Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to articulate the Authority’s requirements for the regulatory oversight of Defence certified Aerodromes and Aerodrome Operators. The Defence Aviation Authority or delegate will determine those aerodromes requiring certification. There is no requirement under these regulations to be an Authority-approved Aerodrome Operator when operating a non-certified aerodrome.
DASR.139 articulates the requirements for the operator approval, certification, and management of Defence Certified Aerodromes. These regulations seek to align with the requirements of CASR Part 139 and ICAO Annex 14. Military specific tailoring for the Defence context is included within these DASR.139 regulations and the aerodrome design requirements contained in the Defence Aviation Safety Design Requirements Manual (DASDRM).
The Military Air Operator (MAO) is ultimately accountable for safe flight operations of aircraft. The MAO is approved to operate at certified aerodromes, non-certified aerodromes and any other non-defined areas where it is safe to do so, in accordance with DASR.ORO.05.
Scope. For these aerodrome regulations, the terms airport, airfield, airbase, land based or shipborne heliports are all considered appropriate when referring to an aerodrome.
Defence Aerodromes must be classified as Certified or Non-certified as determined by the Authority.
To operate a Certified Aerodrome, you must be an Aerodrome Operator (AD OPR) approved by the Authority.
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to require that the Aerodrome Operator operates to approved standards and procedures as defined by the level and scope of the approval.
The Aerodrome Operator through their roles and responsibilities are to ensure that their certified aerodrome(s) will be maintained and operated to approved standards and procedures. This includes any limitations where applicable, by competent and authorised individuals acting as members of an approved organisation.
The intent of approving Aerodrome Operators is to provide assurance that an organisation will provide the effective management and accountability of aerodrome design and orders, instructions and publications (OIP), and personnel competencies in order to support safe flight operations.
Aerodrome Operators should manage hazards which directly impact aviation safety and personnel health and safety, where applicable in order to:
eliminate risks so far as is reasonably practicable, and
If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risks, to minimise those risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Aerodrome Operators should consider adopting any formal agreements or arrangements to have specific tasks or activities at individual aerodromes completed by suitably qualified individuals or organisations to aid in achieving regulatory compliance. As the Aerodrome Operator retains overall responsibility, these tasks and activities should be routinely overseen by the Aerodrome Operator to assist with compliance to DASR.139 to support safe flight operations.
Certified aerodromes must only be operated by an approved Aerodrome Operator to approved standards and procedures as defined by the level and scope of the approval issued by the Authority.
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to ensure the applicant completes a Compliance Statement to achieve Organisational Approval in order to be appointed as an Aerodrome Operator. The Aerodrome Operator has overall accountability for operational procedures for both military and civil aircraft at the specific aerodrome/s.
The Authority will issue an AD OPR Certificate (AD OPRC) when satisfied that the organisation complies with the requirements of DASR 139. The AD OPRC contains the following:
Aerodrome Operator name
Aerodrome Operator location
Reference to Operations Specification including the words ‘authorised to operate Defence aerodromes as per the Aerodrome Operator Specification’.
Authority signature and date of issue.
AD OPRC Operations Specification. Each AD OPR certificate has attached OpSpec which details:
Accountable Manager
Hazard Tracking Authority and other key personnel appointments
List of aerodromes the AD OPR is authorised to operate
Operating provisions
Limitations and Conditions (if required). Limitations and Conditions are prescribed by the Authority, and will typically include reference to a plan and timeline to remove upon Authority review.
Authority signature
Annexes for each aerodrome, including details of:
Aerodrome certification status, including reference to the certification basis and any limitations or conditions
Aerodrome key personnel aerodrome appointments
Reference to the Statement of Operating Intent and Usage (SOIU), if applicable
Reference to the Aerodrome Manual
Aerodrome Reference Code.
Application for variation of an AD OPRC and/or OpSpec. The AD OPR Accountable Manager is to amend the extant Compliance Statement and submit this to the Authority, highlighting those OpSpec items being varied. The Authority, when satisfied, will issue an updated OpSpec for the AD OPR. Application for variation to OpSpec is required, at a minimum, when there is:
change or withdrawal of a condition or limitation
addition or withdrawal of an aerodrome by the AD OPR.
