ANNEX III — Organisation Requirements (Part-ADR.OR)

SUBPART A — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (ADR.OR.A)

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

This Annex establishes the requirements to be followed by:

(a)an aerodrome operator subject to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 with respect to its certification, management, manuals and other responsibilities; and

(b)a provider of apron management services.

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

For the purpose of this Part, the Competent Authority shall be the one designated by the Member State where the aerodrome is located.

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

(a)Alternative means of compliance to those adopted by the Agency may be used by an aerodrome operator or an apron management service provider to establish compliance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules.

(b)When an aerodrome operator or an apron management service provider wishes to use an alternative means of compliance to the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) adopted by the Agency to establish compliance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules, it shall, prior to implementing it, provide the Competent Authority with a full description of the alternative means of compliance. The description shall include any revisions to manuals or procedures that may be relevant, as well as an assessment demonstrating that the Implementing Rules are met.

The aerodrome operator or the provider of apron management services may implement these alternative means of compliance subject to prior approval by the Competent Authority and upon receipt of the notification, as prescribed in ADR.AR.A.015(d).

(c)Where apron management services are not provided by the aerodrome operator itself, the use of alternative means of compliance by providers of such services in accordance with (a) and (b), shall also require prior agreement by the operator of the aerodrome where such services are provided.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

DEMONSTRATION OF COMPLIANCE

In order to demonstrate that the Implementing Rules are met, a safety (risk) assessment should be completed and documented. The result of this safety (risk) assessment should demonstrate that an equivalent level of safety to that established by the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) adopted by the Agency is reached.

SUBPART B — CERTIFICATION — AERODROMES AND AERODROME OPERATORS (ADR.OR.B)

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

Prior to commencing the operation of an aerodrome or when an exemption in accordance with Article 5 has been revoked, the aerodrome operator shall obtain the applicable certificate(s) issued by the Competent Authority.

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/469

(a)The application for a certificate shall be made in a form and manner established by the Competent Authority.

(b)The applicant shall provide the Competent Authority with the following:

(1)its official name and business name, address, and mailing address;

(2)information and data regarding:

(i)the location of the aerodrome;

(ii)the type of operations at the aerodrome and the associated airspace; and

(iii)the design and facilities of the aerodrome, in accordance with the applicable certification specifications established by the Agency;

(3)any proposed deviations from the identified applicable certification specifications established by the Agency;

(4)documentation demonstrating how it will comply with the applicable requirements established in Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules. Such documentation shall include a procedure, contained in the aerodrome manual, describing how changes not requiring prior approval will be managed and notified to the Competent Authority; subsequent changes to this procedure shall require prior approval by the Competent Authority;

(5)evidence of adequacy of resources to operate the aerodrome in accordance with the applicable requirements;

(6)documented evidence showing the relationship of the applicant with the aerodrome owner and/or the land owner;

(7)the name of and relevant information about the accountable manager and the other nominated persons required by ADR.OR.D.015; and

(8)a copy of the aerodrome manual required by ADR.OR.E.005.

(c)If acceptable to the Competent Authority, information under points (7) and (8) may be provided at a later stage determined by the Competent Authority, but prior to the issuance of the certificate.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

INITIAL INTEREST

Prior to submitting an application for a certificate to the Competent Authority, an applicant should arrange for a meeting with the Competent Authority.

The applicant should also make arrangements for its key personnel to be present during this meeting.

During this meeting, the applicant should present to the authority its plans with regard to the aerodrome.

During the meeting, the applicant may be:

(a)provided by the Competent Authority with general information about the applicable requirements for the aerodrome;

(b)provided with copies of the applicable requirements, and a description of the procedures that are followed during the certification process; and

(c)informed by the Competent Authority about possible approvals, permits, or clearances that may be needed to be obtained from other competent authorities of the Member State.

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APPLICATION

The application should be made in writing, and be signed by the applicant, using a standardised form established by the Competent Authority.

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INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED TO THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY

(a)The applicant should:

(1)provide its telephone, and fax number, and e-mail address for communication with the Competent Authority;

(2)indicate the names of its employees whom the Competent Authority would contact in order to address any issues that might arise during the evaluation of the application, and the certification process.

(b)The applicant should provide the Competent Authority with the following:

(1)information about the location of the aerodrome: the exact location of the aerodrome should be depicted on a map of a suitable scale acceptable to the Competent Authority;

(2)information about the type of operations at the aerodrome, including:

(i)operations during the day and/or night, and type of approaches;

(ii)landing, and/or take-off operations on each runway;

(iii)the aircraft types to be served at the aerodrome, and the aircraft type to be used for the design of the aerodrome; and

(iv)any limitations to the operation of the aerodrome.

(3)the drawing(s) showing the design of the aerodrome, which should:

(i)be in a suitable scale, acceptable to the Competent Authority;

(ii)be in an electronic format if this is acceptable to the Competent Authority.

(iii)contain all the necessary information, including:

(A)runway(s) orientation;

(B)the dimensions of the aerodrome’s physical characteristics;

(C)the visual and non-visual aids;

(D)the obstacle limitation surfaces, and any other surfaces applicable; and

(E)the aerodrome facilities, installations, and fixed equipment and their location.

(4)description, height, and location of obstacles, in accordance with the applicable aeronautical data requirements (see ADR.OPS.A.005 and AMC1 ADR.OPS.A.005).

(c)The applicant should identify the applicable certification specifications for the design and type of operations of the proposed aerodrome and provide the Competent Authority with evidence that the proposed design and operation complies with them. If relevant, the applicant should also provide the Competent Authority with:

(1)the certification specifications for which it proposes to show compliance in a different manner and demonstrate an equivalent level of safety. Such a proposal has to be acceptable to the Competent Authority. In such cases, the applicant should also propose the method that will be used to demonstrate compliance and achieve an equivalent level of safety, and submit all necessary documentation to support the proposal;

(2)any other proposal for which the applicant assumes that the certification specifications issued by the Agency are inadequate or inappropriate.

(d)The applicant should provide the Competent Authority documentation to demonstrate how it will comply with the applicable requirements of the Basic Regulation, Part-ADR.OR, and Part-ADR.OPS, and any other applicable requirements that are matching the aerodrome design and its operation.

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AERODROME BOUNDARIES

The map submitted with the application should indicate the boundary of the aerodrome area. It should include, at least, runways, taxiways, aprons, associated strips, runway end safety areas, stopways, clearways, aerodrome visual aids, fixed aerodrome equipment, other aerodrome operational areas, areas adjacent to the movement area, etc, while maintenance areas may be excluded if acceptable to the Competent Authority.

The above aerodrome boundary should not be confused with the boundaries established for other purposes, such as fences, the land ownership boundaries used by local planning authorities, or those used to designate security restricted zones.

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METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

The applicant should provide the Competent Authority with a meteorological study of the area of the aerodrome, including temperature, visibility, ceiling and wind conditions; moreover, the study should provide information on wind conditions occurring with poor visibility and/or low cloud base at the aerodrome, and their frequency, as well as the accompanying wind direction and speed.

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EVIDENCE OF ARRANGEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES

The applicant should provide all necessary evidence for arrangements with third parties that provide, or intend to provide services, or undertake activities at the aerodrome, whose activities may have an impact on safety.

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ADEQUACY OF RESOURCES

(a)General

The applicant should provide all necessary information needed in order to demonstrate to the Competent Authority that its proposed organisation and management are suitable, and properly matched to the scale and scope of the operation.

The aerodrome operator should have the ability to discharge its responsibilities with regard to safety. The accountable manager should have access, as well as the authorisation, to the necessary resources to ensure that operations are carried out in accordance with the applicable requirements. The resources include, but are not limited to, personnel, tools and equipment, as well as financial resources.

(b)Arrangements with other parties

The applicant should indicate those services that are going to be provided directly by the applicant itself and those that will be provided by contracted third parties with regard to the adequacy of the resources.

The applicant should also provide evidence of arrangements if third parties are going to be involved in the provision of services. In addition, the applicant should provide any relevant information needed, or requested by the Competent Authority, regarding such third parties.

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ADEQUACY OF RESOURCES

(a)General

In demonstrating to the Competent Authority the suitability of its organisation and management, the applicant should, amongst others, take into account in its analysis the following:

(1)the size and complexity of the aerodrome;

(2)the type of traffic;

(3)the type of operations;

(4)the level and the density of the traffic;

(5)the operating hours of the aerodrome;

(6)the amount of full-time equivalents (FTEs) necessary for each activity;

(7)human factors principles;

(8)labour legislation; and

(9)the degree of subcontracting.

(b)Adequacy of financial resources

The financial resources required are linked to the overall objective for the safe operation and maintenance of the aerodrome, including the aerodrome operator’s capability to implement the corrective actions needed, in a timely manner. Information that may be provided to the Competent Authority includes audited accounts of the previous financial year, business plans etc.

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RELATIONSHIP OF THE APPLICANT WITH THE AERODROME OWNER

The applicant should demonstrate to the Competent Authority, in accordance with the applicable national legislation that he/she is duly authorised to undertake all activities necessary under the provisions of the Basic Regulation, and its Implementing Rules, and any other applicable national or European Union rule.

The applicant should also provide the Competent Authority with all information necessary, under the applicable national legislation, to demonstrate to the Competent Authority its relationship with the aerodrome owner, and/or the owner of the land to be used for the aerodrome development.

Such documentation should include, but is not limited to, contracts, lease agreements, authorisations between the persons involved, etc.

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INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED FOR MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

The applicant should provide information regarding the qualifications, and experience of the accountable manager, and the other nominated persons required.

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AERODROME MANUAL

The aerodrome manual and its amendments may be submitted to the Competent Authority in electronic format if this is acceptable to the Competent Authority. If the aerodrome manual is submitted in electronic format, the format should be such that allows the Competent Authority to review, store, and reproduce it.

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/469

(a)The aerodrome operator shall:

(1)perform and document all actions, inspections, tests, safety assessments or exercises necessary, and shall demonstrate to the Competent Authority:

(i)compliance with the notified certification basis, the certification specifications applicable to a change, any safety directive, as appropriate, and the applicable requirements of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules;

(ii)that the aerodrome, as well as its obstacle limitation and protection surfaces and other areas associated with the aerodrome, have no features or characteristics making it unsafe for operation; and

(iii)that the flight procedures of the aerodrome and the associated changes thereto, have been established in accordance with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373¹⁷.

(2)provide to the Competent Authority the means by which compliance has been demonstrated; and

(3)declare to the Competent Authority its compliance with point (a)(1).

(b)Relevant design information, including drawings, inspection, test and other relevant reports, shall be held and kept by the aerodrome operator at the disposal of the Competent Authority, in accordance with the provisions of ADR.OR.D.035 and provided on request to the Competent Authority.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

USE OF THIRD PARTIES TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE

While performing the necessary actions, inspections, tests, safety assessments, or exercises necessary to demonstrate compliance, the aerodrome operator may also use contracted third parties.

In any case, the responsibility remains with the aerodrome operator.

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FLIGHT PROCEDURES

Evidence that the flight procedures of the aerodrome have been approved, as required by the applicable requirements, is considered to be an Acceptable Means of Compliance.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

MODEL FORM OF DECLARATION OF COMPLIANCE — AERODROME OPERATORS

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

An aerodrome operator shall comply with the scope and privileges defined in the terms of the certificate attached to it.

