Regulation (EU) No 139/2014
(a) The aerodrome operator shall establish and maintain an aerodrome manual.
(b) The content of the aerodrome manual shall reflect the certification basis and the requirements set out in this Part and Part-ADR.OPS, as applicable, and shall not contravene the terms of the certificate. The aerodrome manual shall contain or refer to all necessary information for the safe use, operation and maintenance of the aerodrome, its equipment, as well as its obstacle limitation and protection surfaces and other areas associated with the aerodrome.
(c) The aerodrome manual may be issued in separate parts.
(d) The aerodrome operator shall ensure that all aerodrome personnel and all other relevant organisation’s personnel have easy access to the portions of the aerodrome manual that are relevant to their duties and responsibilities.
(e) The aerodrome operator shall:
(1) supply the Competent Authority with the intended amendments and revisions of the aerodrome manual, for items requiring prior approval in accordance with ADR.OR.B.040, in advance of the effective date and ensure that they do not become effective before obtaining the Competent Authority’s approval; or
(2) supply the Competent Authority with the intended amendments and revisions of the aerodrome manual in advance of the effective date, if the proposed amendment or revision of the aerodrome manual requires only a notification to the Competent Authority in accordance with ADR.OR.B.040(d) and ADR.OR.B.015(b).
(f) Notwithstanding point (e), when amendments or revisions are required in the interest of safety, they may be published and applied immediately, provided that any approval required has been applied for.
(g) The aerodrome operator shall:
(1) review the content of the aerodrome manual, ensure that it is kept up to date and amended whenever necessary;
(2) incorporate all amendments and revisions required by the Competent Authority; and
(3) make all aerodrome personnel and other relevant organisations aware of the changes that are relevant to their duties and responsibilities.
(h) The aerodrome operator shall ensure that any information taken from other approved documents, and any amendment thereof, is correctly reflected in the aerodrome manual. This does not prevent the aerodrome operator from publishing more conservative data and procedures in the aerodrome manual.
(i) The aerodrome operator shall ensure that:
(1) the aerodrome manual is written in a language acceptable to the Competent Authority; and
(2) all personnel are able to read and understand the language in which those parts of the aerodrome manual and other operational documents pertaining to their duties and responsibilities are written.
(j) The aerodrome operator shall ensure that the aerodrome manual:
(1) is signed by the accountable manager of the aerodrome;
(2) is printed or is in electronic format and is easy to revise;
(3) has a system for version control management which is applied and made visible in the aerodrome manual; and
(4) observes human factors principles and is organised in a manner that facilitates its preparation, use and review.
(k) The aerodrome operator shall keep at least one complete and current copy of the aerodrome manual at the aerodrome and make it available for inspection by the Competent Authority.
(l) The content of the aerodrome manual shall be as follows:
(1) General;
(2) Aerodrome management system, qualification and training requirements;
(3) Particulars of the aerodrome site;
(4) Particulars of the aerodrome required to be reported to the Aeronautical Information Service; and
(5) Particulars of the operating procedures of the aerodrome, its equipment and safety measures.
AMC1 ADR.OR.E.005 Aerodrome manual
ED Decision 2014/012/R
GENERAL
(a) The aerodrome manual may vary in detail according to the complexity of the operation, and the type of the aerodrome.
(b) The aerodrome manual or parts of it may be presented in any form, including electronic form. In all cases, the accessibility, usability, and reliability should be assured.
(c) The aerodrome manual should be such that:
(1) all parts of the manual are consistent and compatible in form and content;
(2) the manual can be readily amended; and
(3) the content and amendment status of the manual is controlled and clearly indicated.
(d) The aerodrome manual should include a description of its amendment and revision process specifying:
(1) the person(s) who may approve amendments or revisions;
(2) the conditions for temporary revisions and/or immediate amendments, or revision required in the interest of safety; and
(3) the methods by which all personnel and organisations are advised of changes to the aerodrome manual.
(e) The aerodrome manual may contain parts of, or refer to other controlled documents, such as aerodrome equipment manual, which are available at the aerodrome for use by the personnel.
GM1 ADR.OR.E.005 Aerodrome manual
ED Decision 2014/012/R
AERODROME MANUAL
(a) Form of the aerodrome manual
The aerodrome manual is a key document both for the aerodrome operator and the Competent Authority. The manual is the source document describing how the aerodrome infrastructure, facilities, and operational procedures will operate safely.