Addition of a Certified Aerodrome to the AD OPRC OpSpec. Once the Authority issues an Aerodrome Certificate, the AD OPR may submit an application to update the AD OPRC OpSpec to include the Certified Aerodrome. On determining that the Certified Aerodrome operations meet all DASR 139 requirements, DASA will amend the AD OPRC OpSpec, thereby approving the AD OPR to operate the DASR 139 Certified Aerodrome.
The applicant organisation seeking to be an approved Aerodrome Operator is to submit a Compliance Statement describing the operating intent, approved OIP, personnel competencies and organisation implemented to meet DASR.139 requirements.
PREPARATION OF A COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
The Compliance Statement to be provided to the Authority must include the following information:
Aerodrome Operator Organisational name,
Aerodrome Operator location,
Evidence of the certification status of the aerodrome/s and any imposed limitations and / or conditions,
Relevant Hazard Tracking Authority (HTA) within the Aerodrome Operator Organisation,
Key aerodrome(s) base, safety or manager appointments,
Complete and valid aerodrome manual/s,
Outline of relevant aerodrome management arrangements,
Evidence of a suitable aerodrome Safety Management System (SMS),
Evidence of a suitable aerodrome Quality Management System (QMS), and
A statement that operations are to be conducted in accordance with the applicable aerodrome manual(s) and supporting OIP.
An applicant may propose operational limitations be imposed in addition to those resulting from the Certification program, in order to support safe flight operations. Examples of operational limitations could include: varied lighting configurations, multiple arrest limits, visual approach slope indicators and any specific or potential hazards being identified.
The Compliance Statement should be subject to ongoing review by the Aerodrome Operator.
ACCOUNTABLE MANAGER ATTESTATION AND SIGNATURE
5. The Accountable Manager must make the following attestations and sign the Compliance Statement:
I am accountable for [insert Aerodrome Operator organisation name] compliance with DASR.
This Compliance Statement for Aerodrome Operator Certification and Operations Specification is complete and correct.
I am satisfied that appropriate arrangements are in place to meet the regulations and support the scope of operations contained in the Operations Specification.
The applicant organisation seeking to achieve Aerodrome Operator approval must submit a Compliance Statement to the Authority.
An Aerodrome Operator must define its organisational structure. AMCAMC GMGM
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to require that an appropriate organisational structure is present to support the Aerodrome Operator organisation.
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 has:
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).
Aerodrome Operators should ensure their organisational structure includes:
the authority, duties and responsibilities of the management personnel in charge of safety- and quality-related functions, and
Applicable relationships and reporting lines between these personnel and other parts of the organisation.
Aerodrome Operators should establish formal relationships where possible, and include any applicable agreements, with participating agencies that may directly influence the safety of aerodromes under their control.
The Aerodrome Operator of a certified aerodrome must have an aerodrome manual that describes all relevant information and procedures that underpin the safe and effective use of the aerodrome. AMCAMC GMGM
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to require that all relevant information and procedures that underpin the safe and effective use of an aerodrome be documented within an aerodrome manual that aligns with CASA’s Manual of Standards – Part 139 Aerodromes (MOS 139) and caters for a unique military context. The MOS 139 sets out the standards and operating procedures of civilian certified aerodromes and other aerodromes used in air transport operations.
The aerodrome manual provides a means to establish data integrity compliance so that other products that would draw from the manual’s information, such as those used by flight crew for planning purposes, have correct information.
The aerodrome manual is the authoritative source for aerodrome information published for public use, and provides supporting information toward the issue of aerodrome certification by the Authority, in accordance with DASR.139.80.
An Aerodrome Manual is an integral part of the Aerodrome Operator approval and aerodrome certification process. The development of the Aerodrome manual should provide sufficient coverage of procedures, plans and essential information for the military context in addition to the CASA Manual of Standards – Part 139 Aerodromes (MOS 139) Aerodrome Manual content. The following paragraphs integrate MOS 139 and Defence-specific manual content. Where the content may not be applicable, eg some land-based or shipborne heliports, the Aerodrome Operator should provide the position as to why the content is not relevant.
AERODROME MANUAL CONTENT
Organisation and management structure that applies to the aerodrome, including any civil use agreements. Should a civil organisation require access to a Defence aerodrome for the conduct of civil aviation operations, or as a Joint User under differing lease arrangements, a shared civil / military aerodrome manual may be published.