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

(a)A certificate shall remain valid subject to:

(1)the aerodrome operator remaining in compliance with the relevant requirements of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008, and its Implementing Rules, and the aerodrome remaining in compliance with the certification basis, taking into account the provisions related to the handling of findings as specified under ADR.OR.C.020;

(2)the Competent Authority being granted access to the aerodrome operator’s organisation as defined in ADR.OR.C.015 to determine continued compliance with the relevant requirements of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules; and

(3)the certificate not being surrendered or revoked.

(b)Upon revocation or surrender, the certificate shall be returned to the Competent Authority without delay.

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

(a)Any change:

(1)affecting the terms of the certificate, its certification basis and safety-critical aerodrome equipment; or

(2)significantly affecting elements of the aerodrome operator’s management system as required in ADR.OR.D.005(b)

shall require prior approval by the Competent Authority.

(b)For other changes requiring prior approval in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules, the aerodrome operator shall apply for and obtain an approval issued by the Competent Authority.

(c)The application for a change in accordance with point (a) or (b) shall be submitted before any such change takes place, in order to enable the Competent Authority to determine continued compliance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules and to amend, if necessary, the certificate and related terms of the certificate attached to it.

The change shall only be implemented upon receipt of formal approval by the Competent Authority in accordance with ADR.AR.C.040.

During the changes, the aerodrome operator shall operate under the conditions approved by the Competent Authority.

(d)Changes not requiring prior approval shall be managed and notified to the Competent Authority as defined in the procedure approved by the Competent Authority in accordance with ADR.AR.C.035(h).

(e)The aerodrome operator shall provide the Competent Authority with the relevant documentation in accordance with point (f) and ADR.OR.E.005.

(f)As part of its management system, as defined in ADR.OR.D.005, the aerodrome operator proposing a change to the aerodrome, its operation, its organisation or its management system shall:

(1)determine the interdependencies with any affected parties, plan and conduct a safety assessment in coordination with these organisations;

(2)align assumptions and mitigations with any affected parties, in a systematic way;

(3)ensure a comprehensive assessment of the change including any necessary interactions; and

(4)ensure that complete and valid arguments, evidence and safety criteria are established and documented to support the safety assessment, and that the change supports the improvement of safety whenever reasonably practicable.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

CHANGES REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

The aerodrome operator should ensure that prior to initiating any change to the aerodrome or its operation, which requires prior approval, an application is submitted to the Competent Authority. The applicant should provide documentation containing a description of the proposed change, in which the following are identified:

(a)the terms of the certificate, and/or the elements of the certification basis, and/or the safety-critical aerodrome equipment and/or aerodrome operator’s management system (as required by ADR.OR.D.005(b)), and the parts of aerodrome manual, which are affected by the change, including relevant appropriate detailed design drawings;

(b)the certification specifications with which the proposed change has been designed to comply with, including the certification specifications for which the applicant proposes to show compliance in a different manner in order to demonstrate an equivalent level of safety (for such cases see AMC1 ADR.OR.B.015(b)(1);(2);(3);(4), paragraph (c)(1));

(c)the requirements of Part-ADR.OR and Part-ADR.OPS, and any other applicable requirements that have to be complied with as a result of the proposed change, including the way in which compliance is intended to be demonstrated; and

(d)the safety assessment required under ADR.OR.B.040(f).

ED Decision 2024/004/R

CHANGES REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

The following is a list of items which are granted prior approval by the Competent Authority, as specified in the applicable Implementing Rules.

(a)Use of alternative means of compliance as required by ADR.OR.A.015 Means of Compliance.

(b)Changes to the management and notification procedure for changes not requiring a prior approval, as required by ADR.OR.B.015(b)(4) Application for a certificate.

(c)Changes to the certification basis, or the terms of the certificate, as required by ADR.OR.B.040(a)(1) Changes.

(d)Changes to safety-critical aerodrome equipment as required by ADR.OR.B.040(a)(1) Changes.

(e)Changes significantly affecting elements of the aerodrome operator’s management system as required by ADR.OR.B.040(a)(2) Changes.

(f)Changes to the level of protection of rescue and firefighting services as required by ADR.OPS.B.010(a)(1)(2) Rescue and firefighting services.

(g)Implementation of aeroplane operations on specially prepared winter runways as required by ADR.OPS.B.036 Operations on specially prepared winter runways.

(h)Changes to low-visibility procedures as required by ADR.OPS.B.045(b) Low Visibility Operations.

(i)Operation of aircraft that exceed the certified design characteristics of the aerodrome as required by point ADR.OPS.B.090(a).

(j)Changes to the flight procedures.

Moreover the Competent Authority may require prior approval for changes to any obstacles, developments and other activities within the areas monitored by the aerodrome operator in accordance with ADR.OPS.B.075, which may endanger safety and adversely affect the operation of an aerodrome, as required by ADR.AR.C.005(e).

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ASSESSMENT OF CHANGES

(a)Safety assessment for a change

A safety assessment for a change should include:

(1)identification of the scope of the change;

(2)identification of hazards;

(3)determination of the safety criteria applicable to the change;

(4)risk analysis in relation to the harmful effects or improvements in safety related to the change;

(5)risk evaluation and, if required, risk mitigation for the change to meet the applicable safety criteria;

(6)verification that the change conforms to the scope that was subject to safety assessment, and meets the safety criteria, before the change is put into operation; and

(7)the specification of the monitoring requirements necessary to ensure that the aerodrome and its operation will continue to meet the safety criteria after the change has taken place.

(b)Scope of the safety assessment

The scope of the safety assessment should include the following elements and their interaction:

(1)the aerodrome, its operation, management, and human elements being changed;

(2)interfaces and interactions between the elements being changed and the remainder of the system;

(3)interfaces and interactions between the elements being changed and the environment in which it is intended to operate; and

(4)the full lifecycle of the change from definition to operations.

(c)Safety criteria

The safety criteria used should be defined in accordance with the procedures for the management of change contained in the aerodrome manual.

The safety criteria used should, depending on the availability of data, be specified with reference to explicit quantitative acceptable safety risk levels, recognised standards, and/or codes of practice, the safety performance of the existing system, or a similar system.

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ASSESSMENT OF CHANGES — LOCAL RUNWAY SAFETY TEAM

For the role of the Local Runway Safety Team prior to implementing changes, see also
GM2 ADR.OR.D.027.

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ASSESSMENT OF CHANGES – RUNWAY SAFETY

Particular attention should be given to changes which may have an effect on runway safety. This includes the introduction of, or changes to noise mitigation or noise abatement procedures. 

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

The aerodrome operator, following an amendment of the certification specifications established by the Agency, shall:

(a)perform a review to identify any certification specifications which are applicable to the aerodrome; and

(b)if relevant, initiate a change process in accordance with ADR.OR.B.040 and implement the necessary changes at the aerodrome.

Regulation (EU) 2024/1400

(a)The current aerodrome operator shall notify to the Competent Authority the date on which the transfer will occur.

(b)The new operator to whom the operation of the aerodrome is to be transferred shall apply for a certificate to the competent authority, prior to the date on which the transfer will occur, in accordance with point ADR.OR.B.015.

(c)The new operator to whom the operation of the aerodrome is to be transferred shall demonstrate compliance in accordance with point ADR.OR.B.025. The new aerodrome operation shall not be required to demonstrate compliance with the requirements set out in point ADR.OR.B.025(a)(1) and point ADR.OR.E.005, to the extent those requirements concern elements that remain unchanged.

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

An operator intending to terminate the operation of an aerodrome shall:

(a)notify the Competent Authority as soon as possible;

(b)provide such information to the appropriate Aeronautical Information Service provider;

(c)surrender the certificate to the Competent Authority upon the date of termination of operation; and

(d)ensure that appropriate measures have been taken to avoid the unintended use of the aerodrome by aircraft, unless the Competent Authority has approved the use of the aerodrome for other purposes.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

TERMINATION OF OPERATION

In case of intended termination of the operation of the aerodrome, the aerodrome operator should notify, in writing, the Competent Authority and the Aeronautical Information Service provider. The notification should be done in such time in advance, so as to allow for the timely publication of the changes, and their notification by the Aeronautical Information Regulation And Control (AIRAC) system in accordance with the related timeframe.

Upon the termination of the operation, the aerodrome operator should apply closed runway markings, as well as any other measure the Competent Authority has found appropriate.

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1234

The aerodrome operator shall:

(a)take appropriate measures to ensure that safety risks that result from the termination of operation have been assessed and mitigated;

(b)provide information on the measures referred to in point (a) to the appropriate aeronautical information service provider.

SUBPART C — ADDITIONAL AERODROME OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES (ADR.OR.C)

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/208

(a)The aerodrome operator is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the aerodrome in accordance with:

(1)Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules;

(2)the terms of its certificate;

(3)the content of the aerodrome manual; and

(4)any other manuals for the aerodrome equipment available at the aerodrome, as applicable.

(b)The aerodrome operator shall ensure directly, or coordinate through arrangements as required with the accountable entities providing the following services:

(1)the provision of air navigation services appropriate to the level of traffic and the operating conditions at the aerodrome; and

(2)the design and maintenance of the flight procedures, in accordance with the applicable requirements.

(c)The aerodrome operator shall coordinate with the Competent Authority to ensure that relevant information for the safety of aircraft is contained in the aerodrome manual and is published where appropriate. This shall include:

(1)exemptions or derogations granted from the applicable requirements;

(2)provisions for which an equivalent level of safety was accepted by the Competent Authority as part of the certification basis; and

(3)special conditions and limitations with regard to the use of the aerodrome.

(d)If an unsafe condition develops at the aerodrome, the aerodrome operator shall, without undue delay, take all necessary measures to ensure that those parts of the aerodrome found to endanger safety are not used by aircraft.

(e)The aerodrome operator, in order to ensure the safe operation of aircraft at the aerodrome, shall provide and maintain, directly or through arrangements with third parties, visual and nonvisual aids, meteorological equipment and any other equipment, commensurate with the type of operations conducted at the aerodrome.

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PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION TO THE AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION PUBLICATION

A description of cases involving exemptions, derogations, cases of equivalent level of safety, special conditions, including limitations with regard to the use of the aerodrome, should be published in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), after coordination with the Competent Authority.

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1234

For the purpose of determining compliance with the relevant requirements in Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and the delegated and implementing acts adopted on the basis thereof, an aerodrome operator shall grant access to any person authorised by the Competent Authority to:

(a)any facility, document, records, data, procedures or any other material relevant to its activity subject to certification or declaration, whether it is contracted or not; and

(b)perform or witness any action, inspection, test, assessment or exercise the Competent Authority finds is necessary.

Regulation (EU) 2025/21

After receipt of a notification of findings, the aerodrome operator shall:

(a)identify the root cause of the non-compliance;

(b)define a corrective action plan; and

(c)demonstrate the corrective action implementation to the satisfaction of the Competent Authority within the period agreed with that authority as defined in ADR.AR.C.055(d).

(d)inform the ground handling organisations at the aerodrome of the action taken to address the non-compliance when the non-compliance directly affects the safety risk within, or the responsibilities of, those ground handling organisations.

[applicable from 27 March 2028 — Regulation (EU) 2025/21]

ED Decision 2014/012/R

GENERAL

The corrective action plan defined by the aerodrome operator should address the effects of the non-compliance, as well as its root cause.

