Jazmin Li
Airport Operating Certificates are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure safety in air transportation. Airports that comply with safety and emergency response requirements specified in Part 139 are issued these certificates. The FAA identifies safety standards and makes key decisions regarding certification. The certification process involves an inspection of various aspects of the airport, including its files, pavement, markings, lighting, signs, safety areas, wildlife, firefighting equipment, and fuel systems. The FAA also evaluates the airport's approach to managing hazard-related risks. The FAA issues three types of certifications: type, production, and airworthiness. Type certification approves the aircraft's design, while production certification allows for the manufacturing of duplicate products. Airworthiness certification is necessary for the operation of civil aircraft and ensures the aircraft is in a safe condition for operation.
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What You'll Learn
Airport Operating Certificates
The airport operator initiates the application process by contacting the appropriate FAA Regional Airports Division Office. The Regional Airports Division Office interviews the airport operator to obtain information about the airport and air carrier operations served or anticipated to be served. If the FAA determines that a certificate is necessary, the airport operator is provided with an application for certification and guidance materials. The application package must include two copies of the airport's proposed Airport Certification Manual (ACM) and written documentation regarding the commencement date of air carrier service.
The ACM is a written document detailing how the airport operator will comply with the requirements of Part 139. Airport operators that currently hold a Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate already have an ACM. Those with a Part 139 Limited Airport Operating Certificate have a modified version called an Airport Certification Specifications (ACS). Under the revised rule, all ACSs must be converted to ACMs.
To ensure that airports with Airport Operating Certificates are meeting the requirements of Part 139, nearly 35 FAA Airport Certification Safety Inspectors conduct certification inspections. These inspections typically occur yearly, but the FAA can also make unannounced inspections. Certification inspections include a pre-inspection review of office airport files and the airport certification manual, administrative inspection of airport files, paperwork, and updating of the Airport Master Record, a movement area inspection, an aircraft rescue and firefighting inspection, an inspection of the fuel farm and mobile fuellers, and a night inspection.
The FAA will issue an AOC if the application and other required documentation meet the provisions of Part 139 and any inspection shows the airport operator is in compliance with Part 139. The certificate may include other provisions the FAA deems necessary to ensure safety in air transportation.
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Safety and emergency response requirements
One of the key aspects of safety and emergency response requirements is aircraft rescue and firefighting capabilities. Airports must demonstrate their preparedness for potential aircraft rescue and firefighting situations. This includes conducting timed-response drills, ensuring adequate training of rescue and firefighting personnel, and maintaining the proper equipment and protective clothing for such operations.
Another crucial area of focus is aviation fuelling safety. Airports are required to conduct quarterly inspections of their fuelling facilities and ensure that all tenant fuelling agents have completed fire safety training. The FAA also provides guidance and requirements for the control of Fuel System Icing Inhibitor and Diesel Exhaust Fluid to prevent fuel system issues and ensure safe operations.
Runway safety is also a significant component of the safety and emergency response requirements. Airports must maintain proper signage, lights, and markings on runways and taxiways. This includes evaluating lighting, signage, pavement markings, wind cones, and obstruction lighting during night inspections to ensure compliance with Part 139 standards. Additionally, the FAA inspects the approach slopes of each runway end and checks the condition of pavement, markings, lighting, and safety areas.
Furthermore, FAA-certified airports must implement effective wildlife hazard management programmes. This involves regular inspections to check for the presence of wildlife on airport premises and ensure that wildlife does not pose a threat to aircraft operations.
To ensure compliance with these safety and emergency response requirements, the FAA conducts thorough inspections of airports. These inspections include administrative reviews of documentation, movement area inspections, aircraft rescue and firefighting inspections, fuel farm inspections, and night inspections. The FAA also imposes financial penalties for violations and may revoke an airport's certificate or restrict aircraft operations in extreme cases of non-compliance.
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Aircraft conformity evaluation
The first phase of the aircraft conformity evaluation involves submitting a Formal Application Letter, accompanied by the completion of a Pre-Application Checklist (PAC). This phase sets the foundation for the entire certification process, delineating the roles of the applicant and the Certification Project Team (CPT). The Formal Application phase includes an initial review of the application package, where the CPT assesses the design of the operating systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards. This includes verifying that the systems are designed to provide the highest level of safety in the public interest.