Aerodrome master contact list of relevant aerodrome management positions responsible for the operation and maintenance of the aerodrome, including the Aerodrome Operator.
The aerodrome certification basis and any non-compliances or limitations with the aerodrome certification basis and / or design standards
Reference to the Airfield Pavement Strength Evaluation Manual
Public information requirements such as:
General, including the:
Aerodrome name,
Aerodrome category,
ICAO Identifier Code,
Location,
Aerodrome reference point, and
Elevation (based on the Australian height datum).
Runway and taxiway information, including pavement classification number (PCN) data and runway distance supplement (RDS),
Runway information including magnetic bearing, number, dimensions, capability information, obstacle chart information,
Visual aid systems information, such as runway lighting, approach lighting, apron floodlighting, type of circling guidance lighting, standby power aspects, visual slope indicator system, night vision capabilities, and any visual docking system used for apron management,
Aerodrome hours of operation,
Prior Permission Requirements (PPR),
Available support services, such as refuelling, dangerous good handling, noise abatement procedures, aircraft engine run locations and procedures,
Radio system information, such as Air Traffic Control (ATC) frequencies, Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), Pilot Activated Lighting (PAL) and Aerodrome Frequency Response Unit (AFRU),
Details of navigation aids associated with the aerodrome, and
Flying procedures provided for public use that are not suitable to hold within non-Defence Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) data sources.
Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) requirements:
Documented procedures in place as per MOS 139 Part H and ICAO Annex 14 and description of the ARFF services, category protection and support levels available for the preservation of life and materiel in the event of an aircraft accident or incident,
Operating constraints – on or off site,
Emergency access routes and optimum time frames for response, and
Compliance to operating and technical standards.
Aerodrome Emergency Plans (AEP):
The AEP is a critical document that outlines key requirements to support the safe management of aircraft emergencies and / or accidents at the certified aerodrome. The DASM provides for AEP requirements.
Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP):
The development, implementation and documenting of a WHMP by the Aerodrome Operator and the identified service provider into the aerodrome manual, ensures a plan is in place to address the presence of wildlife in the vicinity of the aerodrome, so they do not pose a threat to aircraft operational safety.
Low Visibility Procedures (LVP):
LVP are required when the visual meteorological condition (VMC) has degraded to a distance that aerodrome surface movement safety may be compromised. The extent of degradation may vary by aerodrome; however, if runway visual range (RVR) is 800 metres or less, or cloud ceiling is of 200 feet or less, or the visibility on any part of the aerodrome is unsuitable to afford safe aircraft movements then LVP of a suitable movement rate(s) should be implemented.
Obstacle Data Coverage:
Obstacle master database for the aerodrome should be documented, retained and reviewed regularly to ensure safe operations,
An obstacle is defined as any fixed or mobile (whether temporary or permanent) objects that may:
be located on an area intended for the surface movement of aircraft, or
extend above a defined surface intended to protect aircraft in flight, or
Stand outside those defined surfaces and have been assessed as being a hazard to air navigation.
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention program:
Aerodrome Serviceability and Technical Inspection requirements:
Aerodrome Serviceability Inspection requirements should be carried out to align with MOS 139 Chapter 12 where practical, and should always be conducted if any of the following circumstances arise:
After a severe weather, wind or adverse storm event, or
If a hazard to aircraft becomes present on the manoeuvring area.
An Aerodrome Serviceability Inspection should be conducted before the first daily aircraft movement to determine any foreign object debris (FOD), issues with visual aids and to identify any hazards. If the first aircraft movement is to occur before first light; as a minimum the key safety critical elements of the inspection should occur. The remainder of the inspection should be carried out as sufficient daylight then becomes available.
Other periods when Aerodrome Serviceability Inspections may be carried out include:
Immediately before last light (if night flying),
Periodically to review all aerodrome support structure for integrity issues and visibility status of markings,
Other times to ensure that the aerodrome manual provides the correct information for aviation purposes. For example, a runway extension will impact obstacle data requirements. A review after the work is completed should ensure correct data has been obtained and incorporated into the aerodrome manual, thereby allowing for any national database system or aeronautical information updates, or
When directed to do so by the Authority.