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GENERAL

(a)Preventive action is the action to eliminate the cause of a potential non-compliance or other undesirable potential situation.

(b)Corrective action is the action to eliminate or mitigate the root cause(s), and prevent recurrence of an existing detected non-compliance, or other undesirable condition or situation. Proper determination of the root cause is crucial for defining effective corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

(c)Correction is the action to eliminate a detected non-compliance.

ED Decision 2025/009/R

INFORMATION FOR GROUND HANDLING ORGANISATIONS

The information may be distributed through existing means or procedures, such as amendments to an aerodrome’s procedures, and revisions of the aerodrome’s manual and other documentation.

[applicable from 27 March 2028 — ED Decision 2025/009/R]

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1234

The aerodrome operator shall implement any safety measures, including safety directives, taken by the Competent Authority in accordance with points ADR.AR.A.030(c) and ADR.AR.A.040 of Annex II.

Regulation (EU) 2024/1400

(a)As part of its management system, the aerodrome operator shall establish and maintain an occurrence- reporting system, including mandatory and voluntary reporting. The aerodrome operator shall ensure that the system complies with the applicable requirements of Regulation (EU) No 376/2014 and Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, as well as with the delegated and implementing acts adopted on the basis of those Regulations.

(b)The aerodrome operator shall report to the competent authority and to any other organisation required to be informed by the Member State any safety-related event or condition that endangers or, if not corrected or addressed, could endanger an aircraft, its occupants, or any other person, and in particular any accident or serious incident.

(c)In addition to reports submitted in accordance with point (b), the aerodrome operator shall report to the competent authority and the organisation responsible for the design of the aerodrome equipment any malfunction, technical defect, exceedance of technical limitations, occurrence or other irregular circumstance that has or may have endangered an aircraft, its occupants or any other person and has not resulted in an accident or serious incident.

(d)Without prejudice to Regulation (EU) No 376/2014 and its delegated and implementing acts, reports referred to in point (c) shall:

(1)be made as soon as practicable, but in any case within 72 hours after the aerodrome operator has become aware of the event or condition to which the report relates, unless exceptional circumstances prevent that;

(2)be made in a form and manner established by the Competent Authority;

(3)contain all pertinent information about the condition known to the aerodrome operator.

(e)Notwithstanding Regulation (EU) No 376/2014 and its delegated and implementing acts, for reports required by point (c), the aerodrome operator shall submit a follow-up report providing details of actions that the aerodrome operator intends to take to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The follow-up report shall be submitted as soon as those actions have been identified and it shall:

(1)be sent to the relevant entities initially reported to in accordance with points (b) and (c);

(2)be made in a form and manner established by the Competent Authority.

ED Decision 2024/004/R

MANDATORY REPORTING — GENERAL

(a)Regulation (EU) 2015/1018 lays down a list classifying occurrences in civil aviation to be mandatorily reported according to Regulation (EU) No 376/2014. This list should not be understood as being an exhaustive collection of all issues that may pose a significant risk to aviation safety, and therefore reporting should not be limited to the items listed in that Regulation and the additional items referred to in point (c) of point ADR.OR.C.030.

(b)The aerodrome operator should establish procedures to be used for reporting to the competent authority and any other organisation required to report to, which should include:

(1)a description of the applicable requirements for reporting;

(2)a description of the reporting mechanism, including reporting forms, means and deadlines;

(3)safeguards to ensure confidentiality of the reporter and protection of personal data; and

(4)responsibilities of the organisations and personnel responsible for reporting.

(c)Such procedures should be included in the aerodrome manual and the respective manual of the apron management services provider.

ED Decision 2024/004/R

GENERAL

(a)Where the aerodrome operator is also certified to provide additional services within the scope of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and the delegated and implementing acts adopted on the basis thereof:

(1)the aerodrome operator may establish an integrated occurrence reporting system covering all certificates held; and

(2)single reports for occurrences covering all certificates held should only be provided if all the following conditions are met:

(i)the report includes all relevant information from the perspective of the different organisation certificates held;

(ii)the report addresses all relevant specific mandatory data fields and clearly identifies all certificate holders for which the report is made; and

(iii)the competent authority for all certificates is the same and such single reporting was agreed with that competent authority.

(b)The aerodrome operator should assign responsibility to one or more suitably qualified persons with clearly defined authority, for coordinating action on occurrences and for initiating any necessary further investigation and follow-up activity.

(c)If more than one person is assigned such responsibility, the aerodrome operator should identify a single person to act as the main focal point for ensuring that a single reporting channel is established to the accountable manager. This should in particular apply to aerodrome operators holding one or more additional organisation certificates within the scope of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and the delegated and implementing acts adopted on the basis thereof, where the occurrence reporting system is fully integrated with that required under the additional certificate(s) held.

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

The aerodrome operator shall establish procedures to prohibit:

(a)smoking within the movement area, other operational areas of the aerodrome, or areas of the aerodrome where fuel or other flammable material is stored;

(b)display of an open flame or undertaking of an activity that would create a fire hazard within:

(1)areas of the aerodrome where fuel or other flammable material is stored;

(2)the movement area or other operational areas of the aerodrome, unless authorised by the aerodrome operator.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

The aerodrome operator should develop procedures and assign responsibilities for the control of smoking or activities that involve the use of fire hazard, as appropriate.

In addition, these procedures should address the adoption and use of mitigating measures when necessary activities (e.g. maintenance, etc.) which might involve fire hazard need to be authorised.

Such authorised activities may not include smoking within the movement area, other operational areas of the aerodrome, or areas of the aerodrome where fuel or other flammable material are stored.

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

(a)The aerodrome operator shall establish procedures on the level of consumption of alcohol, psychoactive substances and medicines by:

(1)personnel involved in the operation, rescue and firefighting, and maintenance of the aerodrome;

(2)unescorted persons operating on the movement area or other operational areas of the aerodrome.

(b)These procedures shall include the requirements that such persons shall:

(1)not consume alcohol during their duty period;

(2)not perform any duties under the influence:

(i)of alcohol, or any psychoactive substance; or

(ii)any medicine that may have an effect on his/her abilities in a manner contrary to safety.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

(a)The procedures that the aerodrome operator should establish with respect to the level of consumption of alcohol, psychoactive substances and medicines are applicable to all persons referred to in paragraph (a) of ADR.OR.C.045. This includes the following:

(1)personnel involved in the operation, rescue and firefighting, and maintenance of the aerodrome, irrespectively of the relationship they have with the aerodrome operator (e.g. directly employed by the aerodrome operator or by organisations contracted by the aerodrome operator);

(2)unescorted persons operating on the movement area or other operational areas of the aerodrome. This category of persons includes:

(i)persons employed directly by the aerodrome operator, or by organisations contracted by the aerodrome operator, which are not involved in the operation, rescue and firefighting, and maintenance of the aerodrome (e.g. aerodrome security personnel);

(ii)persons employed by other organisations (e.g. ground handling companies).

(b)Notwithstanding the responsibilities of the organisations referred to in paragraph (a)(2)(ii), the aerodrome operator should ensure that these organisations establish appropriate procedures to comply with the provisions of ADR.OR.C.045 and the related requirements established by the aerodrome operator.

Further guidance on this issue may be found in the ICAO Manual on Prevention of Problematic Use of Substances in the Aviation Workplace (Doc 9654).

SUBPART D — MANAGEMENT — AERODROME OPERATORS (ADR.OR.D)

Regulation (EU) 2025/21

(a)The aerodrome operator shall implement and maintain a management system integrating a safety management system.

(b)The management system shall include:

(1)clearly defined lines of responsibility and accountability throughout the aerodrome operator, including a direct accountability for safety on the part of senior management;

(2)a description of the overall philosophies and principles of the aerodrome operator with regard to safety, referred to as the safety policy, signed by the accountable manager;

(3)a formal process that ensures that hazards in operations are identified;

(4)a formal process that ensures analysis, assessment and mitigation of the safety risks in aerodrome operations;

(5)the means to verify the safety performance of the aerodrome operator’s organisation in reference to the safety performance indicators and safety performance targets of the safety management system, and to validate the effectiveness of safety risk controls;

(6)a formal process to:

(i)identify changes within the aerodrome operator’s organisation, management system, the aerodrome or its operation which may affect established processes, procedures and services;

(ii)describe the arrangements to ensure safety performance before implementing changes; and

(iii)eliminate or modify safety risk controls that are no longer needed or effective due to changes in the operational environment;

(7)a formal processes to review the management system referred to in paragraph (a), identify the causes of substandard performance of the safety management system, determine the implications of such substandard performance in operations, and eliminate or mitigate such causes;

(8)a safety training programme that ensures that personnel involved in the operation, rescue and firefighting, maintenance and management of the aerodrome are trained and competent to perform the safety management system duties;

(9)formal means for safety communication that ensures that personnel are fully aware of the safety management system, conveys safety critical information, and explains why particular safety actions are taken and why safety procedures are introduced or changed;

(10)coordination of the safety management system with the aerodrome emergency response plan; and coordination of the aerodrome emergency response plan with the emergency response plans of those organisations it must interface with during the provision of aerodrome services; and

(11)a function to monitor compliance of the organisation with the relevant requirements and adequacy of the procedures; compliance monitoring shall include a feedback system of findings to the accountable manager to ensure effective implementation of corrective actions, as necessary.

(c)The aerodrome operator shall document all management system key processes.

(d)The management system shall be proportionate to the size of the organisation and its activities, taking into account the hazards and associated risks inherent in these activities.

(e)In the case that the aerodrome operator holds also a certificate to provide air navigation services, it shall ensure that the management system covers all activities in the scope of its certificates.

(f)If the aerodrome operator is part of a legal entity that holds one or more additional organisation certificates, approvals or authorisations, or declares its activities in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, the aerodrome operator may integrate its management system to the management system required under Regulation (EU) No 139/2014.

[applicable from 27 March 2028 — Regulation (EU) 2025/21]

ED Decision 2025/009/R

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

To ensure the implementation of an integrated management system, the aerodrome operator should identify the following elements in its management system’s structure and documentation:

(a)the organisations certified or declared under Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, and its delegated and implementing acts, that are covered by its management system;

(b)the domains that are integrated in its management system, with the proper interfaces that enable effective functioning and communication between them; and

(c)applicable requirements for each domain.

[applicable from 27 March 2028 — ED Decision 2025/009/R]

ED Decision 2014/012/R

SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The safety management system of an aerodrome operator should encompass safety by establishing an organisational structure for the management of safety proportionate and appropriate to the size of the aerodrome operator, and the nature and type of operations. The organisational structure should include a Safety Review Board, and depending on its organisational complexity and structure, a Safety Services Office to assist the work of the safety manager, in accordance with paragraph (a) and (b) below:

(a)Safety Services Office

(1)The safety manager (see ADR.OR.D.015 and AMC1 ADR.OR.D.015(c)) should be responsible for the operation of the Safety Services Office which should be independent and neutral in terms of the processes and decisions made regarding the delivery of services by the line managers of operational units.

(2)The function of the Safety Services Office should be to:

(i)manage and oversee the hazard identification system;

(ii)monitor safety performance of operational units directly involved in aerodrome operations;

(iii)advise senior management on safety management matters; and

(iv)assist line managers with safety management matters.

(3)Operators of multiple aerodromes should either establish a central Safety Services Office and appropriate safety departments/functions at all aerodromes or separate Safety Services Office at each aerodrome. Arrangements should be made to ensure continuous flow of information and adequate coordination.