The subsequent phases of the aircraft conformity evaluation involve collaborative efforts between the applicant and the CPT. One crucial aspect is the tabletop exercise, which allows for the identification and correction of system design flaws and personnel performance issues. This phase is followed by mandatory evacuation and ditching demonstrations, as outlined in FAA guidelines. These demonstrations are a practical validation of the aircraft's ability to handle emergency situations.
Additionally, the evaluation process includes proving tests, which are conducted by the CPT to assess the performance of the air carrier system. These tests are preceded by the submission of plans for emergency evacuation, ditching, and other proving tests. The applicant must also request a letter of authorization (LOA) at least ten business days before any aircraft flight demonstration, as mandated by the FAA. The LOA is sought under 14 CFR part 119, §119.33(c), for demonstrating appropriate operations under part 121.
Throughout the aircraft conformity evaluation, the CPT conducts thorough inspections and assessments, including movement area inspections. These inspections cover various aspects, such as runway approach slopes, pavement conditions, markings, lighting, signage, and wildlife presence. The CPT also ensures that the public is protected from potential hazards like jet or propeller blast. These comprehensive evaluations provide confidence that the aircraft and its operating environment meet the stringent safety standards set by the FAA.
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Safety Risk Management (SRM)
Airports in the US that serve certain air carrier operations are required to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA issues Airport Operating Certificates to airports that comply with safety and emergency response requirements specified in Part 139. This includes a wide range of issues, such as signs, lights and markings, runway safety, aircraft rescue and firefighting, aviation fuelling safety, snow and ice control, and wildlife hazard management.
The FAA has developed an internal Safety Management System (SMS) that includes SRM processes. Airport sponsors are expected to see SRM incorporated into the planning and development processes for new airport projects. While non-certificated airports are not required to set up their own SMS, they are required to participate in the agency's SRM process when planning and developing projects or changes to their airports.
The FAA provides guidance and resources to support effective SRM, including the Airports SMS Desk Reference, which offers a standard operating procedure for SRM. Third-party facilitators involved in airport planning and design/development are expected to complete the ARP SMS Overview and ARP SRM Facilitator courses. These courses familiarize participants with the SRM process and provide guidance on tailoring SRM to the specific circumstances and requirements of each project.
SRM is a dynamic and evolving process, with the FAA continuously reviewing and updating its regulations and policies to adapt to industry advancements and new technologies. This ensures that SRM remains effective in mitigating risks and enhancing the safety of airport operations.
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Safety Management Systems (SMS)
SMS provides a systematic framework that integrates modern safety concepts and repeatable processes. This integration emphasizes safety management as a fundamental aspect of airport operations. By adopting SMS, airports can enhance their decision-making capabilities and establish consistent, measurable, and data-driven processes. This enables the proactive identification and mitigation of safety risks before they result in accidents or incidents.
The benefits of SMS are twofold: improved safety performance and financial gains. By effectively managing safety risks, airports can reduce the likelihood of accidents and incidents, which not only enhances the overall safety of airfield operations but also results in financial savings. SMS also promotes enhanced communication of safety issues, providing a robust mechanism for airports to continuously improve their safety standards.
The FAA recognizes the importance of SMS in airport operations and has made it a requirement for certain certificated airports. Airports that fall under specific triggering criteria, such as those classified as large, medium, or small hubs, or those serving international operations, are mandated to develop, implement, and adhere to an SMS. This requirement ensures that these airports actively identify and manage safety risks, contributing to a positive safety culture.
The implementation of SMS in airports is a comprehensive process. Airports are given a timeframe of 4 to 5 years to fully implement SMS, depending on their specific triggering criteria. To support airports in this endeavor, the FAA provides a wealth of resources, including the External SMS website, which offers guidance and reference materials. Additionally, Advisory Circular 150/5200-37, Safety Management Systems for Airports, provides crucial insights on meeting the final rule requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport Operating Certificates are issued by the FAA to ensure safety in air transportation. Airports that comply with safety and emergency response requirements specified in Part 139 receive these certificates.
The requirements for FAA airport certification vary depending on the size of the airport and the type of flights available. Some of the requirements include signs, lights and markings, runway safety, aircraft rescue and
Airport operators wanting to apply for an Airport Operating Certificate (AOC) must contact the appropriate FAA Regional Airports Division Office to initiate the application process. If the FAA determines that a certificate is necessary, the airport operator will be provided with an application for certification and guidance materials. The operator must then submit the completed application to the Regional Airports Division Office for approval.
