602.96
By OffRoadPilots
Regulation 602.96 is a regulatory requirements for pilots that before an aircraft
captain is taking off from, landing at or otherwise operating an aircraft at an
aerodrome, the pilot-in-command (PIC) of the aircraft shall be satisfied that there
is no likelihood of collision with another aircraft or a vehicle, and the aerodrome is
suitable for the intended operation.
When operating with a safety management system (SMS), this regulation is also
applicable to aerodrome operators through their SMS policy and their accountable
executive (AE).
A safety management system is regulatory requirement for the holders of airport
certificates, and air operator certificates, and both airport operators and air
operators are required to maintain an SMS in good standing.
Maintaining a regulatory compliant SMS is to perform daily maintenance of their
SMS by data collection for performance analyses of policies, systems, procedures,
processes, and acceptable work practices.
Airport operators and airlines are required to maintain a safety policy, a process
for setting goals, a process for identifying immediate threats to aviation safety and
for evaluating and managing the threats, a process for training personnel, a
process for reporting and analyzing of hazards, incidents and accidents and for
taking corrective actions, maintaining an SMS manual, including an SMS reference
handbook, a process for conducting periodic audits, and any additional
requirements for the safety management system to perform as a system.
Their SMS policy govern airport and airline processes, and their systems. The safety
management system was designed and developed to remove silos in aviation
safety, where the right hand did not know what the left hand did, and compliance
in one silo became a non-compliance in the other silo.A safety system and safety silos are two concepts related to ensuring safety in various contexts, such as industrial environments, organizations, or systems.
SAFETY SYSTEM
A safety management system
refers to a comprehensive
and integrated approach to
managing and ensuring safety
within airports and airlines
operations systems.
It involves the
implementation of policies,
procedures, technologies, and
practices aimed at preventing
accidents, incidents, or harm
to individuals and assets.
Safety systems are typically
designed to cover various
aspects, including risk
assessment, hazard identification, emergency response, and continuous
improvement.
SAFETY SILOS
Safety silos, on the other hand, refer to isolated or compartmentalized safety
measures that are implemented independently without a holistic and integrated approach. In organizations, safety silos may arise when different departments or units implement safety measures without proper coordination or communication with each other. This lack of integration can lead to inefficiencies, gaps in safety coverage, and difficulty in responding to emergencies cohesively.
KEY DIFFERENCES
A safety system is a comprehensive and integrated approach, while safety silos are
fragmented and isolated safety measures.Safety systems aim for a holistic and coordinated strategy, covering all aspects of
safety, whereas safety silos may result from a lack of coordination among different
entities.
Safety systems are designed for proactive risk management and continuous
improvement, while safety silos may not provide a cohesive and unified response
to safety challenges.
A safety management system is a broader and more integrated approach to safety
management, while safety silos represent fragmented and isolated safety
measures, and lack coordination and integration.
Airports and airlines are required to maintain a safety management system in good
standing with the regulatory, users, and the flying public.
GOOD STANDING
Aviation safety management policy refers to a set of guidelines, regulations, and
procedures implemented by aviation authorities and organizations to ensure the
highest level of safety in the aviation industry. These policies are designed to
minimize the risk of accidents, protect passengers, and crew, and maintain the
overall integrity of air travel. Being in good standing with aviation safety policy
means that airports and airlines operators are adhering to and complying with
safety management system policies, processes, procedures, and acceptable work
practices.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with aviation regulations set by the
regulator.
Maintenance Standards: Adhering to maintenance standards for to be in optimal
condition. Regular inspections, repairs, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines
are crucial. Within a safety management system, it is crucial to identify weaknesses
in current standards and notify the regulator and manufacturers.
Crew Training: Providing comprehensive training for airport personnel, flight
crews, including pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff, to handle emergencysituations, follow acceptable processes and stay updated on the latest industry
best practices.
Safety Management Systems (SMS): Maintaining an effective safety management
systems that identify, assess, and mitigate risks within airport and airline
operations.