(b)Safety Review Board

(1)The Safety Review Board should be a high level committee that considers matters of strategic safety in support of the accountable manager’s safety accountability.

(2)The Safety Review Board should be chaired by the accountable manager, and be composed of heads of functional areas.

(3)The Safety Review Board should monitor:

(i)safety performance against the safety policy and objectives;

(ii)that any safety action is taken in a timely manner; and

(iii)the effectiveness of the organisation’s safety management processes.

(4)The Safety Review Board should ensure that appropriate resources are allocated to achieve the established safety performance.

(5)The safety manager or any other relevant person may attend, as appropriate, Safety Review Board meetings. He/she may communicate to the accountable manager all information, as necessary, to allow decision making based on safety data.

(6)Operators of multiple aerodromes should either establish a central Safety Review Board, or separate Safety Review Boards for each aerodrome or group of aerodromes. In the case of central or group Safety Review Groups, they should ensure that all aerodromes are represented in the Safety Review Board, at the appropriate management level. Arrangements should be made to ensure continuous flow of information and adequate coordination.

In less complex aerodrome organisations/operations, the aerodrome operator should nominate a person who fulfils the role of safety manager, and who is responsible for coordinating the safety management system (see ADR.OR.D.015 and AMC1 ADR.OR.D.015(c)).

ED Decision 2014/012/R

SAFETY REVIEW BOARD — SAFETY ACTION GROUP

(a)Safety Review Board

Depending on the size of the organisation, the type and complexity of operations, the responsibilities of the Safety Review Board may be included in other high level committees of the organisation.

(b)Safety Action Group

(1)A Safety Action Group may be established as a standing group, or as an ad hoc group to assist or act on behalf of the Safety Review Board.

(2)More than one safety action group may be established depending on the scope of the task and specific expertise required.

(3)A Safety Action Group should report to, and take strategic direction from the Safety Review Board, and should be comprised of managers, supervisors, and personnel from operational areas.

(4)The Safety Action Group should:

(i)monitor operational safety;

(ii)resolve identified risks;

(iii)assess the impact on safety of operational services;

(iv)ensure that safety actions are implemented within agreed timescales.

(5)The Safety Action Group should review the effectiveness of previous safety recommendations and safety promotion.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

SAFETY SERVICES OFFICE — SAFETY REVIEW BOARD — SAFETY ACTION GROUP

Different titles may also be used for the Safety Services Office, the Safety Review Board, and the Safety Actions Group.

ED Decision 2024/004/R

SAFETY POLICY

(a)The safety policy should:

(1)be endorsed by the accountable manager;

(2)clearly identify safety as the highest organisational priority over commercial, operational, environmental, or social pressures;

(3)reflect organisational commitments regarding safety and its proactive and systematic management;

(4)be communicated, with visible endorsement, throughout the organisation;

(5)include safety-reporting principles; and

(6)be periodically reviewed to ensure that it remains relevant and appropriate to the organisation.

(b)The safety policy should:

(1)include a commitment:

(i)to improve towards the highest safety standards;

(ii)to comply with all applicable legal requirements, meet all applicable standards, and consider best practices;

(iii)to provide appropriate resources;

(iv)to enforce safety as one primary responsibility of all managers and staff; and

(v)to apply ‘just culture’ principles in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 376/2014, and, in particular, not to make available or use the information on occurrences:

(A)to attribute blame or liability to front line personnel or other persons for actions, omissions or decisions taken by them that are commensurate with their experience and training; or

(B)for any purpose other than the maintenance or improvement of aviation safety;

(2)include the safety-reporting procedures;

(3)with reference to a ‘just culture’, clearly indicate which types of operational behaviours are unacceptable, and include the conditions under which disciplinary action would not apply; and

(4)be periodically reviewed to ensure that it remains relevant and appropriate.

(c)Senior management should:

(1)continually promote the safety policy to all personnel, and demonstrate their commitment to it;

(2)provide necessary human and financial resources for its implementation; and

(3)establish safety objectives and performance standards.

ED Decision 2024/004/R

SAFETY POLICY

Safety policy — General

The safety policy is the means whereby the aerodrome operator states its intention to maintain and, where practicable, improve safety levels in all its activities, and to minimise its contribution to the risk of an aircraft accident as far as reasonably practicable. It reflects the management’s commitment to safety, demonstrates the aerodrome operator’s philosophy of safety management, and becomes the foundation on which the aerodrome operator’s management system is built. It serves as a reminder of ‘how we do business here’. The creation of a positive safety culture begins with the issuance of a clear and unequivocal direction.

The commitment to apply ‘just culture’ principles forms the basis for the aerodrome operator’s internal rules describing how ‘just culture’ principles are guaranteed and implemented, as required by Article 16(11) of Regulation (EU) No 376/2014.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION PROCESS

(a)Hazard identification should be based on a combination of reactive, proactive, and predictive methods of safety data collection. Reactive, proactive, and predictive schemes for hazard identification should be the formal means of collecting, recording, analysing, acting on, and generating feedback about hazards and the associated risks that affect safety.

(b)All reporting systems, including confidential reporting schemes, should include an effective feedback process.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

(a)Hazard identification — General

(1)Hazard identification may include the following factors and processes:

(i)design factors, including equipment and task design;

(ii)procedures and operating practices, including their documentation and checklists, and their validation under actual operating conditions;

(iii)communications, including means, terminology, and language;

(iv)personnel factors, such as company policies for recruitment, training, remuneration, and allocation of resources;

(v)organisational factors, such as the compatibility of production and safety goals, the allocation of resources, operating pressures, and the corporate safety culture;

(vi)work environment factors, such as ambient noise and vibration, temperature, lighting, and the availability of protective equipment and clothing;

(vii)regulatory oversight factors, including the applicability and enforceability of regulations, the certification of equipment, personnel, and procedures, and the adequacy of oversight;

(viii)defences, including such factors as the provision of adequate detection and warning systems, the error tolerance of equipment, and the resilience of equipment to errors and failures; and

(ix) human performance, restricted to medical conditions and physical limitations.

(2)Hazard identification may use internal and external sources.

(i)Internal sources:

(A)voluntary occurrence reporting schemes;

(B)safety surveys;

(C)safety audits;

(D)normal operations monitoring schemes;

(E)trend analysis;

(F)feedback from training; and

(G)investigation and follow-up of incidents

(ii)External sources:

(A)accident reports;

(B)state mandatory occurrence reporting system; and

(C)state voluntary reporting system.

(3)The methods used for hazard identification depends on the resources and constraints of each particular aerodrome operator, and on the size and the complexity of the operations. Nevertheless, hazard identification, regardless of implementation, complexity and size, is part of the aerodrome operator’s safety documentation. Under mature safety management practices, hazard identification is a continuous, on-going daily activity. It is an integral part of the aerodrome operator’s processes. There are three specific conditions under which special attention to hazard identification should be paid. These three conditions should trigger more in depth and far reaching hazard identification activities and include:

(i)any time that the aerodrome operator experiences an unexplained increase in safety related events or regulatory infractions;

(ii)any time major operational changes are foreseen, including changes to key personnel or other major equipment or systems; and

(iii)before and during periods of significant organisational change, including rapid growth or contraction, corporate mergers, acquisitions, or downsizing.

(4)Hazard identification may use the following tools and techniques:

(i)brainstorming which is an unbounded but facilitated discussion with a group of experts;

(ii)Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) Study which is a systematic and structured approach using parameter and deviation guidewords. This technique relies on a very detailed system description being available for study, and usually involves breaking down the system into well-defined subsystems and functional or process flows between subsystems. Each element of the system is then subject to discussion within a multidisciplinary group of experts, against the various combinations of the guidewords and deviations;

(iii)checklists, which are lists of known hazards or hazard causes that have been derived from past experience. The past experience could be previous risk assessments, or similar systems, or operations, or from actual incidents that have occurred in the past. The technique involves the systematic use of an appropriate checklist, and the consideration of each item on the checklist for possible applicability to a particular system. Checklists should always be validated for applicability prior to use;

(iv)Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), which is a ‘bottom up’ technique, used to consider ways in which the basic components of a system can fail to perform their design intent. The technique relies on a detailed system description, and considers the ways in which each sub-component of the system could fail to meet its design intent, and what the consequences could be for the overall system. For each sub-component of a system the FMEA should consider:

(A)all the potential ways that the component could fail;

(B)the effects that each of these failures would have on the system behaviour;

(C)the possible causes of the various failure modes; and

(D)how the failures might be mitigated within the system or its environment.

The system level at which the analysis is applied can vary, and is determined by the level of detail of the system description used to support the analysis. Depending on the nature and complexity of the system, the analysis could be undertaken by an individual system expert, or by a team of system experts acting in group sessions.

(v)the Structured What-If Technique (SWIFT) is a simple and effective alternative technique to HAZOP and involves a multidisciplinary team of experts. It is a facilitated brainstorming group activity, but is typically carried out on a higher level system description, having fewer sub-elements, than for HAZOP and with a reduced set of prompts.

(5)Identified hazards should be registered in a hazard log (hazard register). The nature and format of such a hazard log may vary from a simple list of hazards to a more sophisticated relational database linking hazards to mitigations, responsibilities, and actions. The following information should be included in the hazard log:

(i)unique hazard reference number against each hazard;

(ii)hazard description;

(iii)indication of the potential causes of the hazard;

(iv)qualitative assessment of the possible outcomes and severities of consequences arising from the hazard;

(v)qualitative assessment of the risk associated with the possible consequences of the hazard;

(vi)description of the existing risk controls for the hazard; description of additional actions that are required to reduce safety risks, as well as target date of completion; and

(vii)indication of responsibilities in relation to the management of risk controls.

(6)Additionally, the following information may also be included in the hazard log:

(i)a quantitative assessment of the risk associated with the possible consequences of the hazard;

(ii)record of actual incidents or events related to the hazard, or its causes;

(iii)risks tolerability statement;

(iv)statement of formal system monitoring requirements;

(v)indication of how the hazard was identified;

(vi)hazard owner;

(vii)assumptions; and

(viii)third party stakeholders.

(b)Hazard identification — Indicators

(1)Reactive (lagging) indicators:

Metrics that measure events that have already occurred and that impact on safety performance.

As reactive indicators only reflect system failures, their use can only result in determining a reactive response. Although they do measure failure to control hazards, they do not normally reveal why the system failed, or if there are any latent hazards.

(2)Proactive (leading) indicators:

Metrics that measure inputs to the safety system (either within an organisation, a sector, or across the total aviation system) to manage and improve safety performance.

Proactive indicators indicate good safety practices being introduced, developed, and adapted which by their inclusion seek to establish a proactive safety environment that engenders continuous improvement. They provide useful information when accident and incident rates are low to identify latent hazards and potential threats, and consequent opportunities for improvement.

There should always be a connection between a proactive indicator and the unwanted outcomes (or reactive indicators) that their monitoring is intended to warn against.

(3)Predictive indicators (precursor events):

These metrics can be considered as indicators that do not manifest themselves in accidents or serious incidents. They indicate less severe system failures or ‘near misses’ which when combined with other events may lead to an accident or serious incident.

In a large organisation, a mature safety management system should include all of these measures. Risk management effort, however, should be targeted at leading indicators and precursor events.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION

(a)A formal safety (risk) assessment and mitigation process should be developed and maintained that ensures analysis (in terms of probability and severity of occurrence), assessment (in terms of tolerability), and control (in terms of mitigation) of risks.