Aerodrome Technical Inspections (ATI) content and periodicity:
For Defence Aerodromes that have a volume of at least 10 000 civilian passenger movements, and / or at least 20 000 aircraft movements (combined military and civilian), Aerodrome Technical Inspections should be established and implemented in accordance with the Manual of Standards – Part 139 Aerodromes Chapter 12 Division 2; or
For other Defence Certified Aerodromes, an Aerodrome Operator may propose to the Authority a periodicity of ATI that takes into account the risk to safe operations and unique military context (example context may include solely helicopter operations, light aircraft only operations, possible impact due to significant weather events or poor initial construction); or
When directed to do so by the Authority.
Personnel competencies for the conduct of Aerodrome Serviceability Inspections and Aerodrome Technical Inspections (ATI)
The Aerodrome Operator is to ensure that a person or persons with the relevant technical qualifications and experience, or a demonstrable level of relevant technical experience conduct Aerodrome Serviceability Inspections and ATI.
Description of aerodrome areas that may include:
Potential or known hazards,
Movement areas,
Visual approach slope indicators (if installed),
Aerodrome Boundaries,
Taxiway restrictions,
Engine run-up positions,
Ordnance loading areas.
Alert aprons,
Compass swing areas, and
Parking restrictions.
Aerodrome Security requirements:
Documentation of potential security threats and their impact to Aerodrome safety and the Aerodrome Operators’ measures to:
ensure the security of equipment, systems and installation so as to prevent any unlawful interference impacting on the provision of services,
understand how security deficiencies and breaches interfering with a service can contribute to aviation safety hazards, and
effectively manage any security related aviation safety hazards.
Changes to Defence AIP information:
Appointments that should be identified in the aerodrome manual as authorised to submit Defence AIP changes include:
The Senior Air Traffic Control Officer (SATCO),
Aerodrome Executive / Operations Officer,
Base Airfield Engineer Officer,
Base Aviation Safety Officer (BASO),
If a civil access agreement exists, liaison should be carried out with:
a) The civil airport Operations Manager, and
b) The civil airport operators Senior Safety Officer.
Aerodrome Works Safety:
The aerodrome manual should contain the procedures for planning, and safely carrying out, aerodrome works for:
Preparation of a method of working plan, including particular procedures to ensure safety standards are met,
Notifying aircraft operators and other aerodrome users of the method of working plan,
Communicating with ATC (if applicable) and aircraft while works are being carried out,
Carrying out time-limited or emergency works and notifying aircraft operators of works, and
Carrying out works when the aerodrome is closed to aircraft operations.
Any deviation from the aerodrome manual must be approved by the Aerodrome Operator, recorded and readily available to the Authority on request.
ANNUAL REVIEW
The aerodrome manual should be reviewed annually as it provides essential day to day aerodrome operations information. Unless a substantial change occurs to initiate changes to the aerodrome manual, there is no need to request a review by the Authority due to the change. An example of substantial change would be for an increased civil access to the aerodrome, introduction of a new NAVAID, removal of an existing NAVAID or a change to the aerodrome hours of availability or operation.
Should substantial change occur, the Authority review process of an aerodrome manual provides assurance that the Aerodrome Operator is involved in the process and will endorse (or not) the aerodrome manual change. This will ensure that the Aerodrome Operator continues to provide the required oversight so that Defence aviation is receiving the expected aerodrome service.
The Aerodrome Operator must establish and maintain a Safety Management System (SMS), for the operation of a Certified Aerodrome, in accordance with DASR.SMS. AMCAMC GMGM
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to require the Aerodrome Operator to have an appropriate Safety Management System (SMS) to support the conduct of safe flight operations, facilities management, rescue firefighting and maintenance aspects of the aerodrome. SMS implementation may be scalable to address the unique hazard and risk requirements associated with the type and scope of operations pertaining to the aerodrome.
Further guidance as to the promulgation of an aerodrome manual to support the aerodrome SMS is provided in DASR.139.50.
The SMS should incorporate hazard management plans such as Wildlife Hazard Management Plans (WHMP), Low Visibility Procedures (LVP), Aerodrome Emergency Plans (AEP), and Aerodrome Recue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) systems for certified aerodromes, including the provision of any assistance to local authorities.
