ASD 2002-007
2002.10.24
Subject
Policy on the approval process for an Airport Operations Manual (AOM).
Purpose
To provide functional direction regarding the minimum regulatory requirements to be met in order for an AOM to be approved under the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR), reference 302.08.
Background
Many airports have complained that they have encountered long delays int he approval of their AOMs. At the request of some regions and to facilitate the approval of AOMs, while improving national standarsization and remaining within the scope of the actual regulations, legal advice has been obtained and a new checklist developed with respect to that advice
The Directive does not require previously approved AOMs to be re-assessed using this checklist. This checklist will be amended as new standards are implemented and will be integrated intot he Inspection and Guideline Manual.
The AOM Review Log contained in Appendix A is provided as an example only.
Effective immediately, all inspectors are to use this checklist whenever they are required to assess a new AOM or amendments to an AOM for approval purposes.
Application
All certified aerodromes and aerodromes applying for certification are required to have an approved AOM.
The airport certificate documentation includes:
- the airport certificate which certifies that the airport meets required regulations; and
- the AOM, which details the airport specifications, the applicable standards (TP 312, 3rd or 4th edition), the levels of service to be provided and the responsiblities of the operator for the maintenance of the certification standards as well as the operation of the airport. Ref. CAR 302.08(3), (4)(b)(vii) and (5). The AOM is a reference document agreed to between the airport operator and Transport Canada with respect to standards, conditions and level of service to be maintained at the airport and provides a legal reference for both the airport operator and Transport Canada.
An airport operator is required to keep the AOM current and accurate with respect to the airport as well as it's operation. Ref.: CAR 302.08(1)(a), (b) and 302.08(5).
Minimum Regulatory Requirements:
An AOM must meet all the legal requirements of CAR 302.08. The attached checklist (Appendix B) reflects that minimum content.
Inspectors are to assess AOMs for compliance with standards applicable to AOMS and for accuracy with respect to the physical specifications of the airport.
In the case of aerodromes that are presently certified, including those where interim certificates are in place but do not have an approved AOM, approval of the manual shall not be delayed due to non conformance to certification standards other than the standards giverning AOMs.
AOM Approval Process:
Provide the applicant with the necessary information on initial contact e.g. a list of applicable regulations, circulars, new regulations approved by CARC, guidance on AOM format and how to obtain this documentation.
- Maintain a log of the date of receipt and correspondence of the draft AOM as per regional office process (example in Appendix A).
- Review the entire manual utilizing the checklist in Appendix B of this document to verify that the minimum applicable regulatory requirements are met.
Once approved, a copy is to be retained and the original returned to the aerodrome operator with a covering letter.
Maintain the 5151 file up to date with a copy of the AOM and associated correspondence including superseded pages and amendments.
This is required as it may be necessary to determine the content of a particular section of the AOM on a given date.
Summary
An AOM shall be approved if it accurately describes the physical specifications of the airport and meets the regulatory requirements that apply in respect of an AOM.
For further information regarding this functional directive, you may contact the Chief, Programs and National Audits by telephone at (613) 991-9940 or via e-mail at simarro@tc.gc.ca.
This functional directive will also be available electronically at: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/reference-centre/aerodrome-safety-functional-directives.
Original signed by:
John Maxwell (2002.10.24)
Director, Aerodrome Safety