Emergency Preparedness:
Establishing policies, processes,
procedures, and acceptable
work practices for handling
emergencies at the airport, or
in the vicinity of the airport,
and airlines to maintain
policies, processes, procedures,
and acceptable work practices
for inflight emergencies and
after an aircraft occurrence. Coordination and cooperation between airport
operators and airline operators is crucial for their emergency preparedness plans
to remain effective.
.
Technology Integration: Utilizing modern technologies and equipment to enhance
safety, such as advanced avionics systems, collision avoidance systems, and real-
time monitoring of flight parameters.
Security Measures: Implementing robust security measures to safeguard against
threats to aviation, including terrorism and unauthorized access to airport or
aircraft.
Communication Processes: Establishing clear communication processes between
airport operators, air traffic control, pilots, and other relevant parties to ensure
accurate and timely information exchange.Maintaining good standing with aviation safety policies is crucial for the overall safety and reliability of air transportation. Failure to comply with these policies can lead the accountable executive to make incorrect, or improper decisions. A commitment to upholding and continuously improving safety in operations is
essential in the aviation industry.
SAFETY POLICY AND SYSTEMS HIERARCHY
The aviation safety policy hierarchy and aviation system hierarchy are two distinct
but interconnected concepts within the aviation industry.
POLICY
Aviation safety policy refers to the set of visons, principles, and guidelines
established to promote the safety of aviation operations.
International standards set by international organizations like the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). They provide a global framework for aviation
safety.
Each ICAO State has its own aviation authority responsible for regulating and
overseeing aviation safety. National regulations are derived from international
standards but may include additional requirements specific to the country.
Airports and airlines develop their own safety policies and procedures based on
international and national regulations, and safety in operations. These documents
outline how airports and airlines manage safety of their operations.
Airside personnel, airport management, pilots and flight crews follow specific
operational practices and procedures outlined by the airline to manage operational
safety during day-to-day operations, and for the purpose of quality control of
operational processes.
HIERARCHYThe aviation system hierarchy refers to the structure and components of the entire aviation ecosystem, encompassing various stakeholders involved in aviation
operations.
International Level: ICAO sets
global standards and policies to
manage safety and orderly
development of international
civil aviation. It provides a
framework for cooperation
among nations.
National Aviation Authorities:
Each country has its own
aviation authority responsible
for regulating and overseeing
aviation activities within its
borders. These authorities
conform to international standards and establish national regulations.
Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs): ANSPs manage air traffic control services,
airspace, and navigation infrastructure. They play a crucial role in an airborne
safety management system and efficient movement of aircraft.
Airports and Airlines: Airports and Airlines operate aircraft movement areas and
aircraft, and are responsible for complying with national, and organizational safety
management system policies. Both airports and airlines play a key role in
implementing safety measures in their day-to-day operations.
Maintenance and Repair Organizations (MROs): MROs ensure the proper
maintenance and repair of aircraft to maintain their airworthiness. They adhere to
safety standards to manage safety in maintenance operations.Airport Authorities: In addition to movement area management, airport authorities
manage airport passenger facilities and operations. They implement safety
measures on the ground and coordinate with other stakeholders for seamless
operations.
The safety policy hierarchy influences and guides the components of the aviation
system hierarchy. International standards set by ICAO, national regulations, and
airports and airlines safety management system policies establish the foundation
for a safe aviation system. The aviation system, in turn, must adhere to these
safety policies and regulations to ensure a consistent management and analysis of
a high-level safety oversight across the entire industry. The safety policies serve as
a framework that governs the actions and responsibilities of each component
within the aviation system hierarchy, contributing to the overall safety and
reliability of air travel.
A NEW SMS POLICY
The introduction of a new safety management system policy can have a significant
impact on a system, affecting various aspects of its operations and overall
functioning. The specific changes will depend on the nature of the safety policy
and the context in which it is implemented.
A new safety policy may introduce or modify requirements that a safety
management system must adhere to.
A new SMS policy may necessitate adjustments to existing operational processes,
procedures, or acceptable work practices. This could include changes in workflows,
protocols, or the use of new technologies to enhance safety measures.
Implementation of a new SMS policy requires training programs for personnel to
ensure they are aware of the updated safety guidelines. This might involve
workshops, seminars, or online training sessions.The new safety policy requires a review of the allocation of additional resources, such as funding for safety equipment, technology upgrades, or increased staffing to monitor and enforce safety measures.
