Module 3 Airport Operations, Security and Maintenance Flashcards
Airport Management
Operate the airport in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with industry standards and procedures
CFRs and ACM, NFPA, A/Cs
Title 14 CFR Part 119
“Certification: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators”
Identifies the requirements for aircraft operators engaged in commercial carriage in passenger carrying and cargo operations
Parts 121 and 135
Commuter/Air charter or taxi
Identify the conditions under which an aircraft operator or pilot can conduct a general domestic, flag, supplemental, all cargo, foreign, commuter, on demand, or agricultural operation
Part 91
Commonly associated with GA operations and airports. Addresses the general operating and flight rules applicable to aircraft operating in the US airspace, whether they’re GA or commercial flight operations
Scheduled “Air Carrier Operation”
Conducted under part 121 and provides a schedule containing the departure location, time and arrival location offered. Certain carriers must operate exclusively to part 139 airports except where part 139 specifically provides an exception
Part 121 operating requirements: Domestic, flag and supplemental operations
Can only operate in airports that meet the certification classifications of part 139. Airport manager can only allow the type of aircraft and air carrier operation for which the airport has been approved under its certificate
Exception: airport has been approved as an alternate for a particular air carrier, the airport doesn’t routinely receive air service or in case of an emergency
Special exceptions Part 139
- Operations conducted outside the US
- Operations in Alaska with more than 9, but less than 31 seats
- Emergencies
- Flight training
- Operations at airports is designated as an alternate in the air carrier’s certificate
Part 135
Non-scheduled commercial operations
Also have different training, safety and maintenance standards
Part 139 Compliance:
“Air Carrier Operation”
Covers the time period from 15 minutes before take off until 15 minutes after landing. Not only applies to when ARFF must be available but also to inspections, wildlife hazard mgmt, snow removal, and lighting system operation
Public charter operations
- Part 380
- Required to operate from part 139 airports
Public charter= 1 way or round trip flight. Performed by 1 or more direct air carriers and sponsored by a charter operator
Direct air carrier
Certificated domestic/foreign air carrier, air taxi, or commuter air carrier that directly engages in the operation of aircraft under a certificate, permit, or exemption issued by DOT. Has control over the operational functions performed in providing transportation
Indirect air carrier
Any person (individual or corporation) such as a tourist or athletic organization that engages in the services of a direct air carrier in the transportation or passengers, baggage or cargo
“Safety is everybody’s business”
Each person must be aware of the consequences of his/her decisions, including safety and risky behaviors
What does a safety conscious organization utilize?
- Internal reporting system
- Set of standards
- Investigations and resolution of incidents/hazards
- Individuals trained to recognize unsafe conditions
“Chain of events”
A series of events that lead to an end result i.e. accidents
3 things that help prevent links in the chain of events from forming
- Proper design of a component or system
- Safeguards put into place
- Correct safety decisions and actions
Safety Mgmt System
Helps to manage safety risk through systematic procedures, practices, and policies
SMS affects:
Any certificated airport which:
- Classified as small/medium/large hub airport in NPIAS
- Identified by CBP as a port of entry, designated international airport, landing rights airport or user fee airport
- Identified as having more than 100,000 total annual operations
4 distinct elements of SMS
- Safety policy
- Safety risk mgmt
- Safety assurance
- Safety promotion
Safety policy
Addresses how the organization is structured to achieve safety goals and lays out the processes and procedures to identify and mitigate safety risks
Safety Risk Mgmt
Techniques in risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and tracking are the principal methods for enhancing or increasing a safety record
Determines the need for, and adequacy of new revised risk controls
Safety Assurance
- Internal and external audits and corrective actions providing feedback on implemented risk mitigation strategies
- Evaluates continued effectiveness and supports identification of new hazards
Safety Promotion
Create a “safety culture.” Reinforces that everyone is responsible for safety
Includes training, communication, and other actions
Accountable Executive (AE)
Designated individual responsible for the implementation and oversight of the SMS processes but more from the policy perspective
14CFR Part 139
- Certification of Airports
- Baseline regulation and certification standard for commercial service airports. Evolved from the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970
