Aerodromes
COVID-related constraints and concerns have led to significant changes on how aerodrome operations are conducted and managed. While it may be some time before operations can be considered "normal", this section offers key focus areas to be considered for a safe and seamless aerodrome operation in the "new normal" of COVID conditions.
The following table identifies areas that need to be considered for aerodromes resuming operations after an extensive lockdown/ reduced operations period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click on an Area to expand to relevant items and their associated references and guidance.
Aerodrome Infrastructure
| Areas | Topic | References |
|---|---|---|
| Rescue and Fire Fighting | Including but not limited to the status of fire fighting equipment, extinguishing agents and readiness of personnel to meet the RFF category and response; | Annex 14 Vol I, Airport Services Manual(Doc 9137 Part 1) |
| Non-Visual Aids for Navigation | Status of radio navigation aids, especially of those which were not in use during the lockdown period i.e. VOR/DME, ILS for a specific runway. | Annex 10 Vol I, Manual on Testing of Radio Navigation Aids (Doc 8071) , PANS - Aerodromes (Doc 9981) |
| Electrical systems | Including but not limited to the status of primary and secondary power supply systems supporting airfield lighting and radio navigation aids, etc. | Annex 14 Vol I, Aerodrome Design Manual (Doc 9157 Part 5), Airport Services Manual (Doc 9137 Part 9) |
| Visual aids for Navigation | Including but not limited to the status of all markings, lights including calibration of PAPI, signs, status of obstacle lights, etc. | Annex 14 Vol I, Aerodrome Design Manual(Doc 9157 Part 4), Airport Services Manual(Doc 9137 Part 9) |
Aerodrome Operations
| Areas | Topic | References |
|---|---|---|
| Apron Management | Including but not limited to the effective functioning of passenger loading bridges, VDGS, apron flood light, FOD management, aircraft stand availability for allocations, etc. | Annex 14 Vol I, PANS –Aerodromes (Doc 9981), Airport Services Manual (Doc 9137 Part 8). |
| Aerodrome Emergency Plan | Review aerodrome emergency plan to include Aerodrome preparedness to handle public health emergencies. It may include but not limited to lessons learnt and procedures followed during the COVID-19 lockdown, plans to handle such contingencies in the future, etc. | Annex 14 Vol I, Airport Services Manual (Doc 9137 Part 7). |
| Vehicle/equipment readiness | Check the readiness of all the airfield vehicle and equipment which would not have been used for an extensive period of time. | As per the manufacturers Manual. |
| Resuming Airside Works | Including but not limited to the review of work plan under the changed conditions, such as change in scope, contractual obligations, need for additional safety precautions, etc. | PANS - Aerodromes (Doc 9981). |
| Aeronautical Information Management | Check and initiate actions to amend/cancel existing NOTAMS/publications regarding any restrictions for aircraft operations or closure (partial or full) of the aerodrome. | Annex 15, PANS –AIM (Doc 10066). |
| Wildlife Hazard Management | With focus on vegetation, habitat and land use management, check the status of wildlife activity reporting and repellent systems, checks on aircraft and other infrastructure (i.e. passenger loading bridges) for possible "nesting" due to inactivity, and effectiveness of wildlife management plans to mitigate wildlife hazard. | Annex 14 Vol I, PANS –Aerodromes (Doc 9981), Airport Services Manual (Doc 9137 Part 3). |
| Pavement Management | Check the status of runway, taxiway and apron pavements with special attention to the distress on pavement due to possible prolonged parking of aircraft as well as during ground manoeuvring of aircraft at improvised parking areas. | Annex 14 Vol I, PANS –Aerodromes (Doc 9981), Aerodrome Design Manual(Doc 9157 Part 3), Airport Services Manual (Doc 9137 Part 2 and Part 9). |
| Obstacle Management | Review obstacles around the aerodrome with specific focus on OFZ, pruning of trees or any new structures during this period which will affect the safety of aircraft operations. Obstacles may be posed by continued parking of aircraft at ad-hoc improvised areas during COVID period. | Annex 14 Vol I, Aerodrome Design Manual(Doc 9157 Part 4), Airport Services Manual(Doc 9137 Part 9) |
Certification and Compliance
| Areas | Topic | References |
|---|---|---|
| Status of Aerodrome Certification | Based on the validity of the current aerodrome certificate/license and the need for certification/or renewal of the certificate during the lockdown/ period of reduced operations | Annex 14 Vol I, PANS –Aerodromes (Doc 9981), Manual on Certification of Aerodromes (Doc 9774). |
| Exemptions filed, if any | Check the status of exemptions filed and any conditions or procedures subject to which the exemption was granted. | As exempted by CAA during the Aerodrome certification. |
| Safety Risk Assessment | Conduct a safety risk assessment for non-compliance to national aerodrome regulations/standards or deviation arising due to prolonged closure or limited operations such as OLS infringement due to continued parking of aircraft at non-designated areas, deviations from SOPs due to the COVID-19 situation, etc. | PANS –Aerodromes (Doc 9981) SMM (Doc 9859). |
Coordination and Collaboration
| Area | Topic | References |
|---|---|---|
| Stakeholder Preparedness | Details of virtual discussion and communications with stakeholders on the plans for resuming normal airport operations, addressing their concerns and the support required from them. The option of Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) as a basic tool for all the coordination process may be considered to ensure timely and effective information exchange if it is not already available. This will facilitate in gaining stakeholder confidence to fully implement A-CDM in the future, using appropriate resources and processes. | PANS - Aerodromes (Doc 9981), Manual on Collaborative Air Traffic Flow Management (Doc 9971). |
| Revised Aerodrome Capacity | With the involved stakeholders, agree on any operational retractions including declared capacity, airport slot coordination, etc. in coordination with airport slot coordinator, if necessary. | |
| Virtual Meetings | Consider hosting virtual meetings of RST and local airport operations coordination group, if required to understand the safety concerns of the stakeholders. | PANS Aerodromes (Doc 9981). |
| Air Traffic Control & Meteorology | Coordinate with local ATC (TWR, APP and ACC) to ensure readiness of airport and airspace for return to operations and agree upon any operational or capacity restrictions. Coordinate with local Met Office for availability of Meteorological services, if it is not provided through the local ATC. | PANS- ATM (Doc. 4444), Air Traffic Services Planning Manual (Doc. 9426), Annex 3. Manual on Coordination between ATS, AIS and Aeronautical Meteorological Services (Doc 9377). |
| Airport Security | Coordinate and review with relevant Airport security agencies on the preparedness to resume operations, with specific focus on Aerodrome fencing, Lighting, etc. related to the provisions of Annex 14 Vol I. It may also include reviewing of changes implemented during restricted operations/closure, and identifying any new requirements (e.g. related to temporary operations or infrastructure). | Annex 14 Vol I. |
Human Resources, Competency & Training
| Area | Topic | References |
|---|---|---|
| Airfield Personnel Preparedness | Briefing/short training to airfield personnel on their roles and responsibilities as they may be resuming work after an extensive break. Refresher training for those with lapsed permits/ratings. | PANS –Aerodromes (Doc 9981). |
| Preparedness of Concessionaires | Including but not limited to the preparedness of airport concessionaires for Ground Handling, Fuelling, catering and other subcontracted agencies after long period of closure or reduced activity. | PANS – Aerodromes (Doc9981). |
| Availability of Human Resources | Check the availability of human resources especially if aerodrome operator and/or subcontractors downsized the staff pool. | As per the requirements of individual parties |