between QM & Safety Management Systems (SMS) QM in Annexes 3 and 15 is regarded an absolute necessity in support of SMS If QMS not implemented, a finding against the State will be posted (through the Safety Oversight Audit process)

Costs of implementation Lower than first expected Costs are eligible for cost recovery Cost sharing between States an option to be considered joint use of a QMS consultant ► substantial cost savings

Costs of implementation Air traffic volume is not sufficient? ►Consider consolidation of services with neighbouring States Significant savings have been realized through efficiencies following the implementation of QMS

Case Studies – HK, China Airport Meteorological Office (AMO), under Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), embarked on QM in late 2001 AMO, a total workforce of 23, serves as the Aerodrome Met Office, Aeronautical Met Station and Met Watch Office Certification to ISO 9000:2000 awarded in late 2002

Cost of QMS Implementation (HK, China) Staff cost: ~180 man-days (half incurred by managers) Consultancy fees ~USD13,000 system review training advice on selection of certification body guidance on preparation of documentation

Cost of QMS Implementation (HK, China) mock certification audit 6-month support after implementation Certification cost: ~USD 2,500 Recurrent cost on surveillance visits: ~USD1,000 per year

Critical Success Factors (HK, China) Full commitment from top management Commitment and understanding from all staff Adequate training to staff

Assistance for roll-out Local experience of implementation in Tanzania documentation & expertise available Joint WMO Guide/ICAO Manual: Manual on the QMS for the Provision of Meteorological Service to International Air Navigation (Doc 9873)

Assistance for roll-out Planned seminars/workshops: Within the AFI Comprehensive Implementation Programme (ACIP) “Train the trainers”-seminar during the second half of 2010 Both in English and French

End