SECTION 2: CHAPTER 6 AERODROME INSPECTIONS

Question 1

The Aerodrome Operator is responsible for all aerodrome inspections. However, special arrangements may be made at some aerodromes for these duties to be delegated to the ATC unit.
1.2 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.
1. 3 Comprehensive details of aerodrome inspections are contained in CAP 168.

Question 2

At least one regular inspection should be made daily. At aerodromes which are open 24 hours this should be as soon as practicable after first light. At non-24 hour stations the inspection should take place before flying commences. A further inspection should take place before night flying.
2.2 Additional surface inspections should be made:

Answer 2

(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 Aerodrome Operator or as detailed in local instructions.
2. 3 At aerodromes with runways, the inspection should cover 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 3

Normal Conditions

2A.1 A check should be made to ascertain whether or not:

Answer 3

(1) the runways, stopways, clearways, 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 (particularly on non-runway aerodromes) is adequately marked;
(4) runway indicator boards, traffic signs, boundary markers, etc., are serviceable and in position.
2A.2 A note should be taken of the exact position of any obstruction or unserviceability observed. Any of the above conditions that are encountered should be reported to the section whose responsibility it is to deal with them.

Question 4

Snow and Ice Conditions

3.1 As far as possible the checks for normal conditions should be carried out and a check should be made to ensure that:

Answer 4

(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.
3. 2 The measurement and reporting of snow, slush and ice conditions on runway surfaces is described in Chapter 8.
3. 3 The responsibility for clearing, sanding and marking will remain with the Aerodrome Operator who should maintain close liaison with ATC.

Question 5

Aerodrome Lighting Inspections

Answer 5

The aerodrome lighting should be inspected before night flying commences. The Aerodrome Operator is responsible for aerodrome lighting inspections and full details are contained in CAP 168.

Question 6

Reporting Action

5.1 Unserviceabilities or obstructions during aerodrome surface or lighting inspections should be

Answer 6

recorded on the appropriate form or log and the information disseminated in accordance with MATS Part 2.
5.2 Where urgent attention is necessary, e.g. for marking, lighting or immediate repair, details should be passed to the responsible section by telephone in accordance with local arrangements.