(b)The levels of management who have the authority to make decisions regarding the tolerability of safety risks, in accordance with (a) above, should be specified in the aerodrome manual.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION

Safety (risk) assessment is the analysis of the safety risks of the consequences of the hazards that have been determined. Safety risk analysis breaks down the risks into two components — the probability of occurrence of a damaging event or condition, and the severity of the event or condition, should it occur. Safety risk decision making and acceptance should be specified through a risk tolerability matrix. The definition and final construction of the matrix should be left to the operator to design, be documented in the aerodrome manual, and be subject to an approval by the Competent Authority.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

SAFETY PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT

(a)Safety performance monitoring and measurement should be the process by which the safety performance of the aerodrome operator is verified in comparison to the safety policy and objectives, identified safety risks and the mitigation measures.

(b)This process should include the setting of safety performance indicators and safety performance targets, and measuring the aerodrome operator’s safety performance against them.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

SAFETY PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT

(a)The performance monitoring and measurement process should include:

(1)safety reporting, addressing also the status of compliance with the applicable requirements;

(2)safety studies which are rather large analyses encompassing broad safety concerns;

(3)safety reviews including trends reviews which are conducted during introduction and deployment of new technologies, change or implementation of procedures, or in situations of structural change in operations, or to explore increase in incidents or safety reports;

(4)safety audits which focus in the integrity of the aerodrome operator’s management system, and periodically assess the status of safety risk controls;

(5)safety surveys, which examine particular elements or procedures of a specific operation, such as problem areas or bottlenecks in daily operations, perceptions and opinions of operational personnel, and areas of dissent or confusion; and

(6)internal safety investigations whose scope should extend the scope of occurrences required to be reported to the Competent Authority;

(b)The following generic aspects/areas could be considered:

(1)accountability for management of the operational activities and its ultimate accomplishment;

(2)authority to direct, control, or change the procedures, as well as to make key decisions such as safety risk acceptance decisions;

(3)procedures for operational activities;

(4)controls, including hardware, software, special procedures or procedural steps, and supervisory practices designed to keep operational activities on track;

(5)interfaces, including lines of authority between departments, lines of communication between employees, consistency of procedures, and clear delineation of responsibility between organisations, work units, and employees; and

(6)process measures to provide feedback to responsible parties that required actions are taking place, required outputs are being produced, and expected outcomes are being achieved.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

THE MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE

The aerodrome operator should manage safety risks related to a change. The management of change should be a documented process to identify external and internal change that may have an adverse effect on safety.

It should make use of the aerodrome operator’s existing hazard identification, safety (risk) assessment, and mitigation processes.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

THE MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE

(a)Change can introduce new hazards, impact the appropriateness and/or effectiveness of existing safety risk mitigation strategies. Changes may be external to the organisation, or internal.

(b)A formal process for the management of change should take into account the following considerations:

(1)criticality of systems and activities;

(2)stability of systems and operational environments; and

(3)past performance.

(c)System description is one of the fundamental preliminary activities in the planning of the safety management system, to determine a baseline hazard analysis for the baseline system.

As part of the formal process of the management of change, the system description and the baseline hazard analysis should be reviewed periodically, even if circumstances of change are not present, to determine their continued validity.

When changes to the system are made, and periodically thereafter, the aerodrome operator should go over its system and its actual operational environment, in order to make sure it continues to be fully aware of the circumstances under which the provision of services takes place.

With regard to the management of change and safety (risk) assessments related to changes, see also ADR.OR.B.040 and GM1 ADR.OR.B.040(f).

ED Decision 2014/012/R

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF THE SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The aerodrome operator should continuously seek to improve its safety performance. The aerodrome operator should develop and maintain a relevant formal process. Continuous improvement should be achieved through:

(a)proactive and reactive evaluation of facilities, equipment, documentation, and procedures;

(b)proactive evaluation of an individual’s performance, to verify the fulfilment of that individual’s safety responsibilities; and

(c)reactive evaluations in order to verify the effectiveness of the system for control and mitigation of safety risks.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF THE SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Continuous improvement of the safety management system, as part of the safety assurance, is achieved through the application of:

(a)internal evaluations;

(b)independent audits (both internal and external);

(c)strict document controls; and

(d)continuous monitoring of safety controls and mitigation actions.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TRAINING

(a)The aerodrome operator should establish a safety management system training programme for all aerodrome operations, rescue and firefighting, and maintenance personnel, including all management personnel of the aerodrome (e.g. supervisors, managers, senior managers, and the accountable manager), regardless of their level in the aerodrome operator’s organisation.

(b)The amount and level of detail of safety training should be proportionate and appropriate to the individual’s responsibility and involvement in the safety management system.

(c)The safety management system training programme should be developed in accordance with AMC1 ADR.OR.D.017(a);(b), and AMC1 ADR.OPS.B.010(b);(c) and be incorporated in the training programme foreseen therein.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

STAFF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

(a)Operations, rescue and firefighting, and maintenance personnel

(1)Safety training should address safety responsibilities, including adherence to all operating and safety procedures, and recognising and reporting hazards;

(2)The training objectives should include the organisation’s safety policy and safety management system fundamentals, and overview;

(3)The contents should include:

(i)definition of hazards;

(ii)consequences and risks;

(iii)the safety risk management process, including roles and responsibilities; and

(iv)safety reporting and the organisation’s safety reporting system(s).

(b)Managers and supervisors

(1)Safety training should address safety responsibilities, including promoting the SMS and engaging operational personnel in hazard reporting;

(2)In addition to the training objectives established for operational personnel, training objectives for managers and supervisors should include a detailed knowledge of the safety process, hazard identification and safety risk management and mitigation, and change management;

(3)In addition to the contents specified for operational personnel, the training contents for supervisors and managers should include safety data analysis.

(c)Senior managers

(1)Safety training should include safety responsibilities, including compliance with European Union, national and the organisation’s own safety requirements, allocation of resources, ensuring effective inter-departmental safety communication, and active promotion of the safety management system;

(2)In addition to the objectives of the two previous employee groups, safety training should include safety assurance and safety promotion, safety roles and responsibilities, and establishing acceptable levels of safety.

(d)Accountable manager

The training should provide the accountable manager with a general awareness of the organisation’s safety management system, including safety management system roles and responsibilities, safety policy and objectives, safety risk management, and safety assurance.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

SAFETY COMMUNICATION

(a)The aerodrome operator should communicate safety management system objectives and procedures to all operational personnel, and the safety management system and its application should be evident in all aspects of operations.

(b)Communication should flow between the safety manager and operational personnel throughout the organisation. The safety manager should communicate the performance of the organisation’s safety management system through suitable means. The safety manager should, also, ensure that lessons learned from investigations, safety related events, or other safety related experiences, both internally and from other organisations, are distributed widely.

(c)Safety communication should aim to:

(1)ensure that all staff are fully aware of the safety management system;

(2)convey safety-critical information;

(3)explain why particular actions are taken; and

(4)explain why safety procedures are introduced or changed.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

SAFETY COMMUNICATION

(a)An aerodrome operator, may use the following tools to communicate safety information:

(1)Safety Management System Manual;

(2)safety processes and procedures;

(3)safety newsletters, notices, and bulletins; and

(4)websites or emails;

(b)Regular meetings with personnel where information, actions, and procedures are discussed may be used to communicate safety matters.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

COORDINATION OF THE AERODROME EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

The coordination of the aerodrome emergency response plan, established in accordance with the requirements contained in Part-ADR.OPS, with the safety management system should ensure continuous improvement of the systems and procedures contained within the plan.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

COORDINATION OF THE AERODROME EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

Continuous improvement of the systems and procedures contained within the aerodrome emergency response plan may, amongst others, be obtained by:

(a)conducting a review of the relevant parts of the emergency response plan after a full or partial exercise;

(b)debriefing and analysing the emergency response operations after an emergency situation; and

(c)developing new emergency procedures or systems as part of the emergency response plan when new hazards are identified by the safety management system,

to ensure, amongst others, the coordination with the emergency response plans of other interfacing organisations.

ED Decision 2024/004/R

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

(a)Compliance monitoring

(1)The implementation and use of a compliance monitoring function should enable the aerodrome operator to monitor compliance with the relevant requirements of this Part, Part-ADR.OPS, as well as any other applicable regulatory requirements, or requirements established by the aerodrome operator.

The aerodrome operator should specify the basic structure of the compliance monitoring applicable to the activities conducted.

The compliance monitoring should be properly implemented, maintained and continually reviewed and improved as necessary.

Compliance monitoring should be structured according to the size of organisation and the complexity of the activities to be monitored, including those which have been subcontracted.

(2)An aerodrome operator should monitor compliance with the procedures it has designed, to ensure safe activities. In doing so, an aerodrome operator should as a minimum, and where appropriate, monitor compliance with:

(i)privileges of the aerodrome operator;

(ii)manuals, logs, and records;

(iii)training standards;

(iv)required resources; and

(v)management system procedures and manuals.

(b)Organisational set-up

(1)A person should be responsible for compliance monitoring.

The accountable manager, with regards to his/her direct accountability for safety, should ensure, in accordance with ADR.D.015(a), that sufficient resources are allocated for compliance monitoring. In the case the person responsible for the compliance monitoring acts also as safety manager, the accountable manager should ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to both functions, taking into account the size of the aerodrome operator, and the nature and complexity of its activities.

(2)The independence of the compliance monitoring should be established by ensuring that audits and inspections are carried out by personnel not responsible for the function, procedure, etc. being audited.

(3)Personnel involved in compliance monitoring should have access to any part of the aerodrome organisation, and any contracted organisation as required.

(c)Compliance monitoring documentation

(1)Relevant documentation should include the relevant part(s) of the aerodrome operator’s management system documentation.

(2)In addition, relevant documentation should also include the following:

(i)terminology;

(ii)specified activity standards;

(iii)a description of the organisation of the aerodrome operator;

(iv)the allocation of duties and responsibilities;

(v)procedures to ensure regulatory compliance;

(vi)the compliance monitoring programme, reflecting:

(A)schedule of the monitoring programme;

(B)audit procedures;

(C)reporting procedures;

(D)follow-up and corrective action procedures; and

(E)recording system;

(vii)the training syllabus referred to in (d)(2); and

(viii)document control.

(d)Training

(1)Correct and thorough training is essential to optimise compliance in every aerodrome operator. In order to achieve significant outcomes of such training, the operator should ensure that all personnel understand the objectives as laid down in the operator’s management system documentation.

(2)Those responsible for managing the compliance monitoring should receive training on this task. Such training should cover the requirements of compliance monitoring, manuals and procedures related to the task, audit techniques, reporting, and recording.

(3)Time should be provided to train the personnel involved in compliance management, and for briefing the remaining of the personnel.

(4)The allocation of time and resources should be based on the volume and complexity of the activities concerned.

(e)Compliance monitoring — audit scheduling

(1)A defined audit schedule to be completed during a specified calendar period and a periodic review cycle for each area should be established. The compliance monitoring itself should also be audited according to a defined audit schedule. The schedule should allow for unscheduled audits when trends are identified. Follow-up audits should be scheduled to verify that corrective action was carried out, and that it was effective and completed, in accordance with the policies and procedures specified in the aerodrome manual.

