1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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)

18. 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

19. End