- Primary objective is to ensure safety in air transportation by regulating the operation and maintenance of airports serving scheduled air carriers
The FAA issues certificates to airports that:
- Serve scheduled and unscheduled air carrier aircraft with more than 30 seats
- Serve scheduled air carrier operations in aircraft with more than 9 seats but less than 31 seats
Airport Operating Certificate (AOC)
Identifies the airport as being certified under 1 of 4 classes of operation
AOC 4 classes of operations
Airport Operating Certificate
- Scheduled large air carrier aircraft (30+ seats)=Class 1
- Unscheduled large air carrier aircraft (30+ seats) = Class 1, 2, 4
- Scheduled small air carrier aircraft (10-30 seats)= Class 1, 2, 3
Class 1 Airport
Serves all types of scheduled air carrier aircraft designed for at least 31 passenger seats and any other type of air carrier operations, and must comply with all part 139 requirements
Class 2 Airport
Serves scheduled operations of small air carrier aircraft and unscheduled operations of large air carrier aircraft. Not permitted to serve scheduled large air carrier operations
Class 3 Airport
Serves only scheduled operations of small air carrier aircraft
Class 4 Airport
Serves only unscheduled operations of large air carrier aircraft
What is the purpose of the ACM
To be a reference document for airport personnel on maintaining a safe airport and complying with federal regulations
This places responsibility for compliance on the airport operator
Advisory circular associated with the ACM
A/C 150/5210-22
Provides guidance on developing an ACM
Emphasis on ACM
WHO will perform the task
WHAT the task will consist of
HOW the task is performed
WHEN it will be accomplished
excessive levels of detail can restrict flexibility during unforeseen events
Part 139
Subpart A
General applicability, definitions and procedures
For compliance with the certification and operation requirements of the part
Part 139
Subpart B
Airport Certification
Identifies the general certification requirements and the issuance and duration of certificates
Provisions for limitations, exemptions and deviations
Part 139
Subpart C
ACM
- General requirements
- Contents of ACM
- Amendments of ACM
Outlines how the ACM should be developed, maintained and amended. Refers extensively to the use of procedures to ensure compliance with the regulations, use of plans for safe operations, and descriptions of facilities/equipment. Assigns responsibility
Part 139
Subpart D
Regulatory operational requirements
All the parts of the ACM from records to noncomplying conditions
Limitations
Identify unusual operational characteristics.
-Limited to specific runways or load bearing weights due to pavement strength
Not typically encountered or imposed upon
Exemption
A legal document granting an airport relief from a regulatory requirement of part 139
This becomes a rulemaking action and this requires FAA legal. It changes the manner in which an airport complies with its AOC. Few are issued
Deviation
Whether or not a deviation results in a violation depends on the circumstances
A deviation requires notification to the FAA within 14 days of the occurence
Primarily result from an aircraft emergency
139.301
Records
12 CCM=
- Airfield inspection records
- NOTAMs
- Fueling inspections
- Accident/Incident reports
24 CCM=
- Training of personnel for movement area
- Trained inspectors for self inspection
139.303
Personnel
“Sufficiently qualified personnel” =exist if all requirements in ACM are properly performed
Recurrent training every 12 calendar months
139.305
Paved Areas
139.307
Unpaved Areas
139.309
Safety Areas
139.311
Markings, Signs, Lighting
139.313
SICP
139.315
ARFF: Index determination
139.317
ARFF: Equipment and agents
139.319
ARFF: Operational requirements
139.321
Handling and Storage of Hazmat
139.323
Traffic and wind direction indicators
139.325
AEP
139.327
Self Inspection Program
139.329
Pedestrians and Ground Vehicles
139.331
Obstructions
139.333
Protection of Navaids
139.335
Public Protection
139.337
WHMP
139.339
Airport Condition Reporting
139.341
Iedntifying, marking and lighting construction and serviceable areas
139.343
Noncomplying conditions
Self inspection program
Monitors airport conditions
Regular Inspection
Daily inspection
Continuous surveillance inspection
Fueling, construction, pedestrian and ground vehicles, snow and ice, public protection, wildlife, and FOD
Periodic inspection
Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly
Rubber build up, approach slopes, trees, faded signs, fueling facilities, response times for ARFF
Special inspection
After a complaint or unusual event occurs
- Meteorological event
- Aircraft accident/incident
- End of construction
Areas of training
- Airport familiarization
- AEP
- NOTAM procedures
- Procedures for handling pedestrians and ground vehicles in the movement area
- Airport inspection procedures, techniques and discrepancy reporting
- Knowledge of correct radio communication phraseology procedures and techniques
How long must an airport keep DAIRs on record for?
