1. Self Inspection Program
Part
Self Inspection Program

2. TOPICS Review Section 327 of FAR Part 139
Elements of a successful inspection program.
FAA inspection results.
Inspection personnel training.
Inspection techniques.
Non-standard marking/lighting/signs.
FAA Navaids.

3. 139.327 SELF INSPECTION PROGRAM
Self Inspections are required to be conducted:
 Daily, except as otherwise required by the ACM or ACS.
 During and after construction activities or weather conditions that may affect safe air carrier operations.
 Immediately after an accident or incident.

4. 139.327 SELF INSPECTION PROGRAM
Airport Operators must provide:
 Equipment for use in conducting safety inspections of the airport.
 Procedures, facilities, and equipment for reliable and rapid dissemination of information between airport personnel and its air carriers.

5. 139.327 SELF INSPECTION PROGRAM
Airport Operators must provide:
 Procedures to ensure that qualified personnel conduct the inspections.
 A reporting system to ensure prompt correction of unsafe airport conditions.

6. 139.327 SELF INSPECTION PROGRAM
Airport operators must prepare and keep a record of inspections showing conditions found and all corrective actions.

7. Airport Operator Responsibility
Procedures addressed in ACM/ACS.
Airport self inspections are normally conducted twice a day, including a night inspection.
Inspection personnel receive at least on-the-job training.
Checklists are used to document all inspections.

8. Airport Operator Responsibility
Elements of a Successful Self Inspection Program
Airport management emphasis
Knowledgeable inspection personnel
Effective inspection techniques
Good documentation
Effective system for corrective actions and follow-up

9. FAA Inspections
An FAA inspection of the movement area is actually an evaluation of the airport’s self inspection program.
Discrepancies to Part 139 are noted on a Letter of Correction and entered into a national FAA computer database.

10. FAA Inspections

11. FAA Inspections FY94 FY95 FY96 FY97 FY98 61% 62% 48% 58% 63% Total
Discrepancies
61% 62% 48% 58% 63%
Percent of Discrepancies in the Movement Area

12. Inspection Personnel
If airport self inspection personnel are not adequately trained, the certificate holder is not in compliance with part (b)(3).

13. Training Program for Inspection Personnel
Establishing a formal training program consisting of classroom and OJT should reduce the number of part 139 discrepancies noted during FAA inspections and enhance safety for aircraft operations.
Recurrent training may also need to be conducted periodically.

14. Training Program for Inspection Personnel
Training Topics
Airport Familiarization
Part 139
ACM/ACS
Marking/Lighting/Sign Standards
Vehicle Procedures & Communications
Inspection Techniques & Records
Reporting Procedures
SMGCS

15. Problems With Inspection Techniques
Going through the motions.
Daily Inspections are vary routine.
Ineffective inspections of pavement lips and safety areas.
Driving down the runway centerline makes it difficult to observe pavement lips and surface variations in safety areas.
Gradually deteriorating conditions.
Difficult to notice.

16. Problems With Inspection Techniques
Examples of Gradually Deteriorating Conditions:
Rubber buildup
Faded markings
Faded wind socks
Surface variations due to erosion
Over 3 inch pavement lips due to settling of soil after projects
Turf buildup along pavement edges due to sand
Exposed light stakes due to frost heave

17. Non-Standard Marking/Lighting/Signage
Since 1991 the area with the most discrepancies has been Section , Marking and Lighting.

18. Non-Standard Marking/Lighting/Signage

19. Non-Standard Marking/Lighting/Signage
Factors
Specific part 139 requirements for marking and lighting systems went into effect in 1991.
Airports continuously have AIP projects.
High emphasis by FAA on meeting FAA standards, due to past accidents where non-standard marking/lighting/signage was a contributing factor to the accident.

20. Non-Standard Marking/Lighting/Signage
Airport operators should check project plans and conduct inspections during construction.
Designate an Airport Marking & Lighting Guru.
Unique or non-standard application of FAA standards must be coordinated with FAA & documented in the ACM.

21. FAA NAVAIDs
There has been an ongoing problem with FAA NAVAIDs not meeting part 139 requirements.
Bases not maintained at grade level.
Non-frangible installations.
Trenches left during construction.
Equipment shelters located in safety areas.

22. FAA NAVAIDs
Airport operators should closely monitor FAA NAVAIDs and new installations.