(2)The aerodrome, its management system key processes, procedures and its operation should be audited within the first 12 months since the date of the issuance of the certificate.

(3)After that, the aerodrome operator should consider the results of its safety (risk) assessments and of its past compliance monitoring activities, in order to adapt the calendar period within which an audit or a series of audits should be conducted, to cover the whole aerodrome, its management system key processes, procedures and its operation in a manner, and at intervals set out in the aerodrome manual. This calendar period, should be consistent with the relevant competent authority’s oversight planning cycle and may be increased, up to 36 months, in coordination with the competent authority, provided that there are no level 1 findings, and subject to the aerodrome operator having a good record of rectifying findings in a timely manner.

ED Decision 2024/004/R

RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMPLIANCE MONITORING

(a)The responsibility for the compliance monitoring should:

(1)be with a person who has direct access to, and is responsible to the accountable manager;

(2)not be with one of the persons referred to in point ADR.OR.D.015(b), except that in less complex aerodrome organisations/operations, it may also be with the accountable manager.

(b)Persons allocated the responsibility for the compliance monitoring should have:

(1)adequate experience and expertise in aerodrome operations, or aerodrome maintenance, or similar area;

(2)adequate knowledge of, and experience in safety management and quality assurance;

(3)knowledge of the aerodrome manual; and

(4)comprehensive knowledge of the applicable requirements in the area of aerodromes.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

COMPLIANCE MONITORING — GENERAL

(a)The organisational set-up of the compliance monitoring should reflect the size of the aerodrome operator, and the nature and complexity of its activities. The person responsible for the compliance monitoring may perform all audits and inspections himself/herself, or appoint one or more auditors by choosing personnel having the related competence as defined in paragraph (b) of AMC2 ADR.OR.D.005(b)(11) either from within, or outside the aerodrome operator.

(b)Regardless of the option chosen, it must be ensured that the independence of the audit function is not affected, in particular, in cases where those performing the audit or inspection are also responsible for other functions for the aerodrome operator.

(c)In case external personnel are used to perform compliance audits or inspections:

(1)any such audits or inspections are performed under the responsibility of the person responsible for the compliance monitoring; and

(2)the aerodrome operator remains responsible to ensure that the external personnel has relevant knowledge, background, and experience as appropriate to the activities being audited or inspected, including knowledge and experience in compliance monitoring.

(d)The aerodrome operator retains the ultimate responsibility for the effectiveness of the compliance monitoring, in particular for the effective implementation and follow-up of all corrective actions.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

AERODROME OPERATOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION

The aerodrome operator should ensure that the documented management system key processes include a process for making personnel aware of their responsibilities, as well as its amendment procedure.

The aerodrome operator’s management system documentation should, at least, include the following information:

(a)a statement signed by the accountable manager to confirm that the aerodrome operator will continuously work in accordance with the applicable requirements and the operator’s documentation;

(b)the aerodrome operator’s scope of activities;

(c)the titles and names of persons referred to in ADR.OR.D.015 and AMC2 ADR.OR.D.005(b)(11);

(d)an organisation chart showing the lines of responsibility between the nominated persons;

(e)a general description and location of the facilities;

(f)procedures specifying how the aerodrome operator ensures compliance with the applicable requirements;

(g)the amendment procedure for the operator’s management system documentation; and

(h)safety management system outputs.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

AERODROME OPERATOR SAFETY MANAGEMENT MANUAL

(a)In cases where safety management is set out in a Safety Management Manual, it should be the key instrument for communicating the approach to safety for the aerodrome operator. The Safety Management Manual should document all aspects of safety management, including the safety policy, objectives, procedures, and individual safety responsibilities.

(b)The contents of the Safety Management Manual should include:

(1)scope of the safety management system;

(2)safety policy and objectives;

(3)safety responsibilities of key safety personnel;

(4)documentation control procedures;

(5)safety assessment process, including hazard identification and risk management schemes;

(6)monitoring of implementation and effectiveness of safety actions, and risk mitigation measures;

(7)safety performance monitoring;

(8)safety reporting (including hazard reporting) and investigation;

(9)coordination of emergency response planning;

(10)management of change (including organisational changes with regard to safety responsibilities);

(11)safety promotion; and

(12)safety management system outputs.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

AERODROME OPERATOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION

It is not required to duplicate information in several manuals. The Safety Management Manual is considered to be a part of the aerodrome manual.

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1645

The aerodrome operator shall establish, implement and maintain an information security management system in accordance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1645¹⁸ in order to ensure the proper management of information security risks which may have an impact on aviation safety.

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1645

(a)As part of its management system, the aerodrome operator shall implement and maintain a quality management system covering the following activities:

(1)its aeronautical data activities;

(2)its aeronautical information provision activities.

(b)As part of its management system, the aerodrome operator shall establish a security management system to ensure the security of operational data it receives, or produces, or otherwise employs, so that access to that operational data is restricted only to those authorised.

(c)The security management system shall define the following elements:

(1)the procedures relating to data security risk assessment and mitigation, security monitoring and improvement, security reviews and lesson dissemination;

(2)the means designed to detect security breaches and to alert personnel with appropriate security warnings;

(3)the means of controlling the effects of security breaches and of identifying recovery action and mitigation procedures to prevent reoccurrence.

(d)The aerodrome operator shall ensure the security clearance of its personnel with respect to aeronautical data security.

(e)The aspects related to information security shall be managed in accordance with point ADR.OR.D.005A.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AERONAUTICAL DATA AND AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION PROVISION ACTIVITIES

An aerodrome operator does not need to duplicate functions and activities in order to discharge the responsibilities related to the management of aeronautical data and aeronautical information provision activities.

In this respect, the compliance monitoring may be used for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the relevant requirements for management of aeronautical data and aeronautical information provision activities.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

SECURITY MANAGEMENT FOR AERONAUTICAL DATA AND AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION PROVISION ACTIVITIES

(a)The security management objectives should be:

(1)to ensure the security of aeronautical data and aeronautical information received, produced, or otherwise employed so that it is protected from interference, and access to it is restricted only to those authorised; and

(2)to ensure that the security management measures meet appropriate national, EU, or international requirements for critical infrastructure and business continuity, and international standards for security management, including:

(i)ISO/IEC 17799:2005 — Information technology — Security techniques — Code of practice for information security management;

(ii)ISO 28000:2007: — Specification for security management systems for the supply chain.

(b)Regarding the ISO standards, the relevant certificates issued by an appropriately accredited organisation, are considered as an Acceptable Means of Compliance.

ED Decision 2021/003/R

INFORMATION SECURITY THREAT

Information security threat may be any circumstance or event with the potential to adversely impact the operation, systems and/or constituents due to human action (accidental, casual or purposeful, intentional or unintentional, mistaken) resulting from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, denial, disruption, modification, or destruction of information and/or information system interfaces. This includes malware and the effects of external systems on dependent systems but does not include physical threats.

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

(a)Contracted activities include all activities within the aerodrome operator’s scope in accordance with the terms of the certificate that are performed by other organisations either itself certified to carry out such activity or if not certified, working under the aerodrome operator’s approval. The aerodrome operator shall ensure that when contracting or purchasing any part of its activity, the contracted or purchased service or equipment or system conforms to the applicable requirements.

(b)When an aerodrome operator contracts any part of its activity to an organisation that is not itself certified in accordance with this Part to carry out such activity, the contracted organisation shall work under the approval and oversight of the aerodrome operator. The aerodrome operator shall ensure that the Competent Authority is given access to the contracted organisation, to determine continued compliance with the applicable requirements.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

RESPONSIBILITY WHEN CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES

(a)An aerodrome operator may contract certain activities to external organisations.

(b)A written agreement should exist between the aerodrome operator and the contracted organisation, clearly defining the contracted activities and the applicable requirements.

(c)The contracted safety related activities relevant to the agreement should be included in the aerodrome operator’s safety management and compliance monitoring programmes.

(d)The aerodrome operator should ensure that the contracted organisation has the necessary authorisation, declaration, or approval when required, and commands the resources and competence to undertake the task; to this end, a prior audit of the contracted party should be conducted to ensure that the contracted organisation meets the applicable requirements, and the requirements specified by the aerodrome operator itself.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

CONTRACTING — GENERAL

(a)Contracted activities to external organisations for the provision of services may include areas such as:

(1)maintenance of the aerodrome and equipment;

(2)surveying for aeronautical data;

(3)apron management services;

(4)training;

(5)rescue and firefighting services;

(6)aerodrome design, etc.

(b)In case of contracted activities, the aerodrome operator should define relevant management responsibilities within its own organisation.

(c)The ultimate responsibility for the product or service provided by contracted organisations should always remain with the aerodrome operator.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

RESPONSIBILITY WHEN CONTRACTING ACTIVITIES

(a)Regardless of the approval status of the contracted organisation, the contracting aerodrome operator is responsible to ensure that all contracted activities are subject to hazard identification, safety (risk) assessment and mitigation, as well as compliance monitoring.

(b)When the contracted organisation is itself certified to carry out the contracted activities, the aerodrome operator’s compliance monitoring should at least check that the approval effectively covers the contracted activities, and that it is still valid.

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

(a)The aerodrome operator shall appoint an accountable manager, who has the authority for ensuring that all activities can be financed and carried out in accordance with the applicable requirements. The accountable manager shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining an effective management system.

(b)The aerodrome operator shall nominate persons responsible for the management and supervision of the following areas:

(1)operational services of the aerodrome; and

(2)maintenance of the aerodrome.

(c)The aerodrome operator shall nominate a person or group of persons responsible for the development, maintenance and day-to-day management of the safety management system.

Those persons shall act independently of other managers within the organisation, shall have direct access to the accountable manager and to appropriate management for safety matters and shall be responsible to the accountable manager.

(d)The aerodrome operator shall have sufficient and qualified personnel for the planned tasks and activities to be performed in accordance with the applicable requirements.

(e)The aerodrome operator shall assign a sufficient number of personnel supervisors to defined duties and responsibilities, taking into account the structure of the organisation and the number of personnel employed.

(f)The aerodrome operator shall ensure that personnel involved in the operation, maintenance and management of the aerodrome are adequately trained in accordance with the training programme.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

ACCOUNTABLE MANAGER

(a)Accountable Manager — General

(1)The accountable manager should:

(i)ensure that all necessary resources are available to operate the aerodrome in accordance with the applicable requirements and the aerodrome manual;

(ii)ensure that if there is a reduction in the level of resources or abnormal circumstances which may affect safety, the required reduction in the level of operations at the aerodrome is implemented;

(iii)establish, implement, and promote the safety policy; and

(iv)ensure compliance with relevant applicable requirements, certification basis, and the organisation’s safety management system, as well as its quality management system with regard to aeronautical data and aeronautical information provision activities.

(2)The accountable manager should have:

(i)an appropriate level of authority within the aerodrome operator’s organisation to ensure that activities are financed and carried out to the standard required;

(ii)knowledge and understanding of the documents that prescribe relevant aerodrome safety standards;

(iii)understanding of the requirements for competence of aerodrome management personnel, so as to ensure that competent persons are in place;

(iv)knowledge and understanding of safety, quality, and security management systems related principles and practices, and how these are applied within the organisation;

(v)knowledge of the role of the accountable manager; and

(vi)knowledge and understanding of the key issues of risk management within the aerodrome.