12 CCM
NPIAS
National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems
How long must and airport retain records for training, inspection, condition and incident/accident data?
12 CCM
How long must an airport retain movement area training records for?
24 CCM
FAA’s goal for pavement
The goal of any maintenance program is to provide a safe and operable pavement system at the least feasible cost
Airfield Pavement Mgmt System
Ensures that issues are addressed ASAP and that there is a long term strategic plan for ongoing maintenance and replacement of paved surfaces.
For every $1 in preventative mx=$4-5 in repairs later on
Goal of APMS
Airfield Pavement Mgmt System
Maintain pavement in excellent condition with the least amount of expenditure and to determine the optimum frequency to effectively use funds for maintenance
Asphalt
- Can be laid without expansion joints
- Generally less expensive
- Quicker to install
- Requires more maintenance
- Susceptible to oxidation from the sun and fuel products (its a petroleum product)
- Compresses under load
Flexible Pavement
- Asphalt, grass, dirt, gravel
- Compresses under load
-These types of surfaces for commercial traffic, typically only found in Alaska
Rigid Pavement
- Resists compressibility
- Usually concrete
Concrete
- A rigid form of pavement
- Poured into slabs that require seams or joints to allow for expansion and contraction, contributing to its higher cost
- Can withstand much higher aircraft loads
- Resists weathering and oil/fuel spillage
Preventative Mx
Includes any regular or recurring work necessary to sustaining airport pavement in good condition
examples: routine cleaning, crack sealing, patches, seal coating, pavement edge grading, and restoring pavement markings
FAA requirements for pavement
- Pavement inventory
- Annual and periodic inspections
- A record keeping and retrieval system
- Identification of mx program funding
Daily pavement inspection includes:
- Pavement edges exceeding 3”
- Holes: 5” diameter, 45 degree angle,
- Cracks that create directional control issues
- Loose aggregate (repair immediately)
- Surface deterioration: spalling, raveling, debris, FOD, alligatoring
- Rubber
- Edge obstructions that prevents draining, soil erosion, vegetation
- Pavement markings
- Loose joint seal
Pavement Condition Index
- Determined by procedures contained in ASTM 5340
- Gives pavement condition an index (rating)
- Provides indication of function capability of surface
- Gives a metric for APMS
- Periodic checks determine changes and performance levels which help with optimal rehabilitation
Pavement deterioration
- Environmental= weather and aging
- Structural= Repeated traffic loads
They often work together to create things such as potholes
Affected by amount/weight of load/traffic, original construction, maintenance and weather
Asphalt related deterioration
- Cracking (Longitudinal is most severe)
- Disintegration (raveling, potholes)
- Distortion (ruts, depression, swelling)
- Loss of skid resistance (polished aggregate, fuel)
Concrete related deterioration
- Cracking
- Disintegration (scaling, map cracking, crazing)
- Alkali-Silica reaction (scaling, map cracking, crazing)
- Spalling (scaling, map cracking, crazing)
- Distortion (pumping, settling, shoving)
- Loss of skid resistance (polished aggregate, fueling)
Alkali-Silica Reaction
A reaction between the hydroxyl ions in the alkaline cement pore solution in the concrete and reactive forms of silica in the aggregate (Chert, Quartzite, opal, strained quartz crystals). A gel is produced which increases volume by taking up water, thereby exerting an expansive pressure which results in failure of the concrete
(Can be accelerated by potassium acetate, sodium acetate and sodium formate)
ACN-PCN
Aircraft Classification #/Pavement classification #
- PCN reports the relative bearing strength of pavement and the ACN expresses the relative effect of an aircraft on pavement. Only applies to pavement with bearing strength of 12,500 lbs or higher. Anything lower, letter system still applies (S=single, D=dual, T=tandem, DT=dual tandem)
- Aircraft having an ACN = to or < the PCN can operate unrestricted. Therefore, the PCN is the maximum pavement bearing strength
CFME
- Provide continuous graphic record of pavement surface friction characteristics
- Eligible for federal funding under AIP program
- Use at speeds of 40-60 mph
Decelerometers
FAA prefers electrical over mechanical
