Aerodrome Operator Organisational Structure

Introduction

This page provides guidance and further information to assist the applicant in understanding Defence Aviation Safety Regulation (DASR) 139 - Aerodromes regulations regarding aerodrome organisational structures and competencies.

Organisational Structure

An Aerodrome Operator is an organisation consisting of operational, maintenance and engineering personnel, that form part of a Force Element Group (FEG) or equivalent force structure that must achieve the roles and responsibilities of DASR 139 - Aerodromes. Due to the complexities of the organisations, facilities and locations involved in aerodromes, a clear understanding and documentation of an organisational structure that can be demonstrated to achieve the roles and responsibilities will enhance commands ability to achieve safe flight operations at an aerodrome.

The organisation includes:

• an appointed Accountable Manager, usually at FEGCDR level or equivalent,
• an appropriate chain of command including an Aerodrome Manager,
• appropriately qualified personnel,
• a Hazard Tracking Authority (HTA),
• key personnel with appropriate aerodrome management and airside experience including aerodrome operations and maintenance roles,
• facilities which are sufficient and suitable for the type of services provided,
• an effective aerodrome manual and supporting documented processes, procedures and practices,
• an effective safety management system (SMS), and
• an effective quality management system (QMS).

Personnel Competencies

As the operation and maintenance of an aerodrome requires a large number of personnel working in a range of fields / disciplines, having competent personnel achieve all tasks required is essential. DASR 139 - Aerodromes requires that personnel employed to undertake a role in support of a Defence aerodrome, including any airside awareness, aerodrome rescue and firefighting, operations, engineering, and maintenance roles, are adequately trained and authorised to provide that particular service.

Aerodrome Operators are to ensure that personnel responsible for the conduct of activities in support of individual aerodromes are competent, qualified and authorised to undertake their duties. In order to ensure personnel obtain, complete and maintain effective competency, Aerodrome Operators should:

• maintain adequate numbers of personnel to provide the service consistent with the defined and reasonable level of overall demand,
• ensure aviation safety support activities are undertaken only by suitably competent and authorised personnel, including when engaging contractors,
• maintain training, competency assessment and regular evaluation of these programs for participating personnel where applicable.

What We Do

The DASA will provide guidance to Aerodrome Operators with interpreting the regulations regarding aerodrome organisational structures and competencies and the processes for applying for and receiving Aerodrome Operator approval.

How Do I Apply?

Application for organisational structure and competencies is combined with the application for Aerodrome Operator approval. See web page Aerodrome Operator Organisational Approval(Opens in a new tab/window) to identify how to apply for initial authority approval (or changes to Operator Specification) for an Aerodrome Operator.

I Want To Learn More…

If you want to learn more about Aerodrome Organisational Structures and Competencies, please consult the DASR 139 (Aerodrome) Regulations at DASR 139 Aerodromes and the following resources:

Support

If you have questions about this topic please contact dasa.aerodromes@defence.gov.au

For DASR queries please submit a DASR Query Form (DQF) Form 110 

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