As well as the operational procedures, the Competent Authority will expect the aerodrome manual to be an accurate reflection of the day-to-day functioning of the aerodrome's safety management system, and its safety culture. It will need to show how the aerodrome intends to measure its performance against safety targets and objectives. The reader of an aerodrome manual should be given a clear statement of how safety is developed, managed, and maintained on the aerodrome. All safety policies, operational procedures and instructions should be contained in detail when relevant or cross-referenced to other controlled, formally accepted or recognised, publications.
At larger aerodromes, the size and complexity of operations, and related procedures may dictate that these procedures could not easily be included in a single document. In such circumstances, it is acceptable to identify and reference within the aerodrome manual the procedures which are not included within it. If this system is to be successful, it is essential that any referenced information, documentation, and procedures are made available as necessary to all operational staff in a similar way as the aerodrome manual itself. For that purpose, a computerised database containing the referenced procedures and information could be suitable. For many small aerodromes, the aerodrome manual can be both simple and brief as long as it covers procedures essential for satisfactory day-to-day operations. Nevertheless, it is possible to adopt a common format embracing the essential elements that define a safety management system.
(b) Purpose of the aerodrome manual
An efficient management structure and a systematic approach to aerodrome operation is essential. The aerodrome manual should contain all the relevant information to describe this structure satisfactorily. It is one of the means by which all relevant operating staff can be informed as to their duties and responsibilities with regard to safety. It should describe the aerodrome infrastructure, services and facilities, all operating procedures, and any restrictions on aerodrome availability.
Accountability for safety must start at the very top of any organisation. One of the key elements in establishing safe working practices is the ‘top down’ approach where all staff should understand the safety aims of the organisation, the chain of command, and their own responsibilities and accountabilities. As safety management principles are applied, the aerodrome manual should be expanded to describe clearly how the safety of operations is to be managed. To a reader or user of the aerodrome manual, there should never be any doubt in terms of ‘safety accountability’ for each domain or activity described. Each section should define who is accountable, who is responsible, who has the authority, who has the expertise, and who actually carries out the tasks described in any section.
The principle objective of an aerodrome manual should be to show how management will accomplish its safety responsibilities. The aerodrome manual will set out the policy and expected standards of performance, and the procedures by which they will be achieved.
The aerodrome operator should ensure that:
(1) the responsibilities of the aerodrome operator are clearly described;
(2) the tasks and activities that are to be performed by the aerodrome operator or its subcontractors are listed; and
(3) the means and procedures in order to complete these tasks and activities are described or appended, together with the necessary details on their frequencies and operating modes.
Where responsibilities are attributed to other stakeholders, the aerodrome manual should clearly identify them.
AMC2 ADR.OR.E.005(i)(2) Aerodrome manual
ED Decision 2014/012/R
LANGUAGE OF THE AERODROME MANUAL
A translated version of the relevant parts of the aerodrome manual is an acceptable means to comply with the relevant requirement. In any case, the persons who are going to use the manual should be able to read and understand it.
AMC3 ADR.OR.E.005 Aerodrome manual
ED Decision 2021/003/R
AERODROME MANUAL
(a) The aerodrome manual should have the following structure, and include, at least, the following information; if an item is not applicable, the indication ‘Not applicable’ or ‘Intentionally blank’ should be inserted, along with the relevant reason:
A. PART A — GENERAL
0. Administration and control of the aerodrome manual including the following:
0.1. Introduction:
0.1.1 a statement signed by the accountable manager that the aerodrome manual complies with all applicable requirements, and with the terms of the certificate;
0.1.2 a statement signed by the accountable manager that the aerodrome manual contains operational instructions that are to be complied with by the relevant personnel;
0.1.3 a list and brief description of the various parts, their contents, applicability, and use;
0.1.4 explanations, abbreviations, and definitions of terms needed for the use of the manual;
0.2 System of amendment and revision:
0.2.1 details of the person(s) responsible for the issuance and insertion of amendments and revisions;
0.2.2 a record of amendments and revisions with insertion dates, and effective dates;
0.2.3 a statement that handwritten amendments and revisions are not permitted, except in situations requiring immediate amendment, or revision in the interest of safety;
0.2.4 a description of the system for the annotation of pages, or paragraphs and their effective dates;
0.2.5 a list of effective pages or paragraphs;
0.2.6 annotation of changes (in the text and, as far as practicable, on charts and diagrams);
0.2.7 temporary revisions; and
0.2.8 description of the distribution system and a distribution list for the aerodrome manual, its amendments, and revisions.
1. General information
General information including the following:
1.1 purpose and scope of the aerodrome manual;
1.2 legal requirements for an aerodrome certificate and the aerodrome manual as prescribed in Part-ADR.OR;
1.3 conditions for use of the aerodrome by its users;
1.4 the obligations of the aerodrome operator; rights of the Competent Authority and guidance to staff on how to facilitate audits/inspections by Competent Authority personnel.