electrical eliminates human error
TALPA
Take Off and Landing Performance Assessment
Improves the way the aviation community assesses runway conditions, based on contaminant type and depth, which provides an aircraft operator with the correct information to anticipate airplane braking performance
RCAM
More comprehensive and standardized method of assessing and reporting surface conditions
Unpaved Areas
- Slopes may be steeper than 2:1
- Full strength surfaces must have an adequate crown or grade for sufficient drainage
- No holes or depressions
- Compacted so no ruts form
- FOD must be removed
Safety area inspection standards
- No objects except those required due to function necessary: Signs, lights, navaids
- Not: personnel, equipment, vehicles
- SA inspection is considered a regular inspection
- Necessary equipment must have frangible points no higher than 3” above grade
- Cleared, drained and compacted, graded so it can support an aircraft
Things to check for when inspecting the safety area
- Storm sewer system to verify not clogged, covers and to grade
- Special inspection before reopening after maintenance or construction
- Check anytime an aircraft has left the pavement’no ruts, or holes have been made
- Checking construction and maintenance to ensure safe conditions= no equipment
- Inspecting EMAS for damage or deterioration
- Drive or walk SA to check for discrepancies
Movement area training
- Receive training every year
- Training must include: how to read airfield signs, markings, lighting (configuration, patterns, colors)
Runway lighting systems
HIRL and MIRL have different intensity levels or steps
LIRL systems only have 1 intensity
Pilot Controlled Lighting
Keying the microphone a # of times at certain intervals will get you different steps
Runway Edgelights
- White
- On Instruments: Yellow replaces white in direction of landing for last 2,000 ft or for 1/2 runway length, whichever is less
- Provides visual safety information
Runway centerline lights
- White in direction of landing
- On precision instrument runway: lights change to alternating red and white at the beginning at the last 3,000 ft of the runway for 2,000 ft then change to all red for the last 1,000 ft
Taxiway Edgelights
-Solid blue lenses or if lights are unavailable, blue reflectors
Taxiway centerline lights are green
Taxiway lead-on, lead-off lights
- In pavement lights that alternate green and yellow
- Some airports have green taxiway center lights marking the complete route between the terminal and the active runway
- Exact specifications vary depending on type of instrument approach the runway is certified for
Threshold Lights
- Marks the end of the runway
- Split lens: landing aircraft see green, departing aircraft see red
- Runway lights are directional in focus through a fresnal lens. lens requires light bases to be properly aligned and angled towards the runway
Lighting outages
- Tolerances listed in ACM
- NOTAM required when standards aren’t met
RVR and SMGCS
Surface movement guidance control systems
- Allows airports to conduct operations when visibility is <1,200 ft
- System of guidance, control and regulation of all aircraft, ground vehicles, and personnel on the movement area
- To prevent collisions and ensure safety, traffic flows smoothly and freely
Rotating Beacon
-Angle from 2-10 degrees above horizon
-Civil=White/Green
-If 1 bulb is out, another should activate. Also provides indicator if burnt out
-If on during the day= IFR
Ceiling is below 1000 ft or visibility is < 3 SM
-Any changes to airfield lighting must be changed in the A F/D
ALS generally consists of what 5 components
- Sequenced Flashers
- Approach Lights
- Crossbar lights
- REILs
- VASI/PAPI
Sequence Flashers
Series of 5 lights that extend past the 1,000 ft mark of the approach lights. Flashing in sequence in 1 direction in order to guide the pilot to the runway
Cross bar
Series of lights positioned perpendicularly to both sides of the approach lights. Used as a pilots aid in leveling an aircraft’s wings
They also provide distance information to the runway since they’re positioned at fixed distances from the threshold. They uniformly extend from the threshold out to a point where the pilot can make timely transition from instrumental to visual
VASI
- Indicates the pilots angle of approach to prevent under or over shooting
- 2 or 3 bar system that have 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 lights each