An Aerodrome Operator must have and maintain a Quality Management System. AMCAMC GMGM
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to require that the responsible Aerodrome Operator has an appropriate Quality Management System (QMS) to manage the conduct of safe flight operations, facilities management and maintenance aspects of the Aerodrome.
Whilst the Authority does not require the QMS to be externally accredited, utilisation of ISO:9001 methodologies may assist with enhancing the robustness of the QMS.
Aerodrome Operators should ensure a Quality Management System (QMS) is managed by qualified and authorised personnel, to achieve the necessary inspection requirements and alignment of aerodrome practises for the following outcomes:
Quality planning: defines the quality policy and approach so as to meet the needs of different users of the aerodrome,
Quality assurance: establishes a quality assurance program that contain and verifies that all activities are being conducted in accordance with DASR.139, approved procedures within the aerodrome manual and the aerodrome certification basis,
Quality control: appoints management representatives to monitor conformance with, and adequacy of procedures to ensure safe and efficient flight operations, and
Quality improvement: performs internal review and takes action as appropriate to maintain aerodrome certification.
Aerodrome Operators should integrate, where possible; FOD prevention programs, movement area inspections including airside access, emergency response, hazard identification and security management systems as appropriate examples into their overall QMS.
Principles, such as those detailed below are considered to be of an appropriate level and scope to aid in achieving compliance with DASR.139.70:
Customer focus – Organisations should understand current and future customer needs in order to meet customer requirements whilst striving to exceed customer expectations,
Leadership – Leaders establish unity of purpose and direction of the organisation to create and maintain an environment in which people can become fully involved in achieving the organisations objectives,
Engagement of people – People of all levels of the organisation should be encouraged to exhibit their abilities for the organisations benefit,
Process approach – A desired result is achieved more efficiently when related resources and activities are managed as a process,
Improvement – Continual improvement should be a permanent objective of the organisation,
Evidence based decision making – Effective decisions are based on the analysis of accurate data and information, and
Relationship management – Operators and suppliers may be interdependent to provide a mutually beneficial relationship to create value.
Purpose. The purpose of these regulations are to define the actions required by an applicant to attain aerodrome certification by the Authority.
Each certified aerodrome requires an individual aerodrome certificate.
Certified aerodromes can vary significantly in their design, maintenance and flight operations. Consequently, certification within DASR.139 is aligned with the overall complexity of the aerodrome. The aerodrome complexity is reflected within the approved aerodrome certification basis, which is similar to the civilian approach in CASA MOS 139 Section 2.06, Non-application of the Standards.
This regulation does not apply to non-certified aerodromes. The underlying principles in this regulation; however, may guide a Commander responsible for a non-certified aerodrome as to ensuring the aerodrome equipment, systems and installations support the safe and effective provision of service to aircraft using the aerodrome.
An Applicant is defined under DASR.139.80 as any organisation or operator or its representative which applies for a Defence aerodrome certificate.
AERODROME INITIAL CERTIFICATION
To be issued an aerodrome certificate by the Authority, the applicant must:
Define the Authority-agreed certification basis for the aerodrome, AMCAMC GMGM
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to require the applicant to define a certification basis for the aerodrome and gain the Authority’s agreement of the certification basis.
The certification basis for an aerodrome is the complete set of design requirements against which an aerodrome is certified by the Authority.
The certification basis scope is limited to those systems and functions that are necessary to achieve safe aircraft operations at an aerodrome. These are captured in Section 6 of the DASDRM and will include, amongst other things, the following items:
the physical characteristics of the movement area,
obstacle restrictions and limitations,
visual aids for the movement area and other areas,
wind direction indicators,
visual approach slope indicator systems,
lighting systems,
reference code systems,
access to an aerodrome, including requirements relating to fencing,
design requirements to avoid the creation of hazards from aircraft propulsion systems,
requirements for facilities to conduct Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF),
radio communication facilities, and
aircraft arresting systems.
While Defence may elect to specify additional aerodrome design requirements to support capability outcomes, these are not part of the aerodrome certification basis.
The Authority prescribes design requirements for certified aerodromes in Section 6 of the DASDRM. Design requirements are separately prescribed for land aerodromes, land based heliports and shipborne heliports.