B. PART B — AERODROME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, QUALIFICATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
2. A description of the management system, including the following:
2.1 Aerodrome organisation and responsibilities including the following: a description of the organisational structure, including the general organogram and other departments’ organograms. The organogram should depict the relationship between the departments. Subordination and reporting lines of all levels of organisational structure (Departments, Sections, etc.) related to safety should be shown.
Names, authorities, responsibilities, and duties of management and nominated persons; responsibilities and duties of other operational, maintenance personnel, as well of the aerodrome safety committees and the Local Runway Safety Team and their functioning, should also be included.
2.2. A description of the safety management system, including:
2.2.1 scope of the safety management system;
2.2.2 safety policy and objectives;
2.2.3 safety responsibilities of key safety personnel;
2.2.4 documentation control procedures;
2.2.5 safety risk management process, including hazard identification and risk assessment schemes;
2.2.6 monitoring of implementation and effectiveness of safety actions, and risk mitigation measures;
2.2.7 safety performance monitoring;
2.2.8 safety reporting (including hazard reporting) and investigation;
2.2.9 emergency response planning;
2.2.10 management of change (including organisational changes with regard to safety responsibilities);
2.2.11 safety promotion; and
2.2.12 safety management system outputs.
2.3 A description of the compliance monitoring and related procedures.
2.4 A description of the quality management system for aeronautical data and aeronautical information provision activities and related procedures, including those for meeting the relevant safety, and security management objectives.
2.5 Procedures for reporting to the Competent Authority including handling, notifying and reporting accidents, serious incidents, and occurrences. This section should include, at least, the following:
(a) definition of accident, serious incident and occurrence and of the relevant responsibilities of all persons involved;
(b) illustrations of forms to be used (or copies of the forms themselves), instructions on how they are to be completed, the addresses to which they should be sent and the time allowed for this to be done;
(c) procedures and arrangements for the preservation of evidence, including recordings, following a reportable event;
2.6 Procedures related to the use of alcohol, psychoactive substances and medicines.
2.7 Procedures for:
2.7.1 complying with safety directives;
2.7.2 reaction to safety problems; and
2.7.3 handling of safety recommendations issued by Safety Investigation Authorities.
2.8 A description of the method and procedures for recording aircraft movements, including movement and aircraft type, dates, and number of passengers.
3. Required aerodrome personnel qualifications (see GM1 ADR.OR.D.015(d)). Moreover, procedures related to:
3.1 the training programme, including the following:
3.1.1 responsibilities, frequencies, syllabi, duration of each type of training, method for delivery of training and competency assessment, minimum performance to be achieved by the trainees, and the identified training standards for all personnel involved in the operation, rescue and firefighting maintenance and management of the aerodrome, and those persons operating unescorted on the movement area and other operational areas of the aerodrome.
3.1.2 procedures:
3.1.2.1 for training and competency assessment of the trainees;
3.1.2.2 to be applied in the event that personnel do not achieve the required standards.
3.1.3 description of documentation to be stored and storage periods.
3.2 the proficiency check programme, including responsibilities and frequencies of proficiency checks;
3.2.1 checking methods and procedures.
3.2.2 procedures to be applied in the event that personnel do not achieve the required standards.
3.2.3 the validation process to measure the effectiveness of the programme.
3.2.4 description of documentation to be stored and storage periods.
C. PART C — PARTICULARS OF THE AERODROME SITE
4. A description of the aerodrome site including in particular, the following information:
4.1 a plan showing the distance of the aerodrome from the nearest city, town, or other populous area;
4.2 detailed maps and charts of the aerodrome showing the aerodrome’s location (longitude and latitude) and boundaries, major facilities, aerodrome reference point, layout of runways, taxiways and aprons, aerodrome visual and non-visual aids, and wind direction indicators;
4.3 a plan showing the location of any aerodrome facilities and equipment outside the boundaries of the aerodrome;
4.4 description of the physical characteristics of the aerodrome, elevations, visual and non-visual aids, as well as the information regarding the aerodrome reference temperature, strength of pavements, rescue and firefighting level of protection, ground aids and main obstacles;
4.5 description of any cases of exemptions or derogations, equivalent level of safety, special conditions, and operating limitations; and
4.6 description of the types of operations that the aerodrome is approved to conduct.