A new SMS policy is likely to introduce measures aimed at identifying, assessing,
and mitigating risks. This could involve changes in risk assessment methodologies,
the adoption of new technologies for risk management, or the establishment of
emergency response procedures. A new SMS policy requires a system analysis,
which includes root cause analyses and risk assessments.
A new SMS policy may change the communication channels within the system,
including reporting mechanisms for safety incidents. The policy might require more
transparent reporting, incident tracking, and analysis to improve safety outcomes.
A new safety policy can influence the overall culture of the organization. It may
promote a greater emphasis on safety consciousness, encouraging employees to
prioritize safety in their daily activities.
The introduction of a new safety policy may bring changes in accountability
structures. There might be clearer roles and responsibilities in forward-looking
accountability and operational processes within a just culture.
An SMS policy may emphasize a culture of continuous improvement. This could
involve regular assessments and updates to ensure that safety measures remain
effective and up to date.
Relationships with external stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies, clients, and
suppliers, may be influenced by a new SMS policy. Compliance with safety
standards could become a factor in contractual agreements and business
partnerships.
It is important to note that the successful implementation of a new safety policy
requires a system analysis, effective communication, personnel engagement, and acommitment to fostering a culture of safety within the organization. The specific
impacts may vary, but a change in airport SMS policy may to some degree affect air
operators, users, tenants, and stakeholders.
DEPARTURES AND ARRIVALS
602.96 is a regulations primary for pilots to ensure no likelihood of collision with
another aircraft or a vehicle. This regulation applies to both departing and arriving
aircraft.
At controlled airports, air traffic
control (ATC) plays a critical
role in aircraft/aircraft
separation, and aircraft/vehicle
separations. ATC may control
all surface movements at an
airport, or only partial airside
areas. Markers, markings, signs,
and lights do not differentiate
between ATC controlled areas,
and uncontrolled areas at an
airport. There are no regular
communication processes between the airport operator and pilot in command to communicate areas with ATC control and uncontrolled areas. When ATC is on the
field, a pilot assume that all areas marked are under the control of ATC.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) plays a crucial role in operational surface movements of
aircraft on the airports.
ATC is responsible for maintaining safe distances between aircraft to prevent
collisions. This involves sequencing and spacing aircraft during takeoff, landing, and
departures and arrivals.ATC provides pilots with clearances and instructions regarding taxiing, takeoff, departures, arrivals and landing. These instructions help maintain order and
supports a safety management system policy.
ATC manages the use of runways, coordinating takeoffs and landings to optimize
efficiency. Their role is to assist pilots to comply with 602.02 in that runways are
clear for arriving and departing aircraft.
ATC provides pilots with current weather updates, traffic information, and other
relevant data to help them make informed decisions during their flight.
ATC is responsible for managing aircraft movements on the ground, including
taxiing to and from runways, gates, and parking areas. Ground control is a tool for
efficient flow of aircraft and vehicle traffic at the airport.
ATC maintains constant communication with pilots, providing instructions and
receiving position reports. They use radio communication and other technologies
to stay in contact with aircraft.
ATC at airports coordinates with other ATC facilities, such as enroute centers and
approach and departure control, to assist pilots with a seamless transition of
aircraft through different phases of their flight.
ATC manages the airspace around the airport, including aircraft separation, and
designated routes and altitudes.
Overall, the objective of air traffic control at airports is to operate within a system
that is orderly, and expeditious movement of air traffic, and contributing to
aviation safety and efficiency.
ATC at aerodromes is based on system analysis, risk assessment, traffic congestion,
and random chance of conflicts. The majority of aerodromes are without an air
traffic control function on the filed. Without ATC the role as air traffic control isadded to pilot’s responsibility. With ATC on the field, pilots remain the responsible
person for compliance with 602.02, but ATC is an invaluable tool to assist with
compliance.
