M1, S2, C6 - Aerodrome Inspections

Question 1

Aerodrome surface and lighting inspections are carried out to ensure that:

Answer 1

1) ATC becomes aware of any unserviceabilities or obstructions that may affect the use of the aerodrome and are able to supply pilots with accurate essential aerodrome information.
2) unserviceabilities or obstructions that are observed may receive attention

Question 2

How often should surface inspections take place?

Answer 2

At least one regular inspection should be made daily.

At aerodromes which are open 24h this should be as soon as practicable after first light.

At non-24h aerodromes the inspection should take place before flying commences.

A further inspection should take place before night flying.

Question 3

Additional surface inspections should be made:

Answer 3

1) at cessation of work on the manoeuvring area
2) when a runway not previously inspected is brought into use
3) following an aircraft accident
4) following an abandoned take off by a turbine engined aircraft due to engine malfunction, or by any aircraft due to burst tyres
5) during snow and ice conditions as frequently as weather conditions warrant
6) when considered necessary by ATC, the AO or as detailed in local instructions

Question 4

At aerodromes with runways, the inspection should cover…

Answer 4

…the runway in use and those likely to be used prior to the next regular inspection, together with their associated prepared strips, clearways, stopways and appropriate taxiways.

Question 5

Under normal ops, a check should be made to ascertain whether or not:

Answer 5

1) the runways, stop ways, clear ways, taxiways and holding areas are free from obstructions, collections of loose stones etc
2) temporary obstructions that exist on, or adjacent to, the runways or taxiways are properly marked or lighted
3) bad ground is adequately marked
4) runway indicator boards, traffic signs, boundary markers etc are serviceable and in position

A note should be taken of the exact position of any obstruction or unserviceability observed.

Question 6

In snow and ice conditions, as far as possible the checks for normal conditions should be carried out and a check should be made to ensure that:

Answer 6

1) badly rutted or frozen ground is adequately marked
2) runways and taxiways are delineated if covered with snow or ice and a note taken of the extent of sweeping and sanding carried out

Question 7

The AGL should be inspected…

Answer 7

…before night flying commences