602.96
Regulation 602.96 is a regulatory requirements for pilots that before an aircraft captain is taking off from, landing at or otherwise operating an aircraft at an aerodrome, the pilot-in-command (PIC) of the aircraft shall be satisfied that there is no likelihood of collision with another aircraft or a vehicle, and the aerodrome is suitable for the intended operation.
When operating with a safety management system (SMS), this regulation is also applicable to aerodrome operators through their SMS policy and their accountable executive (AE).
A safety management system is regulatory requirement for the holders of airport certificates, and air operator certificates, and both airport operators and air operators are required to maintain an SMS in good standing.
Maintaining a regulatory compliant SMS is to perform daily maintenance of their SMS by data collection for performance analyses of policies, systems, procedures, processes, and acceptable work practices.
Airport operators and airlines are required to maintain a safety policy, a process for setting goals, a process for identifying immediate threats to aviation safety and for evaluating and managing the threats, a process for training personnel, a process for reporting and analyzing of hazards, incidents and accidents and for taking corrective actions, maintaining an SMS manual, including an SMS reference handbook, a process for conducting periodic audits, and any additional requirements for the safety management system to perform as a system.
Their SMS policy govern airport and airline processes, and their systems. The safety management system was designed and developed to remove silos in aviation safety, where the right hand did not know what the left hand did, and compliance in one silo became a non-compliance in the other silo.
A safety system and safety silos are two concepts related to ensuring safety in various contexts, such as industrial environments, organizations, or systems.
A safety management system refers to a comprehensive and integrated approach to managing and ensuring safety within airports and airlines operations systems.
It involves the implementation of policies, procedures, technologies, and practices aimed at preventing accidents, incidents, or harm to individuals and assets.
Safety systems are typically designed to cover various aspects, including risk assessment, hazard identification, emergency response, and continuous improvement.
SAFETY SILOS
Safety silos, on the other hand, refer to isolated or compartmentalized safety measures that are implemented independently without a holistic and integrated approach. In organizations, safety silos may arise when different departments or units implement safety measures without proper coordination or communication with each other. This lack of integration can lead to inefficiencies, gaps in safety coverage, and difficulty in responding to emergencies cohesively.
KEY DIFFERENCES
A safety system is a comprehensive and integrated approach, while safety silos are fragmented and isolated safety measures.
Safety systems aim for a holistic and coordinated strategy, covering all aspects of safety, whereas safety silos may result from a lack of coordination among different entities.
Safety systems are designed for proactive risk management and continuous improvement, while safety silos may not provide a cohesive and unified response to safety challenges.
A safety management system is a broader and more integrated approach to safety management, while safety silos represent fragmented and isolated safety measures, and lack coordination and integration.
Airports and airlines are required to maintain a safety management system in good standing with the regulatory, users, and the flying public.
GOOD STANDING
Aviation safety management policy refers to a set of guidelines, regulations, and procedures implemented by aviation authorities and organizations to ensure the highest level of safety in the aviation industry. These policies are designed to minimize the risk of accidents, protect passengers, and crew, and maintain the overall integrity of air travel. Being in good standing with aviation safety policy means that airports and airlines operators are adhering to and complying with safety management system policies, processes, procedures, and acceptable work practices.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with aviation regulations set by the regulator.
Maintenance Standards: Adhering to maintenance standards for to be in optimal condition. Regular inspections, repairs, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are crucial. Within a safety management system, it is crucial to identify weaknesses in current standards and notify the regulator and manufacturers.
Crew Training: Providing comprehensive training for airport personnel, flight crews, including pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff, to handle emergency situations, follow acceptable processes and stay updated on the latest industry best practices.
Safety Management Systems (SMS): Maintaining an effective safety management systems that identify, assess, and mitigate risks within airport and airline operations.
Technology Integration: Utilizing modern technologies and equipment to enhance safety, such as advanced avionics systems, collision avoidance systems, and real-time monitoring of flight parameters.
Security Measures: Implementing robust security measures to safeguard against threats to aviation, including terrorism and unauthorized access to airport or aircraft.
Communication Processes: Establishing clear communication processes between airport operators, air traffic control, pilots, and other relevant parties to ensure accurate and timely information exchange.
Maintaining good standing with aviation safety policies is crucial for the overall safety and reliability of air transportation. Failure to comply with these policies can lead the accountable executive to make incorrect, or improper decisions.
A commitment to upholding and continuously improving safety in operations is essential in the aviation industry.
SAFETY POLICY AND SYSTEMS HIERARCHY
The aviation safety policy hierarchy and aviation system hierarchy are two distinct but interconnected concepts within the aviation industry.
POLICY
Aviation safety policy refers to the set of visons, principles, and guidelines established to promote the safety of aviation operations.
International standards set by international organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). They provide a global framework for aviation safety.
Each ICAO State has its own aviation authority responsible for regulating and overseeing aviation safety. National regulations are derived from international standards but may include additional requirements specific to the country.
