1. Aerodrome Certification Workshop
Aerodrome Inspections and Auditing
Eng. Mohamed Iheb Hamdi
ICAO MID Regional Officer for Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AGA
Aerodrome Certification Workshop
Paris, France
18-20 Dec 2018

2. Why Should A Regulatory Authority Inspect ?
Essential element of the mandatory aerodrome certification programme
State CAA must verify aerodrome operator’s compliance with established standards
Established test and inspection procedures help to ensure compliance
Imposition of sanctions for any non-compliance as warranted will also help to ensure compliance thereby assure safety.

3. Regulator’s Responsibilities
To ensure that aerodromes are operated in a safe manner in accordance with ICAO Annex 14 and/or State’s Civil aviation Regulations (CARs)
A fundamental element of such responsibilities is the requirement to periodically inspect and confirm compliance at certified aerodromes;
Thus, a functioning CAA inspection/audit process is needed

4. Aerodrome Inspection & Audit Process
Periodic inspections
Ensure that certificate holders meet their obligations
Each State should establish procedures and a process by which inspections and tests are conducted.
Effective continued surveillance is needed from a Safety Management System perspective too.

5. Types of Audits and Inspections
Periodic or special audits of the airport
Review of published aerodrome data
Inspections:
Initial/Verification
Periodic
Special
Surveillance

6. Inspection Phases
Preparation for the inspection
Pre-inspection briefing
Administrative inspection
Movement Area inspection
Rescue Fire-Fighting inspection
Fuel facilities inspection (as applicable)
Night inspection
Post-inspection briefing
Follow-up and paperwork

7. Coordination Requirements
CAA and Aerodrome Operator
Within CAA – Flight Operations; AGA/Aerodrome Engineering; AIS
CAA and Service Providers – Air Traffic Services; Security
And others as necessary

8. Documents to review:
Civil Aviation Requirements/Safety Specifications
Approved Aerodrome Manual
Any approved exemptions
Previous inspection records
Instrument approach charts.
Obstacle charts
Accident and incident history
Development construction plans & related documents

9. Equipment
Photographic Camera
RFF Foam testing apparatus
Inclinometer
Radio for ATC Communications
Distance measuring wheel & a straight-edge
Compass
Calculator
Appropriate clothing (high visibility vests)
Necessary forms and records

10. Pre-Inspection Briefing
Consider an initial private meeting with senior aerodrome management
Review inspection agenda
Current airport status
Recent new developments
Testing of RFF services and equipment
Inspection of the airfield
Night inspection as needed
Include operator’s comments and/or concerns

11. Administrative/Documentation Inspection
Aerodrome manual, exemptions granted and SMS
NOTAM records
RFF training records
Fuel safety inspection records
Airport self-inspection records
Airport emergency plan & Emergency exercise reports
Snow and ice control plans (if applicable)
Other administrative requirements dictated by local standards
Consider conducting a survey of aerodrome personnel or having selected staff complete a questionnaire

12. Inspections impacting safety
Look out for non-conformances,
And safety concerns

13. Inspecting Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services
Inspect and check the RFF
Services and Equipment and
Preparedness to respond to emergencies

14. Aviation Fuel Safety
Ensure the following:
Certificate holder conducts adequate fuel safety oversight
Fire safety is incorporated into local RFF standards
Aerodrome complies with local fire safety regulations “fire code”
Coordination between RFFS and oil companies for fuel spills removal

15. Post Inspection Briefing
Consolidate all notes/comments developed during the inspection
Review the results of the inspection with the operator
Prepare a consolidated list of safety recommendations
Require an Action Plan for non-compliances
Require immediate corrective action for unsafe conditions and non-compliances
Determine and establish correction dates for discrepancies (minor discrepancies)

16. Inspection Report & Recommendations
List of Inspection findings
Retain completed Inspection Checklists for cross reference and record
Formal report sent to the airport operator (include all discrepancies)
AIS Aerodrome Data correction sheet to be sent;
Corrective action plan, as agreed;
Recommended supplemental paperwork:
RFF timed response drill
AEP review & findings
Other paperwork as required by local regulations or requirements.

17. Follow-Up Activities
Inspection reports should be filed properly to allow for periodic follow-up on existing discrepancies
Corrective-action plan established with agreed correction dates
Implementation of corrective action plan monitored continuously
Reminder letters issued where needed
Move to enforcement action if operator fails to comply with corrective action plan as agreed

18. Closing Inspection Findings
Corrective action plan is closed when all discrepancies are corrected or are transferred to another form of action (i.e. Transferred to a long-term corrective action plan)
Final close-out letter is sent to aerodrome operator officially closing out the inspection
All documents are filed correctly and systematically.