The Authority’s expectation is that the certification basis for an aerodrome will include each relevant design requirement in the DASDRM. However, the Authority may approve a change to a design requirement for a particular aerodrome if:
the applicant presents a safety argument showing an alternate design requirement achieves an equivalent level of safety, or
the applicant contends that compliance with a particular design requirement would adversely affect Defence capability, and agreement is reached with aircraft operators that risks to aviation safety can be eliminated or otherwise minimised SFARP through alternate means. As the Aerodrome Operator and MAO(s) are shared duty holders, both are required to agree on risk treatments and retain residual risks.
The certification basis for an aerodrome is proposed by the applicant and approved by the Authority.
The certification basis for an aerodrome comprises of:
the applicable design requirements prescribed in Section 6 of the DASDRM that are effective on the date of application for that certificate (unless otherwise specified by the Authority),
any special detailed technical requirements that are needed to address unique issues beyond the scope of design requirements in Section 6 of the DASDRM; and
any tailoring to the above design requirements, approved on the basis that:
a safety argument demonstrates an equivalent level of safety that can be achieved through a tailored design requirement, or
compliance with the design requirement would adversely affect Defence capability, and risks to aviation safety can be eliminated or otherwise minimised SFARP through alternate means.
Proposals for tailoring to the certification basis per paragraph 2c(ii) are to be supported by documented rationale that includes:
confirmation that Defence has a well-defined capability imperative, and that meeting the prescribed design requirements would impede achievement of that capability imperative,
a description of the proposed tailoring, including any additional operational procedures that will be employed to eliminate or otherwise minimise risk,
confirmation that appropriate consultation, cooperation and coordination has been conducted between all persons with a shared duty to ensure health and safety for aerodrome users,
confirmation that the applicant, with assistance from aerodrome users, has clearly characterised the risk due to the tailored design requirements, and
confirmation that the relevant aircraft Military Air Operator(s) has agreed that risks have been eliminated or otherwise minimised SFARP, and both the Aerodrome Operator and MAO(s) have agreed to retain any residual risk.
The aerodrome certification basis, including any agreed tailoring, is to be recorded in the applicable aerodrome manual.
demonstrate that the aerodrome design and construction complies with the agreed certification basis, AMCAMC GMGM
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is for the applicant to demonstrate sufficient evidence that the aerodrome design and construction meets the requirements in the certification basis.
The applicant is responsible for demonstrating, through the production of evidence, that the design and construction of the aerodrome meets the certification basis. This evidence may consist of reports, drawings, specifications, calculations, analysis etc.
Partial compliance with the certification basis is not permitted. Where the applicant cannot justify meeting a design requirement in the certification basis, the applicant should pursue approval for tailoring of the certification basis as provided in DASR AMC 139.80.A(1).
The compliance demonstration evidence should be made available to the Authority who may inspect the evidence on a non-exhaustive basis.
Declare that the aerodrome design and construction complies with the agreed certification basis, AMCAMC GMGM
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to require a formal declaration by the applicant that the design and construction of the aerodrome fully meets the requirements of the certification basis.
To enable the Authority to issue an Aerodrome Certificate, the applicant is to:
Compile a list of evidence that has been produced to demonstrate compliance against each line item of the certification basis, and
Provide a formal declaration that the design and construction of the aerodrome entirely meets the requirements of the certification basis.
All compliance demonstrations are to be completed before the final declaration of compliance can be provided.
Implement arrangements to support continued aerodrome compliance with the agreed certification basis, AMCAMC GMGM and
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to require an applicant to implement arrangements to support continued aerodrome compliance with the certification basis.
Aerodromes can have a long service life, and changes are often made to the aerodrome design, construction and operation during that service life. Furthermore, it is possible that the original design and/or construction of the aerodrome may include latent defects.
For the Authority to be assured the safe design of the aerodrome will be retained throughout the service life of the aerodrome, systems and procedures should be implemented to:
retain all relevant design information, drawings and test reports; including inspection records for the aerodrome in order to provide the information necessary to ensure the continued compliance to the aerodrome certification basis, and conditions for safe operation of the aerodrome.
manage the configuration of the aerodrome design, and
collect, investigate and analyse reports of and information related to failures, malfunctions, defects or other occurrences which might adversely affect safe operation of the aerodrome, to implement corrective action if warranted.