D. PART D — PARTICULARS OF THE AERODROME REQUIRED TO BE REPORTED TO THE AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION SERVICE
5. The aeronautical information services available and the procedures for the promulgation of general information, including the following:
5.1 the name of the aerodrome;
5.2 the location of the aerodrome;
5.3 the geographical coordinates of the aerodrome reference point determined in terms of the World Geodetic System — 1984 (WGS-84) reference datum;
5.4 the aerodrome elevation and geoid undulation;
5.5 the elevation of each threshold and geoid undulation, the elevation of the runway end, and any significant high and low points along the runway, and the highest elevation of the touchdown zone of a precision approach runway;
5.6 the aerodrome reference temperature;
5.7 details of the aerodrome beacon; and
5.8 the name of the aerodrome operator and contact details (including telephone numbers) of the aerodrome operator at which may be contacted at all times.
6. Aerodrome dimensions and related information, inducing the following:
6.1 runway — true bearing, designation number, length, width, displaced threshold location, slope, surface type, type of runway and, for a precision approach runway, the existence of an obstacle free zone;
6.2 length, width and surface type of strip, runway end safety areas, stopways; length, width and surface type of taxiways; apron surface type and aircraft stands; clearway length and ground profile;
6.3 visual aids for approach procedures, approach lighting type and visual approach slope indicator system; marking and lighting of runways, taxiways, and aprons; other visual guidance and control aids on taxiways and aprons, location and type of visual docking guidance system; availability of standby power for lighting;
6.4 the location and radio frequency of VOR aerodrome checkpoints;
6.5 the location and designation of standard taxi routes;
6.6 the geographical coordinates of each threshold, appropriate taxiway centre line points, and aircraft stands;
6.7 the geographical coordinates, and the top elevation of significant obstacles in the approach and take-off areas, in the circling area and in the surroundings of the aerodrome (in the form of charts);
6.8 pavement surface type and bearing strength using the Aircraft Classification Number — Pavement Classification Number (ACN-PCN) method;
6.9 pre-flight altimeter check locations established and their elevation;
6.10 declared distances;
6.11 contact details (telephone/telex/fax numbers and e-mail address) of the aerodrome coordinator for the removal of disabled aircraft, and information on the capability to remove disabled aircraft, expressed in terms of the largest aircraft type;
6.12 rescue and firefighting level of protection; types and amounts of extinguishing agents normally available at the aerodrome; and
6.13 exemptions or derogations from the applicable requirements, cases of equivalent level of safety, special conditions, and limitations.
E. PART E — PARTICULARS OF OPERATING PROCEDURES OF THE AERODROME, ITS EQUIPMENT, AND SAFETY MEASURES
7. Aerodrome reporting, including:
7.1 arrangements and procedures for reporting changes to the aerodrome information set out in the AIP and requesting the issue of NOTAM, including reporting changes to the Competent Authority and recording of the reporting of changes;
7.2 procedures and frequencies for aeronautical data surveying, including areas to be surveyed.
8. Procedures for accessing the aerodrome movement area, including:
8.1 coordination with the security agencies;
8.2 prevention of unauthorised entry into the movement area;
9. Procedures for the inspection, assessment and reporting of the condition of the aerodrome movement area and other operational areas and facilities, (including runway surface friction characteristics assessments and water-depth measurements), including:
9.1 arrangements and means of communicating with the air traffic services unit during inspections;
9.2 inspection checklists, logbook, and record-keeping; and
9.3 inspection intervals and times; reporting results and follow-up actions.
10. Procedures for the inspection, and routine and emergency maintenance of visual and non-visual aids, as appropriate, and the aerodrome electrical systems, including:
10.1 inspection checklists, logbook, and record keeping; and
10.2 inspection intervals and times; reporting results and follow-up actions.
11. Operating, maintenance and repair instructions, servicing information, troubleshooting and inspection procedures of aerodrome equipment.
12. Procedures for:
12.1 maintenance of the movement area, including paved areas; unpaved runways and taxiways; runways and runway strips and aerodrome drainage;
12.2 overload operations.
13. Procedures for aerodrome works, including:
13.1 coordinating, planning, and carrying out construction and maintenance work; and
13.2 arrangements and means of communicating with air traffic services unit during the progress of such work.
14. Procedures for apron management, including:
14.1 transfer of the aircraft between air traffic services unit, and the apron management unit;
14.2 allocation of aircraft parking positions;
14.3 engine start and aircraft push-back; and
14.4 marshalling and ‘follow-me’ service.