ATC is working control at aerodromes on behalf of the aerodrome operators. At
uncontrolled aerodromes without ATC, an additional responsibility as ATC is added
to the aerodrome operator. Their role as air traffic controller is to establish an
airside vehicle operations process for vehicle operators, and an oversight system
for airside vehicle operational performance. At several aerodromes this is achieve
by an onsite, or remote, Flight Service Station (FSS) Operator. An FSS operator
maintain an advisory role for pilots, and a control role for airside vehicle
operations.
A Flight Service Station is a facility that provides various services to pilots and
aviation personnel. These stations play a crucial role in supporting flight operations
at uncontrolled aerodromes.
An FSS operator provides current and forecasted weather information to pilots.
This includes data on atmospheric conditions, visibility, wind speed and direction,
and other relevant meteorological data. The standard minimum takeoff visibility is
½ SM, and the PIC must ensure that there are no departure obstructions beyond
the ½ SM visibility.
An FSS operator assists pilots in planning their flights, including providing
information on air traffic routes, navigation procedures, and any relevant NOTAMs
at departure aerodrome, enroute and destination aerodrome.
An FSS operator assists in coordinating emergency services in case of an incident or
emergency situation. They may act as a communication hub to connect pilots with
relevant authorities and services.The FSS disseminates NOTAMs, which are important notices containing information about changes to published aeronautical information, such as changes
in aeronautical facilities, services, procedures, or hazards.
An FSS operator provides pre-flight briefings to pilots, covering a range of
information such as weather updates, air traffic conditions, and any other relevant
information that may impact the safety of the flight.
The objective of an FSS operator is to support efficient flight operations by
providing pilots with essential information and services at aerodromes without an
ATC control tower.
SUITABLE AERODROME
602.96 is a regulations
primary for pilots to ensure
the aerodrome is suitable for
the intended operation. This
regulation applies to both
departing and arriving
aircraft.
A suitable aerodrome is one
that meets the necessary
criteria and standards to
ensure safe and efficient
aviation operations.
A suitable aerodrome has adequate infrastructure, including runways, taxiways,
aprons, and hangars, is essential. The size and strength of runways must be suitable for the types of aircraft using the aerodrome.A suitable aerodrome need appropriate navigation aids, such as lighting systems,
radio communication equipment, and air traffic control facilities, to assist pilots
during takeoff, landing, and taxiing.
Safety is paramount, and a suitable aerodrome should have proper safety
measures in place, including firefighting and rescue services, emergency response
procedures, and adequate security. Aerodrome suitability vary from a small single
engine aircraft to a heavy multi engine passenger carrying aircraft.
The location of the aerodrome should take into account local weather conditions.
Adequate meteorological facilities and services should be in place to provide timely
and accurate weather information to pilots.
The aerodrome must comply with the aerodrome regulations and applicable
standards. The aerodrome should have the capacity to handle the expected volume of air
traffic efficiently. This involves effective traffic management, including air traffic
control services and ground handling services.
Aerodromes should consider environmental impact and sustainability, including
noise abatement measures and waste management practices.
Adequate support services, such as fueling facilities, maintenance services, and
passenger services, contribute to the overall suitability of an aerodrome.
The aerodrome should have comprehensive emergency response plans in place to
handle various contingencies, such as aircraft accidents, medical emergencies, and
security incidents.
The specific criteria for determining the suitability of an aerodrome can vary
depending on factors such as aircraft type and size, purpose of operations, and
location. Regulatory bodies and aviation authorities establish and enforcestandards to assess how aerodromes conform to regulatory compliance and safety
in operations.
With all aeronautical support systems removed from aerodrome operations, the
PIC is the sole decisionmaker of aerodrome suitability and assessment of other
aircraft operations, and aeronautical obstructions, such as vehicles, structures, or
natural growth.
The good old days are gone when aerodrome operators could point fingers at
pilots when things went off the rails. Today, there are shared roles and
responsibilities between aerodrome operators and aircraft operators to assess
aerodrome suitability and the likelihood of collision between aircraft and aircraft,
or aircraft and vehicle.
Aerodromes without ATC on the field must design and develop their own airside
operations plans to maintain processes for suitable aerodromes, e.g. snow and ice
removal plan, and to mitigate operations so that there is no likelihood of collision
between aircraft and vehicle, e.g. airside vehicle operations plan.
OffRoadPilots