For the purposes of initial aerodrome certification, the applicant is expected to establish these systems and procedures. Continued implementation and monitoring of these systems and procedures is the responsibility of the Aerodrome Operator.
Provide design information to support continuing safe operation of the aerodrome. AMCAMC GMGM
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to require an applicant to produce key information and procedures, related to the design and/or construction of the aerodrome that will enable the Aerodrome Operator to ensure that the aerodrome is kept in a condition for safe flight operation.
The Aerodrome Operator is responsible for ensuring that the aerodrome, at any time in its operating life, is in a condition for safe flight operation. However, for the Aerodrome Operator to execute this responsibility, it should be reliant upon information and procedures that are the domain of the aerodrome designer.
The applicant at a minimum is to provide the Aerodrome Operator:
a document which describes the specific scheduled maintenance tasks and their frequency of completion, and
descriptive data and accomplishment instructions that enable inspections, processes, and procedures necessary to keep the aerodrome in a condition for safe flight operation.
CHANGES TO AERODROME CERTIFICATION
Changes to the design or construction of a certified aerodrome must be presented to the Authority for certification, except where those changes have no appreciable effect on the safety of flight operations. AMCAMC GMGM
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to require that future changes to the design or construction of an aerodrome are subject to appropriate engineering rigour, so that the aerodrome remains in a condition for safe flight operation.
The Authority’s certification for an aerodrome is relevant only to the configuration presented for initial certification. Subsequent changes to the configuration may invalidate the aerodrome certification, necessitating re-certification by the Authority.
The Authority does not expect the Aerodrome Operator to approach the Authority for re-certification whenever a minor design or construction change is incorporated, provided that the change does not have an appreciable effect on the safety of flight operations.
Aerodrome Operators are expected to use professional judgement in determining whether a design change has an ‘appreciable’ effect on safety, and when in doubt should consult the Authority.
Where a proposed design or construction change to an aerodrome may have an appreciable effect on the safety of flight operations, re-certification of the aerodrome by the Authority is to be pursued. In such circumstances, the applicant is to propose to the Authority how compliance with regulations DASR 139.80.A1, 139.80.A2, 139.80.A3, 139.80.A4 and 139.80.A5 will be achieved to the extent required as a result of the change.
The Aerodrome Operator must develop, document and undertake an aerodrome maintenance program to ensure the aerodrome remains in a condition to support safe flight operations. AMCAMC GMGM
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to establish measures to ensure that an aerodrome is sufficiently maintained, as to not compromise safe flight operations.
The Authority may withdraw Aerodrome Operator approval and / or aerodrome certification in circumstances where a shortfall in maintenance aspects of the aerodrome adversely affects safe flight operations.
The aerodrome maintenance program should include, as a minimum:
Maintenance schedule and routines to ensure the aerodrome continues to meet the design requirements.
Technical inspections that confirm facilities are fit for their intended purpose and acceptable for use.
The engagement of suitably qualified personnel to conduct maintenance.
Aerodrome Operators must ensure that personnel responsible for the conduct of activities in support of individual aerodromes are competent, qualified and authorised to undertake their duties. AMCAMC GMGM
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to require that personnel employed to undertake a role in support of a Defence aerodrome, including any airside awareness, ARFF, operations, engineering, and maintenance roles, are adequately trained and authorised to provide that particular service.
For all personnel involved in the provision of a service, Aerodrome Operators or their delegates are responsible for ensuring appropriate competencies for the different types of supporting roles are adequate and remain current for the duration of the task.
There may be differing levels of competency required amongst support personnel depending on what aspects are applicable to the overall safety and support service of the aerodrome. The Aerodrome Operator, by the nature of the varied equipment and systems in use; has the responsibility to select, monitor or reject those level of competencies considered appropriate or inappropriate to carry out support arrangements.
The Authority does not prescribe any single competency/licensing framework for these competency requirements.
In order to ensure personnel obtain, complete and maintain effective competency, Aerodrome Operators should:
ensure aviation safety support activities are undertaken only by suitably competent and authorised personnel, including when engaging contractors,
maintain adequate numbers of personnel to provide the service consistent with the defined and reasonable level of overall demand, and
maintain training, competency assessment and regular evaluation of these programs for participating personnel where applicable.