These Decisions establish acceptable means of compliance (AMC) and guidance material (GM) to support the implementation of the new EU safety regulations on ground handling (GH) at aerodromes subject to the Treaties of the European Union.
The AMC and GM provide further details on the development and implementation of a management system for GH organisations, proportional to the size and complexity of the operation, covering the management of safety, safety culture, training requirements for GH personnel, a maintenance programme for the ground support equipment used to provide GH services and general operational requirements for the provision of GH services. Means of compliance are provided to establish criteria for reliable industry standards to be used in the GH domain, thus acknowledging their widespread use in the industry.
These Decisions also include AMC and GM to the requirements on oversight by competent authorities of GH services and the organisations providing them. A particular focus is cooperative oversight, which becomes a crucial element of overseeing pan-European GH organisations efficiently.
The Decisions are expected to support the implementation of better safety risk management of GH activities, consistent training of GH personnel and their continued competence, the implementation of a maintenance programme for ground support equipment, the better exchange of safety information among the stakeholders involved in GH activities and oversight of organisations providing GH services, with the ultimate effect of improving overall flight safety, harmonising operational procedures and facilitating the smooth adoption of new and green technologies.