15. Procedures for apron safety management, including:
15.1 protection from jet blasts and downwash;
15.2 enforcement of safety precautions during aircraft refuelling operations;
15.3 FOD prevention, including apron cleaning/sweeping;
15.4 monitoring compliance of personnel on the apron with safety procedures; and
15.5 escorting, controlling and protecting passengers on the apron, from vehicular traffic and operating aircraft, use of predetermined routes, and avoiding interference with stationary aircraft ground servicing activities.
16. Procedures for the control and limitation of the number of vehicles operating on the movement area, issuance of authorisations and temporary permits of vehicles operating on or in the vicinity of the movement area, including driver’s obligations, traffic rules, right of way, speed limits, and procedures for issuing driving authorisations and permits, and enforcement procedures. Procedures for escorting vehicles occasionally used in areas where radio and transponder or equivalent is required, as well as for vehicles temporarily permitted to operate on the movement area. Procedures and responsibilities for establishing and monitoring the implementation of the maintenance programme for vehicles operating on the movement area and other operating areas.
17. Procedures for wildlife hazard management, including assessing wildlife hazards and arrangements for implementation of the wildlife control programme, and promulgation of the relevant information to the AIS; wildlife strike form.
18. Procedures for:
18.1 obstacle control and monitoring within and outside of the aerodrome boundaries, and notification to the Competent Authority, of the nature and location of obstacles, and any subsequent addition, or removal of obstacles for action as necessary, including amendment of the AIS publications; and
18.2 monitoring and mitigating hazards related to human activities and land use, on the aerodrome and its surroundings.
Relevant inspection checklists, logbook, and record keeping; inspection intervals and times; reporting results and follow-up actions.
19. Aerodrome emergency plan including:
19.1 dealing with emergencies at the aerodrome or in its surroundings;
19.2 tests for aerodrome facilities and equipment to be used in emergencies, including their frequency; and
19.3 exercises to test emergency plans, including their frequency.
20. Rescue and firefighting, including description of facilities, equipment, personnel and procedures for meeting the firefighting requirements.
21. Removal plan of disabled aircraft, including relevant arrangements, equipment, and procedures for its implementation.
22. Procedures for ensuring the safe handling and storage of fuel and dangerous goods in the aerodrome, including:
22.1 equipment, storage areas, delivery, dispensing, handling, and safety measures;
22.2 quality and correct specification of aviation fuel; audit and inspection intervals, checklists, sampling and record keeping.
23. Low visibility operations: description of operational procedures, including coordination with air traffic services unit and apron management unit, standard taxiing routes, control of activities, and measurement and reporting of runway visual range.
24. Procedures for winter operations, including snow removal plan and procedures for its implementation as well as description of the available means and relevant arrangements.
25. Procedures for operations in adverse weather conditions.
26. Procedures for night operations.
27. Procedures for the protection of radar and other navigational aids, control of activities, and ground maintenance in the vicinity of these installations.
28. Procedures for the operation of aircraft with higher code letter at the aerodrome, including taxiing routes.
29. Procedures and measures for the prevention of fire at the aerodrome.
30. Communication procedures, including: frequencies; language and phraseology to be used when communicating with the air traffic services; vehicle call signs; communication signals to be used in case of radio communication failure; communication via the air traffic services provider; and dissemination of significant information.
31. Aircraft towing procedures, including: designated routes to be used; lights to be displayed by aircraft; communication procedures; guidance to be provided; measures for ensuring safety of towing operation in adverse weather conditions, including visibility and weather phenomena in which towing is limited or not permitted.
32. Procedures for the handover of activities between aerodrome personnel, including description of the system for the provision of operational information to other organisations operating at the aerodrome.
(b) All procedures contained in the aerodrome manual should include and clearly define the roles, responsibilities, and contact details of responsible aerodrome personnel, other persons or organisations, including the contracted ones, including the Competent Authority and other state agencies involved, as appropriate, and take into account the need for establishing direct communication during non-working hours.
GM2 ADR.OR.E.005 Aerodrome manual
ED Decision 2014/012/R
CONTENTS
The numbering system described in AMC3 ADR.OR.E.005 should be maintained even if there are sections that, because of the nature of the aerodrome or the types of operation, are not applicable.
GM1 ADR.OR.E.005(j) Aerodrome manual
ED Decision 2014/012/R
HUMAN FACTORS PRINCIPLES
Guidance material on the application of human factors principles may be found in the ICAO Human Factors Training Manual (Doc 9683).
ADR.OR.E.010 Documentation requirements
Regulation (EU) No 139/2014
(a) The aerodrome operator shall ensure the availability of any other documentation required and associated amendments.
(b) The aerodrome operator shall be capable of distributing operational instructions and other information without delay.