Aerodromes, Ground Operations and Airport Safety
Certification and physical standards
Part 139 requires aerodromes used by regular public transport to hold a certificate supported by an aerodrome manual. The exam tests the physical standards: runway strips and clearways, obstacle limitation surfaces, declared distances (TORA, TODA, ASDA, LDA), marking and lighting, and the rescue and firefighting category, which is set by the largest aircraft and frequency of operations. Aerodrome emergency plans must be exercised.
Ground operations
On the apron and manoeuvring area the themes are control and predictability: taxi clearances, marshalling signals, stand markings and clearance distances, engine start and blast danger areas, refuelling with passengers on board, FOD control, vehicle access and radio protocol, wildlife hazard management and low-visibility procedures.
Worked example
An operator plans a charter with an aircraft requiring a higher RFFS category than the aerodrome currently provides. The aerodrome operator must be told in advance. Options are to restore the category, accept a notified reduced category with the operator's agreement and any imposed restrictions, or move the service to another aerodrome. Landing without either is an operational and certification problem for both parties.
Traps
- Mixing up TORA, TODA, ASDA and LDA in performance calculations.
- Assuming the RFFS category is fixed for all time - it moves with traffic.
- Believing a taxi clearance includes a take-off clearance.
- Ignoring jet blast, prop wash and FOD as reportable safety events.