(b)Accountable manager — Delegation of responsibilities

(1)The technical knowledge and understanding expected by an accountable manager is high level, with particular reference to his/her own role in ensuring that standards are maintained.

(2)During periods of absence, the day-to-day responsibilities of the accountable manager may be delegated; however, the accountability ultimately remains with the accountable manager.

(3)Depending on the size and the complexity of operations, the accountable manager may delegate his/her responsibilities in the area of training, by nominating a training manager whose responsibilities should be the establishment, coordination, implementation of training programmes, and relevant record keeping of personnel training, as well as of the proficiency check programmes.

In any case, the accountability, ultimately, remains with the accountable manager.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

ACCOUNTABLE MANAGER

Depending on the size, structure and complexity of the organisation, the accountable manager may be:

(a)the chief executive officer (CEO);

(b)the chief operating officer (COO);

(c)the chairperson of the board of directors;

(d)a partner; or

(e)the proprietor.

The appointment of an accountable manager who is given the required authorities and responsibilities, requires that the individual has the necessary attributes to fulfil the role. The accountable manager may have more than one function in the organisation. Nonetheless, the accountable manager’s role is to instil safety as a core organisational value, and to ensure that the safety management system is properly implemented and maintained through the allocation of resources and tasks.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

NOMINATED PERSONS

(a)General

(1)A description of the functions of the nominated persons, including their names, as well as clearly defined responsibilities and authorisations, should be contained in the aerodrome manual. Nominated persons should have adequate resources available to perform their duties.

(2)The aerodrome operator should make arrangements to ensure adequate continuity of supervision in the absence of nominated persons.

(3)The person nominated by the aerodrome operator should not be nominated by another aerodrome operator, unless agreed with the Competent Authority.

(4)Persons nominated should be foreseen to work sufficient hours to fulfil the management functions associated with the scale and complexity of the operation.

(5)A nominated person may hold more than one of the nominated posts if such an arrangement is considered suitable and properly matched to the aerodrome operator’s organisation, and the complexity of its operations.

(b)Competence of nominated persons

The manager of Operational Services and the Maintenance manager should have:

(1)adequate practical experience and expertise in aerodrome operations or maintenance (or similar area) respectively;

(2)comprehensive knowledge of the applicable requirements in the area of aerodromes;

(3)appropriate level of knowledge of safety and quality management; and

(4)knowledge of the aerodrome manual.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

COMBINATION OF NOMINATED PERSONS RESPONSIBILITIES

(a)The acceptability of a single person holding more than one post, possibly in combination with being the accountable manager, should depend upon the aerodrome operator’s organisation, and the complexity of its operations. The two main areas of concern should be competence, and an individual’s capacity to meet his/her responsibilities.

(b)As regards competence in different areas of responsibility, there should not be any difference from the requirements applicable to persons holding only one post.

(c)The capacity of an individual to meet his/her responsibilities should primarily be dependent upon the complexity of the aerodrome operator’s organisation and its operations. However, the complexity of the aerodrome operator’s organisation, or of its operation may prevent, or limit, combinations of posts.

ED Decision 2024/004/R

SAFETY MANAGER

(a)The safety manager should be the focal point and responsible for the development, administration, and maintenance of an effective safety management system (see also AMC1 ADR.OR.D.005(b)(1)).

(b)The role of the safety manager should be to:

(1)facilitate hazard identification, risk analysis, and management;

(2)monitor the implementation and functioning of the safety management system, including the necessary safety actions;

(3)manage the safety reporting system of the aerodrome;

(4)provide periodic reports on safety performance;

(5)ensure maintenance of safety management documentation;

(6)ensure that there is safety management training available, and that it meets acceptable standards;

(7)provide advice on safety matters; and

(8)initiate and participate in internal occurrence/accident investigations.

(c)The safety manager should have:

(1)adequate practical experience and expertise in aerodrome operations, or aerodrome maintenance, or similar area;

(2)adequate knowledge of safety and quality management;

(3)adequate knowledge of the aerodrome manual; and

(4)comprehensive knowledge of the applicable requirements in the area of aerodromes.

(d)The safety manager should not be one of the persons referred to in point ADR.OR.D.015(b). However, in the case of less complex aerodrome organisations/operations, the safety manager may be the accountable manager, or any other person at appropriate management level (including the persons referred to in point ADR.OR.D.015(b)), provided that he or she can act independently of other managers within the organisation of the aerodrome operator, has adequate knowledge and experience in accordance with point (b) above, and has direct access to the accountable manager and to appropriate management for safety matters.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

DETERMINATION OF PERSONNEL NEEDS AND QUALIFICATIONS

(a)The aerodrome operator should determine the required personnel for the planned tasks.

(b)The aerodrome operator should determine the required personnel qualifications, in accordance with the applicable requirements (and the national and European Union legislation where applicable), and include them in the aerodrome manual. A documented system with defined responsibilities should be in place, in order to identify any needs for changes with regard to personnel qualifications.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

QUALIFICATION OF PERSONNEL

The term ‘qualified’ denotes fitness for the purpose. This may be achieved through fulfilment of the necessary conditions such as completion of required training, or acquisition of a diploma or degree, or through the gaining of suitable experience. It, also, includes the ability, capacity, knowledge, or skill that matches or suits an occasion, or makes someone eligible for a duty, office, position, privilege, or status.

Certain posts may, by nature, be associated with the possession of certain qualifications in a specific field (e.g. rescue and firefighting, civil, mechanical or electrical engineering, wildlife biology, etc.). In such cases, the person occupying such a post is expected to possess the necessary qualifications at a level that is in accordance with the applicable national or European Union legislation.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

DISTRIBUTION OF RULES AND PROCEDURES

The aerodrome operator should have a system in place to distribute the rules and procedures to personnel to exercise their duties and responsibilities.

ED Decision 2014/012/R

DISTRIBUTION MEANS OF RULES AND PROCEDURES

The aerodrome operator may use electronic means, or conventional means to distribute rules and procedures to personnel. The method used should verify that the information reached the intended recipient.

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2148

(a)The aerodrome operator shall establish and implement a training programme for personnel involved in the operation, maintenance and management of the aerodrome, to ensure their continued competence, and that they are aware of the rules and procedures relevant to operation of the aerodrome and the relationship of their functions and tasks to the aerodrome operation as a whole.

(b)The training referred to in point (a) shall:

(1)include initial, recurrent, refresher and continuation training;

(2)be appropriate to the functions and tasks for the personnel;

(3)include the applicable operational procedures and requirements of the aerodrome, as well as driving.

(c)The aerodrome operator shall ensure that any other personnel, including personnel of other organisations that operate or provide services at the aerodrome, allowed unescorted access to the movement area and other operational areas of the aerodrome, is adequately trained and qualified for such unescorted access.

(d)The training referred to in point (c) shall:

(1)include initial, recurrent, refresher and continuation training;

(2)include the applicable operational procedures and requirements of the aerodrome, as well as driving.

(e)The aerodrome operator shall ensure that personnel referred to in points (a) and (c) have successfully completed the necessary initial training prior to being allowed:

(1)to perform their duties unattended;

(2)unescorted access to the movement area and other operational areas of the aerodrome.

The initial training shall include theoretical and practical training of adequate duration and competence assessments of the personnel following the provision of the training.

(f)In order to continue to perform their duties unattended and being allowed unescorted access to the movement area and other operational areas of the aerodrome and unless otherwise specified in this Part and Part-ADR.OPS, the aerodrome operator shall ensure that personnel referred to in points (a) and (c) have been trained on the rules and procedures relevant to operation of the aerodrome by successfully completing:

(1)recurrent training, at intervals not exceeding 24 months since the completion of their initial training. If the recurrent training is undertaken within the last 3 calendar months of the interval, the new interval period shall be counted from the expiry date of the original interval;

(2)refresher training, prior to performing their duties unattended or being allowed unescorted access to the movement area or other operational area of the aerodrome, when they are absent from their duties for a period not less than 3 and not more than 12 consecutive months. In case of absence beyond 12 consecutive months, such personnel shall undergo initial training in accordance with point (c);

(3)continuation training due to changes to their operating environment or assigned tasks, as necessary.

(g)The aerodrome operator shall establish and implement a proficiency check programme for personnel referred to in point (a), and ensure for personnel referred to in point (c) that they have demonstrated their capabilities in the performance of their tasks, in accordance with a proficiency check programme, in order to ensure:

(1)their continued competence;

(2)that they are aware of the rules and procedures relevant to their functions and tasks.

Unless otherwise specified in this Part and Part-ADR.OPS, the aerodrome operator shall ensure that persons referred to in points (a) and (c) undergo proficiency checks at intervals not exceeding 24 months since the completion of their initial training.

(h)The aerodrome operator shall ensure that:

(1)adequately qualified and experienced instructors for the provision of training and assessors for the assessments and the proficiency checks are used;

(2)suitable facilities, means and equipment are used for the provision of the training and, where applicable, for the conduct of the proficiency checks.

(i)The aerodrome operator shall establish and implement procedures for the implementation of the training and proficiency check programmes and shall:

(1)maintain appropriate qualification, training and proficiency check records to demonstrate compliance with this requirement;

(2)upon request, make such records available to its personnel concerned;

(3)if a person is employed by another employer, upon request, make such records of that person available to that new employer.

ED Decision 2021/003/R

TRAINING OF AERODROME PERSONNEL — GENERAL

(a)The training programme should cover all personnel:

(1)involved in the operation, maintenance, and management of the aerodrome (supervisors, managers, senior managers, and the accountable manager); and

(2)operating unescorted on the movement area, and other operational areas of the aerodrome, and which are related to the aerodrome operator

regardless of their level in the organisation.

(b)The training programme should include safety management system training whose level of detail should be appropriate to the individual’s responsibility and involvement in the safety management system and should also include human and organisational factors.

(c)The training programme should consist of the following:

(1)a process to identify training standards, including:

(i)syllabi, duration, and frequency for each type of training and area of activity for the persons mentioned in point (a), including for the instructors and assessors;

(ii)method(s) for delivery of training and competency assessment; minimum performance to be achieved by trainees; and

(iii)track completion of required training;

(2)a validation process that measures the effectiveness of training;

(3)initial job-specific training;

(4)practical training;

(5)recurrent training;

(6)refresher training; and

(7)continuation training.

(d)The training programme should identify training responsibilities and contain procedures:

(1)for training and competency assessment of the trainees;

(2)to be applied in the event that personnel do not achieve or maintain the required standards.

(e)Training contents, syllabi and duration should comply with the requirements prescribed in
Part-ADR.OPS.

(f)A training file should be developed for each employee, including management, and a system should be in place to assist in identifying and tracking employee training requirements, and verifying that personnel have received the required/planned training.

(g)Information related to points (c) and (d), including the identified training standards and the related syllabi and frequency, should be included in the aerodrome manual.

ED Decision 2021/003/R

TRAINING OF PERSONNEL OF OTHER ORGANISATIONS — GENERAL

With regard to the training of the personnel employed by other organisations which operate or provide services at the aerodrome, and which are allowed unescorted access to the movement area or other operational areas of the aerodrome, the provisions of AMC1 ADR.OR.D.017(a);(b) apply, except that the safety management system training may cover only the necessary elements (e.g. relevant procedures, safety reporting system, aerodrome safety programmes, etc.).