Airports and airlines develop their own safety policies and procedures based on international and national regulations, and safety in operations. These documents outline how airports and airlines manage safety of their operations.
Airside personnel, airport management, pilots and flight crews follow specific operational practices and procedures outlined by the airline to manage operational safety during day-to-day operations, and for the purpose of quality control of operational processes.
HIERARCHY
The aviation system hierarchy refers to the structure and components of the entire aviation ecosystem, encompassing various stakeholders involved in aviation operations.
National Aviation Authorities: Each country has its own aviation authority responsible for regulating and overseeing aviation activities within its borders. These authorities conform to international standards and establish national regulations.
Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs): ANSPs manage air traffic control services, airspace, and navigation infrastructure. They play a crucial role in an airborne safety management system and efficient movement of aircraft.
Airports and Airlines: Airports and Airlines operate aircraft movement areas and aircraft, and are responsible for complying with national, and organizational safety management system policies. Both airports and airlines play a key role in implementing safety measures in their day-to-day operations.
Maintenance and Repair Organizations (MROs): MROs ensure the proper maintenance and repair of aircraft to maintain their airworthiness. They adhere to safety standards to manage safety in maintenance operations.
Airport Authorities: In addition to movement area management, airport authorities manage airport passenger facilities and operations. They implement safety measures on the ground and coordinate with other stakeholders for seamless operations.
The safety policy hierarchy influences and guides the components of the aviation system hierarchy. International standards set by ICAO, national regulations, and airports and airlines safety management system policies establish the foundation for a safe aviation system. The aviation system, in turn, must adhere to these safety policies and regulations to ensure a consistent management and analysis of a high-level safety oversight across the entire industry. The safety policies serve as a framework that governs the actions and responsibilities of each component within the aviation system hierarchy, contributing to the overall safety and reliability of air travel.
A NEW SMS POLICY
The introduction of a new safety management system policy can have a significant impact on a system, affecting various aspects of its operations and overall functioning. The specific changes will depend on the nature of the safety policy and the context in which it is implemented.
A new safety policy may introduce or modify requirements that a safety management system must adhere to.
A new SMS policy may necessitate adjustments to existing operational processes, procedures, or acceptable work practices. This could include changes in workflows, protocols, or the use of new technologies to enhance safety measures.
Implementation of a new SMS policy requires training programs for personnel to ensure they are aware of the updated safety guidelines. This might involve workshops, seminars, or online training sessions.
The new safety policy requires a review of the allocation of additional resources, such as funding for safety equipment, technology upgrades, or increased staffing to monitor and enforce safety measures.
A new SMS policy is likely to introduce measures aimed at identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks. This could involve changes in risk assessment methodologies, the adoption of new technologies for risk management, or the establishment of emergency response procedures. A new SMS policy requires a system analysis, which includes root cause analyses and risk assessments.
A new SMS policy may change the communication channels within the system, including reporting mechanisms for safety incidents. The policy might require more transparent reporting, incident tracking, and analysis to improve safety outcomes.
A new safety policy can influence the overall culture of the organization. It may promote a greater emphasis on safety consciousness, encouraging employees to prioritize safety in their daily activities.
The introduction of a new safety policy may bring changes in accountability structures. There might be clearer roles and responsibilities in forward-looking accountability and operational processes within a just culture.
An SMS policy may emphasize a culture of continuous improvement. This could involve regular assessments and updates to ensure that safety measures remain effective and up to date.
Relationships with external stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies, clients, and suppliers, may be influenced by a new SMS policy. Compliance with safety standards could become a factor in contractual agreements and business partnerships.
It is important to note that the successful implementation of a new safety policy requires a system analysis, effective communication, personnel engagement, and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety within the organization. The specific impacts may vary, but a change in airport SMS policy may to some degree affect air operators, users, tenants, and stakeholders.
DEPARTURES AND ARRIVALS
602.96 is a regulations primary for pilots to ensure no likelihood of collision with another aircraft or a vehicle. This regulation applies to both departing and arriving aircraft.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) plays a crucial role in operational surface movements of aircraft on the airports.
ATC is responsible for maintaining safe distances between aircraft to prevent collisions. This involves sequencing and spacing aircraft during takeoff, landing, and departures and arrivals.
ATC provides pilots with clearances and instructions regarding taxiing, takeoff, departures, arrivals and landing. These instructions help maintain order and supports a safety management system policy.
ATC manages the use of runways, coordinating takeoffs and landings to optimize efficiency. Their role is to assist pilots to comply with 602.02 in that runways are clear for arriving and departing aircraft.
ATC provides pilots with current weather updates, traffic information, and other relevant data to help them make informed decisions during their flight.
ATC is responsible for managing aircraft movements on the ground, including taxiing to and from runways, gates, and parking areas. Ground control is a tool for efficient flow of aircraft and vehicle traffic at the airport.
