Keeping staff in his sector is a constant problem and is contributing to a loss of experience in the workforce. This impacts workplace culture and behaviour.
With more third-party ground handlers at major airports, communicating safety issues and risks has been challenging.
Ground operations include all ground-based tasks other than:
- engineering
- passenger handling
- aircraft loading
- catering
- freight.
What can aerodrome operators and airlines do?
Apron safety is the joint responsibility of all parties who operate on and in the vicinity of the apron environment. As the operator of the overall facility, the aerodromes’ SMS should consider risks to the aerodrome operations. This should include consequential risk to aircraft operations, and other hazards to those working on the apron, which includes ground handling activities.
Airline operators (the AOC holder) are responsible for oversight of ground handlers. This might be through their internal Ground Handling Agent (GHA) or a contracted GHA through a third party. See CASR 119.190 – Safety management system requirements.
Some airlines have also adopted Line Operational Safety Audits (LOSA) to help find hazards and threats. They help identify the controls, procedures, training, and education needed to reduce errors.
All apron users and other stakeholders should have input of the apron safety framework. This includes:
- the development
- implementation
- maintenance.
Operators should be provided with the Apron Operating Procedures (AOP's) and safety instructions.
Along with surveillance, both aerodrome and airline operators highlighted the need for regular local ramp and airside safety committees. These meetings are a good way to engage ground handlers and all parties involved in the turnaround of an aircraft. These include:
- airlines (including international operator representatives)
- handling agents
- aircraft cleaning companies
- aircraft catering companies
- refuelling companies
- government agencies
- air traffic control.
Local ramp and airside safety groups are consultative. Their purpose is to enhance airside safety through the sharing of relevant information promoting a positive safety culture. Their purpose is to improve airside safety by sharing important information and promoting a positive safety culture. Frequent meetings can:
- disseminate safety information
- raise safety reporting trends (including seasonal hazards)
- monitor assurance
- discuss any training, qualification or performance standards
- document any new risks and review untreated risks with relevant parties.
These safety meetings should then report into both the:
- broader Safety Management committees held by aerodromes
- airline operators as part of their SMS requirements.
Aerodromes also suggested aligning any safety messaging with safety week activities. This would make sure there are common safety themes and educational messages addressing any issues.
The larger aeroplane SSRP identified the management of third-party contractors. We need specific recommended practices in place to ensure that third-party contractors can safely support operations.
Communication Safety Notices can complement the more formal committees. These can highlight relevant airside risks, issues and changes to procedures for workers.
What are we doing and already delivered?
The standard set by ICAO is for the oversight of the regulations and accountability for ground handling through the AOC holder.
Advisory circulars
Advisory circular AC 119-01 helps organisations meet Part 119 of CASR requirements. It also provides examples of SMS processes. Examples include management of third-party contractors suitable for organisations operating under SMS processes:
Advisory circular AC 139.C-27 provides guidance on developing a risk management plan. We encourage operators to have an RMP, even if they don’t need it:
Advisory circular AC 139-16 outlines the ICAO SMS Framework. This helps certified aerodrome operators develop and implement an SMS:
Advisory circular AC 139.C-13 provides guidance to aerodrome operators in effective apron safety management.
This includes apron discipline, ground vehicle movements and other critical aerodrome functions. This helps to maintain standards, enhance safety and minimise risk.
Advisory circular AC 139.C-14 - Airside vehicle control provides guidance to efficiently manage airside vehicle operations at all aerodromes:
Advisory circular AC 119-12 provides guidance on how training should include specific HF and NTS competencies. These will help minimise safety concerns identified through the operator’s safety management system e.g. hazard identification or assurance monitoring activities:
Safety management systems (SMS)
Aerodromes in this sector typically need a safety management system or risk management plans. Our SMS for aerodromes page provides guidance on the relevant SMS tools and templates. It will help you to create one, including the SMS resource kit.
CASR Parts
CASR Part 139 MOS Chapter 25 Safety management systems, includes a provision for third party interfaces. This requires procedures to make sure that any third parties’ activities do not compromise aviation safety. All safety critical information from the aerodrome’s SMS conveys to relevant third parties.
Part 119 of CASR Appendix E – training and checking all operational safety critical personnel in the functions of their role (technical skills). This includes Human Factors and Non-Technical Skills training.
Refer to our Ground operations page for further updates and guidance.