ED Decision 2021/003/R

TRAINING — GENERAL

(a)Aerodrome operator’s personnel

(1)The purpose of the training programme is to ensure the initial and continued competence of the aerodrome operator’s personnel to perform their duties, irrespective of their level in the organisation of the aerodrome. This is to be achieved by ensuring that each person receives initial, recurrent, and if necessary, refresher training (as a result of absence from duties), and other ad hoc training (e.g. due to the planned/implemented change to the aerodrome system, etc.), which is relevant to his or her function and tasks.

One method to achieve this is by identifying the tasks of the employees and ensuring that each one of them receives the training that corresponds to such tasks.

For example, an employee whose tasks involve driving would need to undergo the relevant driving training (depending on the area of the aerodrome that he or she will operate in the course of his or her duties). Moreover, if the duties of that person involve also conducting inspections of the movement area, then the training plan for that employee would also need to include relevant training for that area.

Moreover, apart from this specific type of training, one would also consider the need for all personnel to undergo a safety management system training relevant to their duties.

(2)As part of the process of the development of the training programme, there are also other issues that need to be considered, such as:

(i)the content and duration of the courses;

(ii)the minimum performance required by the trainees;

(iii)the method to be used for the delivery of the training;

(iv)the way the competency assessments of the trainees will be performed; and

(v)the development of the relevant procedures to ensure that the training programme achieves its objectives and covers circumstances that may occur (e.g. the case where an employee fails to achieve the required competency level).

Consideration needs to be given to the fact that the relevant procedures would also need to address the organisation and implementation of the recurrent, refresher and continuation training.

(b)Personnel of other organisations operating or providing services at the aerodrome

(1)At the aerodrome environment, there may be also other organisations that operate or provide their services to other organisations or the aerodrome operator. Given that such activities may have an effect on safety and affect aerodrome operations, it is necessary to ensure that the personnel of these organisations that are allowed unescorted access to the movement area and other operational areas of the aerodrome, are trained in the applicable aerodrome’s operational procedures and requirements, so that they are enabled to safely operate within the aerodrome environment (e.g. the apron, and sometimes on the manoeuvring area), sharing a common understanding about safety management.

To achieve this, the aerodrome operator needs to identify which are the applicable operational procedures and requirements for the relevant training of this type of personnel.

For instance, if an employee of another organisation needs to drive and work on the apron or on the manoeuvring area, then he or she would need to undergo the relevant training prior to being allowed to do so. This would involve the relevant driving training. On the other hand, the same person would be subject to certain aerodrome operational procedures and requirements which apply on this area, and so he or she would need to also receive training on these procedures and requirements (e.g. as part of the FOD control programme). Moreover, there is also an additional need for this employee to receive a safety management system training relevant to their duties, e.g. how to file an occurrence report, etc.

(2)As part of this process, the aerodrome operator would need to make considerations similar to the ones referred to in (a)(2) above, in order to ensure the continued competence and awareness of such personnel in the required fields.

(3)In this way, the aerodrome operator is expected to be able to safely manage the interfaces it has with the other organisations present at the aerodrome. However, in order to ensure the successful implementation of this training, the aerodrome operator would need to cooperate and have relevant arrangements with the organisations whose employees need to complete this training. Depending on the situation and the solutions chosen in each case, the content of the arrangements may vary and cover different areas, such as the exchange of relevant information regarding absence of personnel for the organisation of a refresher training, the use of instructors or assessors proposed by these organisations for the implementation of the relevant part of the training programme, etc.

(4)It is to be noted that the training related to the performance of the actual duties of this type of personnel (e.g. how to use its own organisation’s equipment, or the internal procedures of that organisation, etc.) falls outside of the scope of this part of the training required under ADR.OR.D.017.

(c)Understanding of the aerodrome system as a whole

It is important that the training provides all trainees with an understanding of the interdependencies between the various functions and actors at the aerodrome environment, and how their work is related to the functions and work of other personnel and organisations, so that they acquire a rather ‘global’ (as opposed to an ‘isolated’) perspective.

ED Decision 2025/009/R

DANGEROUS GOODS TRAINING

The aerodrome operator should implement a training programme for handling dangerous goods in accordance with the ICAO Technical Instructions (Doc 9284) as follows.

(a)Minimum awareness training for the operational personnel performing tasks in areas of the aerodrome where dangerous goods may be found, but who are not involved in handling dangerous goods; such training should cover, as a minimum:

(1)the recognition of markings and labels on dangerous goods packages;

(2)safety precautions;

(3)reporting of dangerous goods events.

(b)When the aerodrome operator personnel provide services for passengers with reduced mobility, they should receive training on handling of dangerous goods contained in the mobility devices.

[applicable from 27 March 2028 — ED Decision 2025/009/R]

ED Decision 2021/003/R

INITIAL TRAINING

(a)Theoretical training

(1)A suitable method (or suitable methods) for the delivery of each part of the required training should be identified and specified in the training programme.

(2)The theoretical training should be delivered at appropriate training facilities, and the delivery of the training should be supported by means and equipment which are suitable for the training area covered.

Computer-based training may also be used, where interaction of the trainee(s) with other persons is not necessary and where the training material has been prepared, reviewed and updated by an instructor nominated in accordance with AMC1 ADR.OR.D.017(h). Where provided, such training should consider human factors principles, and, as a minimum, should also cater for the possibility for the trainees to ask questions and receive clarifications, as well as to provide feedback.

(3)After the initial training, the acquired competency should be assessed. The competency assessment should be accomplished by using identified method(s), appropriate to the training element to be assessed. Assessment procedures should be established, addressing, as a minimum, location(s), identity check and invigilation, and assessment discipline. Computer-based systems may be used for the assessment of the trainees provided that:

(i)the assessment material is prepared, reviewed and updated by an assessor nominated in accordance with AMC1 ADR.OR.D.017(h); and

(ii)the assessment is conducted in a controlled facility and environment and in a manner that physically ensures the identity of the trainees during the assessment process.

(4)Training elements that require individual practical participation may be combined with practical assessments.

(b)Practical training

(1)The practical training should follow the successful completion of the theoretical training and should be provided by an instructor nominated in accordance with AMC1 ADR.OR.D.017(h). The duration of the practical training should be appropriate to the area covered.

(2)A practical competency assessment should be conducted by an assessor nominated in accordance with AMC1 ADR.OR.D.017(h), following the completion of each practical training provided. Assessment procedures should be established, addressing, as a minimum, location(s), identity check, and assessment discipline.

ED Decision 2021/003/R

INITIAL TRAINING PROCESS — NEW EMPLOYEES

When an aerodrome operator employs personnel mentioned in point (a) of AMC1 ADR.OR.D.017(a);(b), who have already completed a training programme with another aerodrome operator, the current employer may, when determining the training needs required for the post to be filled by that employee, decide to credit training subjects on which the individual has already completed relevant training, as they are documented in his or her training records. In any case, no credit may be given for training areas which are specific to that aerodrome.

ED Decision 2021/003/R

INITIAL TRAINING METHODS

(a)The methods to be used for the delivery of the theoretical training include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1)lecture;

(2)lesson/demonstration;

(3)case study;

(4)exercises, including computer-based practical exercises;

(5)facilitation;

(6)group work;

(7)interactive training; and

(8)supervised practices.

(b)The methods to be used for the competency assessment of the trainees upon completion of the theoretical training could include:

(1)practical demonstration;

(2)computer-based assessment;

(3)oral or written assessments;

or combinations of such methods, as appropriate.

When determining the method(s) to be used for the assessment of the trainees, the advantages and the limitations of each method, as well as the objectives of the training, would need to be taken into account.

For example, the oral assessment may be used to test the understanding of the trainees around certain issues, as well as the requirements governing them, to have a clearer indication that the trainee not only knows what he or she should be doing in a given case, but also why he or she should be doing it. However, the oral assessment requires considerable skills and it should be undertaken in a way that ensures consistency among individual assessors. On the other hand, written assessments may also be used to test the theoretical knowledge and to a lesser degree the understanding of the trainees. Written tests may be easier to administer and to ensure their consistency, particularly when using multiple-choice questions. However, multiple-choice questions may test knowledge, but they may not be appropriate for determining how a person would react in an operational situation. A written assessment may also be computer-based.

ED Decision 2021/003/R

RECURRENT, REFRESHER AND CONTINUATION TRAINING

(a)Recurrent training

The recurrent training may be only theoretical and should cover the areas addressed in the initial theoretical training provided. The recurrent training should be designed to review, reinforce or enhance the existing knowledge and skills of the trainees, and should also take into account the changes that have taken place in the content of the subjects covered by the initial training.

Upon completion of the recurrent training, an assessment of the trainee should be conducted.

(b)Refresher training

The refresher training may be only theoretical, and shorter than the recurrent training, and its content should take into account the length of the person’s absence and the magnitude of the relevant changes that may have taken place during the period of absence of the employee.

Upon completion of the refresher training, an assessment of the trainee should be conducted (for the process of the assessment, see AMC1 ADR.OR.D.017(e)).

(c)Continuation training

Continuation training should be provided in the following cases:

(1)A person is assigned new/different tasks

In the case a person is to be assigned to different/additional tasks, an appropriate theoretical and practical training which covers any differences between his or her previous and future tasks should be completed. This differences training should be determined based on a comparison between the training required for the new tasks, and the training already completed by that person, as documented in his or her training records.

The provision of training should be followed by relevant competency assessment (for the process of the assessment, see AMC1 ADR.OR.D.017(e));

(2)A change is introduced to the operating environment of a person, which is of such nature and/or magnitude that it requires the training of the personnel (e.g. a new system to be used by the personnel concerned).

A method should be established and documented to be used for determining the need (or not) for, as well as the type(s) (theoretical, practical, or both) of, training to be provided following changes. The provision of training should be followed by a relevant competency assessment.

ED Decision 2021/003/R

PROFICIENCY CHECKS

(a)The purpose of the proficiency check is to establish the ability of an individual to perform satisfactorily, in accordance with applicable requirements and the content of the aerodrome manual as they relate to his or her tasks.

In particular, the proficiency check of the aerodrome operator’s personnel should determine the performance of an individual regarding the tasks assigned to him or her. Regarding personnel of other organisations operating or providing services at the aerodrome, the objective of the proficiency check should be the assessment of the performance of the individual with regard to the applicable operational procedures and requirements of the aerodrome.

To this end, the elements that each proficiency check should cover should be identified and documented.

A proficiency check does not need to cover all associated elements at the same time; however, all elements of a proficiency check should be covered within the period specified in ADR.OR.D.017(g).

Depending on the situation, specialty and element checked, and provided that it will not affect the quality and completeness of the proficiency check, a single proficiency check may be used to cover more than one person. The person(s) to be checked should be made aware prior to the proficiency check.

Proficiency checks may be conducted during normal and/or abnormal/emergency conditions depending on the situation and the specialty of the person being checked.

(b)The proficiency check programme should:

(1)include a process to identify the frequency of proficiency checks, including for the instructors and assessors, and track completion of the required checks;

(2)identify checking responsibilities and relevant checking methods and procedures;

(3)include procedures to be applied in the event that personnel do not achieve the required standards; and

(4)include a validation process that measures the effectiveness of the programme.

(c)Information related to the proficiency check programme should be included in the aerodrome manual.

ED Decision 2021/003/R

PROFICIENCY CHECKS

Proficiency checks may be conducted at shorter intervals following, for example, an occurrence or to ensure that the person is able to apply in practice knowledge acquired due to updated training.