e.g. Aerodrome emergency services, CNS (communication navigation surveillance services
What are the relevant regulations for Aerodrome Operators?
The primary regulation for Aerodrome Operators is CAR Part IX – Aerodromes. Operators are also required to meet the obligations of all other UAE GCAA regulations but may wish to particularly review CAR Part X - Safety Management System Requirements and CAR Part XI - Rescue Fire Fighting. The CARs and other relevant documents such as Notice to Aerodrome Certificate Holders (NOTACs), Civil Aviation Advisory Publications (CAAPs) and Information Bulletins (IBs) are available through the e-publication pages of the GCAA website.
What is the role of the Aerodrome Operations (AOPs) within the GCAA?
The primary role is to Certificate those aerodromes performing an “Air Service” as defined in CAR Part IX (Aerodromes) under UAE, Civil Aviation Laws. Aerodrome Operations oversees the safety of civil aviation activities at certificated aerodromes in the UAE through the certificating process, as detailed CAR Part IX – Aerodromes and CAAP 30. All aspects of the aerodrome and its management which have an impact on aeronautical safety are considered.
The requirements laid out in CAR Part IX – Aerodromes reflect the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) of Annex 14 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation in so far as these have been adopted by the UAE. They form the basis for an assessment of the potential suitability of the aerodrome to be certified, taking into account the scale and scope of the flying activities.
The GCAA section for Aerodrome Operations (AOPs) works with certified aerodromes to assist them in establishing suitable systems for managing and operating the aerodrome and to ensure that the physical conditions of the maneuvering area, apron and in the environs of the aerodrome remain acceptable and adequate for the flying activities which are expected to take place. It also works in close collaboration with international groups to ensure the development of harmonised certification requirements.
What are the types of aerodrome audits?
Generally audits are conducted annually at each certified units and supported by an additional mid-term review audit.
Pre-certification audits are conducted for any unit seeking certification.
In addition to audits and inspections against CAR Part IX – Aerodrome, an aerodrome may also be required to hold certificates or undergo audits in areas such as: Air Traffic Services (ATS), Recue Fire Fighting (RFF), Aerodrome Information Management (AIS), Security or Communication Navigation Surveillance (CNS). These may be performed at any certified unit at the discretion of the GCAA.
Are there any proposed changes to aerodrome regulation?
As a Member State of ICAO, the UAE’s GCAA regulations have been based on the ICAO Annexes. Changes to the Standards and Recommended Practices as published by ICAO may result in changes to UAE’s Civil Aviation Regulations.
Guidance material and relating publications will generally be produced in consultation with the aviation industry, normally through Technical Committees formed by representatives from certified units. Changes to the Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) are preceded by Notice of Proposed Amendment available on the GCAA website.
What is the Aerodrome Operators Technical Committee (AOTC)?
The purpose of the AOTC is to strengthen the GCAA communication and coordination with industry, discuss current and future challenges and examine performance levels being achieved within aerodrome operations, with the aim of developing recommendations for the improvement of civil aviation processes and procedures.
Committee Objectives
• To ensure all proposals and recommendations meet or exceed CAR Part IX and other regulatory requirements
• To promote an environment which will allow constructive dialogue to meet the Committee’s purpose statement and obligations under the State Safety Programme
• To consult on proposed changes to the CAR Part IX Regulations
• To review and consider global aviation best practice
• To review and consider global aviation aircraft accident reports and recommendations
• To provide a consultative forum for the regulator (GCAA) when proposing changes to requirements or amending regulations, standards and guidance in dealing with aviation hazards/risks
Meeting Frequency: Quarterly
Members
The core Committee is comprised of members from the UAE’s certified aerodromes and GCAA and facilitated by Aerodrome Operations (AOPs) of the GCAA’s Air Navigation and Aerodromes section. If you would like more information please send your enquiry to ana@gcaa.ae.
What is the Chief Fire Officers Technical Committee (CFOTC)?
The purpose of the CFOTC is to strengthen the GCAA communication and coordination with industry, discuss current and future challenges and examine performance levels being achieved within aerodrome operations, with the aim of developing recommendations for the improvement of civil aviation processes and procedures.
Committee Principle Objectives
The Principle Objective of the Technical Committee is to reduce the loss of life, personal injury to fire-fighters, damage to airport property and the environment by enhancing the quality of fire fighting, rescue, fire protection and fire prevention at United Arab Emirates Certificated Airports.
The Secondary Objective is for discussion on standardization of selecting, recruiting, training, fire equipment, process, command /control structure, fire-fighter safety, the review, formulation, reviewing of regulations and the sharing of best practice.
Committee Operational Objectives
• To ensure all proposals and recommendations meet or exceed CAR Part XI and other regulatory requirements.
• To promote an environment that will permit constructive dialogue to meet the Technical Committees purpose statement and obligations under the State Safety Programme.
