5.) UK-ATM-Aerodrome Inspections

Question 1

Who is responsible for aerodrome inspections?

Answer 1

Aerodrome Operator responsible for aerodrome
inspections.
Duty can be delegated to ATC

Question 2

What shall aerodrome inspections be carried out?

Answer 2

At least one a day
Non-24 hour:
Before flying commences
24-hour:
As soon as practicable after
first light.
Further inspection before night flyin

Question 3

ADDITIONAL INSPECTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT when

Answer 3

After abandoned take-off by turbine engined
aircraft due to engine malfunction, or by any
aircraft with burst tyres.
When runway not previously inspected brought
into use.
Following aircraft accident.
At the cessation of work on manoeuvring area
When considered necessary by ATC or
Aerodrome Operator or per MATS 2.
During snow and ice conditions as weather
conditions warrant

Question 4

NORMAL CONDITIONS

Answer 4

• Runways, stopways, clearways, taxiways and
holding areas are free from obstructions,
collections of loose stones etc.
• Temporary obstructions on or near
runways/taxiways properly marked or
illuminated.
• Bad ground adequately marked.
• Runway indicator boards, traffic lights,
boundary markers, etc., Serviceable & in
position

Question 5

Where?

Answer 5

Inspections should cover the runway-in-use and
those likely to be used; with their associated
prepared:
• Strips,
• Clearways,
• Stopways, and
• Appropriate taxiways

Question 6

SNOW AND ICE

Answer 6

• Check badly rutted or frozen ground
adequately marked.
• Runways/taxiways delineated if covered with
snow/ice. Note taken of sweeping/sanding
carried out.
• Responsibility for clearing, sanding and
marking rests with Aerodrome Operator

Question 7

LIGHTING INSPECTIONS

Answer 7

• Before night flying covering runway, taxiway,
obstruction lights, traffic lights, beacons, and
approach lights that are easily seen.
• Lighting should not be obstructed by grass or
other obstructions.
• PAPIS accurately set up & serviceable

Question 8

Aerodrome Operator responsible for decisions
on operational status of aerodrome, apron, and
manoeuvring area in respect of:

Answer 8

• Routine operational limitations.
• Unforeseen
hazards to aircraft
operations, e.g.
deteriorating
surface
conditions,
obstructions etc

Question 9

Specifically, the aerodrome operator will make
decisions regarding:

Answer 9

• The closure or re-opening of the aerodrome.
• The withdrawal or return to use of runways,
taxiways and associated lighting aids.
• The revision of declared distances.
• Any marking required in connection with the
above.
• Initiating NOTAM action to promulgate
changes in serviceability

Question 10

RESPONSIBILITY OF ATCU

Answer 10

Inform aerodrome operator immediately when aware of
any hazards to aircraft movements.
While awaiting aerodrome operators assessment,
ATCO to decide action to take:
1) Where an operational occurrence has resulted in
an obstruction in the vicinity of the runway-in-use:
a) Withhold take-off and landing clearance when
the obstruction is within the cleared and graded
area of the runway;
b) Withhold take-off and landing clearance if there
is any doubt as to the position of the
obstruction

Pilots will be advised of the reason for withholding
clearance together with the position and nature of
the obstruction.
2) When the obstruction is obviously outside the
cleared and graded area but on or in the vicinity of
the apron or manoeuvring area the pilot will be
advised of the position and nature of the obstruction.
It is the responsibility of the pilot to decide whether
or not to continue operations

Question 11

WORK ON THE MANOEUVRING AREA

Working party representative briefed by ATC or
Aerodrome operations including:

Answer 11

• Methods of access to working area.
• The area in which vehicles may operate.
• Runway in use and the effects of any
changes.
• Methods of obtaining permission to cross
runway-in-use.
• Signals or methods of indicating that vehicles
and personnel must leave the manoeuvring
area

Working party representative will be issued with
authorisation to work by Aerodrome Operator.
This is to be countersigned by senior
controller after the briefing.
A copy retained in the tower and a record made
in the watch log

Question 12

FOD typically falls into two main categories:

Answer 12

a) On the runway - consists largely of aircraft
parts, typically small metal panels or metallic
honeycomb structures, and tools, torches and
equipment, including wheel chocks.
b) On the taxiways and aprons - is usually
associated with vehicles and smaller items
associated with passenger baggage, catering
and cargo handling equipment or is from
adjacent Works in Progress

Everybody is responsible for monitoring FOD contaminants on the airfield.