- Locates 250 ft parallel to RWY centerline
- 1 unit is approximately 800ft from the threshold whereas the other is at 1200 ft
- Positioned to provide a 3 degree slope
PAPI
- Either 2 or 4 lights with split red/white lenses
- Installed in a row perpendicular to the RWY and each light is at a slightly different angle
PVASI/PLASI
Pulsed-Light Visual Approach Slope Indicator
- A bright light that emits a flashing strove if an aircraft is above or below glidepath and a steady white light if on glidepath
- Not used for air carrier operations
TRCV
Tri-colored VASI
Emits a steady light from a single source. The pilot sees red when the approach is below the glideslope angle and green when on the correct angle
APAP
Approach Path Alignment Panels
Placed adjacent to the touchdown point of a runway with the middle panel raised and staggered from the 2 on the ends. From the the air, if on glideslope, the panels will appear even
MALS-F
Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Sequence Flashers
- 1,400ft long
- RAILs= Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (Sequenced flashers installed in combination with other lighting systems
REIL’s
Runway End Identifier Lights
Located on both corners of a runway threshold. They provide synchronized flashing to identify the runway end
ODALs
Omni directional approach lights
- Flashing lights installed off the approach end of the RWY and are visible from any direction
- 7 flashing lights
- Non precision approach RWY
LDIN
Lead-In Lights
- ODALs that are located away from the RWY to help define a VFR path through congested or noise sensitive airspace
- Designed to overcome problems associated with hazardous terrain obstructions or noise sensitive areas
- Placed at 3,000ft intervals to highlight path to RWY
Mandatory signs
- White inscription on a red background
- Requires permission before proceeding
- Only used with RWYs with the exception of a “No Entry” sign
Location Sign
- Identify the TWY/RWY upon which someone is located
- Yellow inscription on a black background
Location signs with black inscription on yellow background
- Identify the boundaries of the RSA, OFZ, and ILS critical areas
- Only installed at airports with ATC and where pilots or vehicles are often asked to report that they’re clear of a runway or critical area
Directional Signs
- Provide information on locations and orientation of other taxiways for pilots. They always contain an arrow
- Black inscription on yellow background
Destination Sign
-Point towards a general location on the airport rather than a specific route
Examples: Apron, fuel, terminal, civil, military, passengers, cargo, international, FBO, customs
Special information signs
- Such as noise abatement
- Black inscription on yellow background
- RDR (White inscription, black background)
- Generally locasted outside the RSA, where there’s a need for additional information, directional guidance or location indicators can be painted on pavement
Non-Precision Instrument Runway
- Threshold
- Aiming point markers
Precision Instrument Runway
- Threshold
- Aiming points
- Touchdown stripes
- RWY side stripes
Aiming Points
- Required on RWYs with visual approached that are 4,200ft or longer on instrument RWYs, serving approach categories C+D, and on RWYs 4,200ft or longer
- Aiming points are located 1,000ft past the approach end of the RWY where a jet aircraft on a normal gliadepath will touchdown
Touchdown Zone Markings
Used for landing operations and are spaced at 500ft intervals and provide distance information according to the # of rectangular bars
RWY Threshold bars
- Longitudinal line (# depends on RWY length) that identify the beginning of a RWY
- Visual approach RWYs don’t have them
- In the event of construction, mx, or other activity causing a partial closure, the threshold is relocated and the airport must file a notam. Depending on the duration of the activity, the threshold may need to be relocated
- A solid 10ft wide white bar across the RWY identifies a relocated threshold
Number of RWY threshold bars based on width
60ft= 4 stripes 75ft= 6 stripes 100ft= 8 stripes 150ft= 12 stripes 200ft= 16 stripes
Displaced Threshold
- Necessary when siting a threshold other than at the RWY end
- White bar 10ft wide across the RWY. Arrows and arrow heads help identify it
- Relocation can be for obstacle clearance, obstructions in the RWY approach path, noise abatement, construction, or other reasons