• To consult on proposed changes to the CAR Part IX Regulations.
• To review and consider UAE and global fire service best practice.
• To review and consider UAE and global aviation aircraft accident reports and recommendations.
• To provide a consultative forum for the regulator (GCAA) when proposing changes to requirements or amending regulations, standards and guidance in dealing with aviation fire and emergency related hazards/risks.
Meeting Frequency: Quarterly
In addition, extra meetings may be called following any aircraft accident or incident that has identified critical safety issues, which could have an operational impact on all UAE Certificated Aerodrome Emergency Services.
Members
Chief Fire Officers, Deputy Chief Fire Officers and Training Officers as well as one Fire Officer for Development may attend.
All UAE Certificated Aerodromes.
If you would like more information please send your enquiry to ana@gcaa.ae.
What is the Aerodrome & Airline Emergency Planning Technical Committee?
The purpose of the UAE Aerodrome & Airline Emergency Planning Technical Committee is to strengthen the GCAA communication and coordination with the UAE Aviation industry, discuss current and future challenges and examine performance levels being achieved within aerodrome/airline emergency operations, with the aim of developing recommendations for the improvement of UAE civil aviation emergency responses, processes and procedures.
Committee Principle Objective
The Principle Objective of the Emergency Planning Technical Committee is to reduce the loss of life, enhance care to injured passengers and ensure support for survivors of aircraft accidents at United Arab Emirates Certificated Airports and its Airlines
Committee Operational Objective
• To ensure all proposals and recommendations meet or exceed GCAA CAR and other regulatory requirements.
• To promote an environment that will permit constructive dialogue to meet the Technical Committees purpose statement and obligations under the State Safety Program.
• To review and consider UAE and global Emergency Preparedness best practice.
• To review and consider UAE and global aviation aircraft accident reports and recommendations to ensure best practice.
• To provide a consultative forum for the regulator (GCAA) and Industry (UAE Airport/Airlines) when proposing changes to requirements or amending regulations, standards and guidance in dealing with aviation emergency situations and crisis.
Members
Emergency Planning Officers and UAE Airline Emergency Planning Managers
Frequency: Quarterly
In addition, extra meetings may be called following any aircraft accident or incident that has identified critical safety issues, which could have an operational impact on all UAE Certificated Aerodrome Emergency Services.
What are the relevant regulations for Heliports?
The GCAA is in the process of reviewing all heliports and the application of a formalised certification regime.
Currently CAR Part IX, Aerodromes, Chapter 2 provides guidance to say that any aerodrome providing an air service open to the public and performed by an aircraft for the public transport of passengers, mail or cargo for remuneration or hire shall be in possession of an Aerodrome Certificate. CAR Part IX, Appendix 16, further states that any certification assessments for heliports will be based on ICAO documentation.
The responsibility of the operators for safe operations as detailed in CAR Part IV, CAR Ops 3 - Commercial and Private Air Transportation (Helicopters) as well as in CAR Part III, General Regulation, Chapter 5, Aerodromes.
Ultimately there is no GCAA framework for issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or approval for construction of a heliport.
The GCAA advises project managers/operators to review and implement the applicable ICAO standards and recommended practices; conduct a hazard analysis process in relation to the construction and operation of the heliport; and contact GCAA Flight Operations in Dubai for further advice regarding the responsibilities of heliport operators.
References which may be useful for heliport projects include:
• ICAO Annex 14 Volume II – Aerodromes - Heliports
• ICAO Doc 9157, Aerodrome Design Manual Visual Aids, Part IV, Chapter 14 on Marking and Lighting of Obstacles;
• ICAO Annex 14 Volume I, Chapter 6 on Visual Aids for Denoting Obstacles;
• ICAO Heliport Manual Doc 9261-AN/903;
• ICAO Airport Service Manual Part 1 Rescue & Fire-Fighting; and
• NFPA 418 Standards for Heliports.
Should you require further information on this matter, you may e-mail your enquiry to ana@gcaa.ae.
How do I submit my required operational manuals to the GCAA?
Certified units or those wishing to seek GCAA acceptance of an operating manual should e-mail these to their designated inspector or ana@gcaa.ae. Manuals may also be sent to General Civil Aviation Authority, ATTN: DASA/ANA/AOP, PO Box 6558, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
How do I submit details of a safety incident to the GCAA?
Safety incidents and occurrences should be reported through the GCAA's ROSI System. Any accident, serious incident or high profile occurrence should also be notified to the GCAA's Duty Officer. The GCAA Duty Officer is contactable 24 hours a day on +971 50 641 4667.
Wake Turbulence Events are captured through the ROSI ATS module.
Dangerous Goods incidents need to be reported as per the requirements of CAR Part VI.
Relevant regulations for Aerodrome Operators
CAR IX, CAR X, CAR IX and CAAPs 25, 36, 43