ATC maintains constant communication with pilots, providing instructions and receiving position reports. They use radio communication and other technologies to stay in contact with aircraft.
ATC at airports coordinates with other ATC facilities, such as enroute centers and approach and departure control, to assist pilots with a seamless transition of aircraft through different phases of their flight.
ATC manages the airspace around the airport, including aircraft separation, and designated routes and altitudes.
Overall, the objective of air traffic control at airports is to operate within a system that is orderly, and expeditious movement of air traffic, and contributing to aviation safety and efficiency.
ATC at aerodromes is based on system analysis, risk assessment, traffic congestion, and random chance of conflicts. The majority of aerodromes are without an air traffic control function on the filed. Without ATC the role as air traffic control is added to pilot’s responsibility. With ATC on the field, pilots remain the responsible person for compliance with 602.02, but ATC is an invaluable tool to assist with compliance.
ATC is working control at aerodromes on behalf of the aerodrome operators. At uncontrolled aerodromes without ATC, an additional responsibility as ATC is added to the aerodrome operator. Their role as air traffic controller is to establish an airside vehicle operations process for vehicle operators, and an oversight system for airside vehicle operational performance. At several aerodromes this is achieve by an onsite, or remote, Flight Service Station (FSS) Operator. An FSS operator maintain an advisory role for pilots, and a control role for airside vehicle operations.
A Flight Service Station is a facility that provides various services to pilots and aviation personnel. These stations play a crucial role in supporting flight operations at uncontrolled aerodromes.
An FSS operator provides current and forecasted weather information to pilots. This includes data on atmospheric conditions, visibility, wind speed and direction, and other relevant meteorological data. The standard minimum takeoff visibility is ½ SM, and the PIC must ensure that there are no departure obstructions beyond the ½ SM visibility.
An FSS operator assists pilots in planning their flights, including providing information on air traffic routes, navigation procedures, and any relevant NOTAMs at departure aerodrome, enroute and destination aerodrome.
An FSS operator assists in coordinating emergency services in case of an incident or emergency situation. They may act as a communication hub to connect pilots with relevant authorities and services.
The FSS disseminates NOTAMs, which are important notices containing information about changes to published aeronautical information, such as changes in aeronautical facilities, services, procedures, or hazards.
An FSS operator provides pre-flight briefings to pilots, covering a range of information such as weather updates, air traffic conditions, and any other relevant information that may impact the safety of the flight.
The objective of an FSS operator is to support efficient flight operations by providing pilots with essential information and services at aerodromes without an ATC control tower.
602.96 is a regulations primary for pilots to ensure the aerodrome is suitable for the intended operation. This regulation applies to both departing and arriving aircraft.
A suitable aerodrome is one that meets the necessary criteria and standards to ensure safe and efficient aviation operations.
A suitable aerodrome has adequate infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, aprons, and hangars, is essential. The size and strength of runways must be suitable for the types of aircraft using the aerodrome.
A suitable aerodrome need appropriate navigation aids, such as lighting systems, radio communication equipment, and air traffic control facilities, to assist pilots during takeoff, landing, and taxiing.
Safety is paramount, and a suitable aerodrome should have proper safety measures in place, including firefighting and rescue services, emergency response procedures, and adequate security. Aerodrome suitability vary from a small single engine aircraft to a heavy multi engine passenger carrying aircraft.
The location of the aerodrome should take into account local weather conditions. Adequate meteorological facilities and services should be in place to provide timely and accurate weather information to pilots.
The aerodrome must comply with the aerodrome regulations and applicable standards.
The aerodrome should have the capacity to handle the expected volume of air traffic efficiently. This involves effective traffic management, including air traffic control services and ground handling services.
Aerodromes should consider environmental impact and sustainability, including noise abatement measures and waste management practices.
Adequate support services, such as fueling facilities, maintenance services, and passenger services, contribute to the overall suitability of an aerodrome.
The aerodrome should have comprehensive emergency response plans in place to handle various contingencies, such as aircraft accidents, medical emergencies, and security incidents.
The specific criteria for determining the suitability of an aerodrome can vary depending on factors such as aircraft type and size, purpose of operations, and location. Regulatory bodies and aviation authorities establish and enforce standards to assess how aerodromes conform to regulatory compliance and safety in operations.
With all aeronautical support systems removed from aerodrome operations, the PIC is the sole decisionmaker of aerodrome suitability and assessment of other aircraft operations, and aeronautical obstructions, such as vehicles, structures, or natural growth.
The good old days are gone when aerodrome operators could point fingers at pilots when things went off the rails. Today, there are shared roles and responsibilities between aerodrome operators and aircraft operators to assess aerodrome suitability and the likelihood of collision between aircraft and aircraft, or aircraft and vehicle.
Aerodromes without ATC on the field must design and develop their own airside operations plans to maintain processes for suitable aerodromes, e.g. snow and ice removal plan, and to mitigate operations so that there is no likelihood of collision between aircraft and vehicle, e.g. airside vehicle operations plan.
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