EASA Compliant Aerodrome Compliance Monitoring and Audit Scheduling

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com reviews the key features of the Aerodrome Compliance Monitoring System

Introduction

Regulatory Framework and Compliance Monitoring:

• As per AMC1 ADR.OR.F.045(b)(10) Management system outlined in ED Decision 2020/021/R, compliance monitoring is a critical component of the aerodrome's Safety Management System (SMS). This involves systematic processes to ensure that all operational and safety requirements are being met consistently.

• The compliance monitoring system must include defined audit schedules and periodic review cycles for each audited area, ensuring that all significant aspects of airside operations are regularly reviewed and evaluated.

Audit Scheduling and Review Cycles:

• Defined Audit Schedules: EASA regulations require that each audited area within the aerodrome undergo a scheduled audit within a specified period.

>> These schedules must cover all key processes, procedures, and operations essential for maintaining safety and compliance.

• Periodic Review Cycles: The periodic review cycle ensures that audits are conducted systematically, taking into account both regular intervals and the outcomes of previous audits.

>> This helps maintain ongoing compliance with EASA regulations.

• Unscheduled Audits: In cases where non-compliance trends are identified, unscheduled audits should be conducted to address emerging risks.

>> This proactive approach helps in mitigating safety risks before they escalate.

• Follow-up Audits and Corrective Actions:

>> After an initial audit identifies non-compliance, follow-up audits must be scheduled to verify that the corrective actions have been effectively implemented.

>> This ensures that all issues are fully resolved and that the aerodrome’s operations remain compliant with the relevant regulations.

>> The follow-up process should be in line with the policies and procedures specified in the aerodrome manual, ensuring a structured approach to resolving any identified issues.

First 12-Month Audit Requirement:

• According to AMC1 ADR.OR.F.045(b)(10), the management system’s key processes, procedures, and the operations of the organisation responsible for the provision of Aerodrome Management Services (AMS) must be audited within the first 12 months from the date on which the declaration was first registered.

>> This initial audit is crucial for establishing a baseline of compliance and identifying any immediate areas for improvement.

Ongoing Compliance Monitoring:

• After the initial 12-month audit, the organisation must adapt its audit schedule based on the results of safety (risk) assessments and past compliance-monitoring activities.

>> This ensures that the audit frequency is tailored to the actual risk profile of the aerodrome and its operations.

• The audit schedule can be extended up to 36 months if the organisation has a strong record of compliance, meaning no level 1 findings (the most severe) and timely resolution of any findings. This extension must be coordinated with the relevant Competent Authority, ensuring that the oversight planning cycle remains consistent with the aerodrome’s risk profile and operational needs.

Coordination with Competent Authorities:

• The audit schedules, including any extensions, must be coordinated with the Competent Authority overseeing the aerodrome.

>> This ensures that the authority’s oversight is aligned with the aerodrome’s internal compliance monitoring, contributing to a cohesive approach to maintaining safety standards.

>> The coordination process also helps in ensuring that the aerodrome’s SMS is operating effectively and that all safety risks are being managed according to both regulatory requirements and best practices.

Conclusion:

The integration of AMC1 ADR.OR.F.045(b)(10) requirements into the management of airside safety audits and inspections at European aerodromes underscores the importance of structured, periodic, and adaptive audit processes.

• By adhering to these guidelines, aerodromes can ensure that their operations not only comply with EASA regulations but also continuously improve based on real-world safety data and past audit results.

>> This approach helps in maintaining a high level of safety and operational efficiency, essential for the complex and dynamic environment of airside operations.

Next Steps

Sofema Aviation Services Provides Regulatory Training covering Airside Safety. For questions and comments, please email [email protected].

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