Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 and Its Application for Safety in Aerodromes

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key aspects of Aerodrome Safety Driven by Regulation EU 139 / 2014

Introduction

Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 forms the core of the European Union’s framework governing aerodrome safety and operations. This regulation, established by the European Parliament and the Council, lays down requirements for the design, operation, and maintenance of aerodromes to ensure a high level of safety across the European aviation sector. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) plays a pivotal role in managing and updating the regulatory framework to align with the latest safety requirements and technological advancements.

The primary objective of Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 is to provide harmonized safety standards across the European Union for aerodromes handling international and domestic air traffic. This regulation aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and facilitates the safe operation of aircraft, passengers, and cargo across EU Member States.

Key Components of Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

1. Certification of Aerodromes
   Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 establishes that all aerodromes that meet specific traffic thresholds or are involved in commercial air transport must obtain a certificate. This certification process ensures that the aerodrome complies with design and operational standards, including infrastructure, emergency services, and environmental protection. Certification also entails continuous compliance with the applicable standards and regular inspections to ensure sustained operational safety.
2. Safety Management System (SMS)
   One of the regulation's critical aspects is the mandatory implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS) at all certified aerodromes. The SMS is a proactive approach to identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks. Aerodromes are required to have an SMS in place to manage safety risks systematically, ensuring continuous monitoring, reporting, and improvement of safety performance.
3. Aerodrome Design and Infrastructure Requirements
   The regulation defines specific requirements for the design of aerodrome infrastructure to support safe aircraft operations. This includes runway design, taxiways, aprons, lighting, and signage. Additionally, it covers the safeguarding of aerodrome surroundings to prevent any obstacles that could interfere with aircraft operations, such as tall buildings or wind turbines near flight paths(Easy_Access_Rules_for_A…).
4. Operational Requirements
   Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 outlines the operational procedures that aerodrome operators must follow. This includes procedures for maintaining the condition of runways, taxiways, and other operational surfaces to ensure their safety, as well as procedures for addressing environmental hazards, wildlife management, and snow removal. It also defines requirements for rescue and firefighting services (RFFS), ensuring that aerodromes are prepared to handle emergency situations effectively.
5. Oversight and Compliance
   Competent authorities in each EU Member State are responsible for overseeing aerodrome operations and ensuring compliance with the regulations. This includes conducting regular audits, inspections, and safety assessments. In case of non-compliance, corrective actions are taken, and safety directives may be issued to ensure that any identified risks are mitigated promptly.
6. Coordination with Other Aviation Stakeholders
   The regulation also mandates coordination between aerodromes and other key aviation stakeholders, including air navigation service providers (ANSPs), airlines, and ground handling service providers. This ensures that safety measures are integrated across the aviation system and that information critical to safe operations, such as changes in runway conditions or new safety hazards, is communicated effectively.

Safety Implications of Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

The regulation plays a crucial role in enhancing aerodrome safety by creating a standardized framework applicable across the EU. Some of the key safety implications include:

• Uniform Safety Standards: By establishing a consistent set of safety standards, the regulation ensures that aerodromes across the EU meet the same high level of safety, regardless of the size or location of the aerodrome. This facilitates safer aircraft operations and ensures the protection of passengers, crew, and ground personnel.

• Proactive Risk Management: The implementation of an SMS encourages aerodrome operators to proactively identify and address safety risks before they result in incidents or accidents. This risk-based approach is essential for maintaining operational safety in an environment with growing air traffic and evolving risks.

• Operational Resilience: The regulation ensures that aerodromes are equipped with the necessary infrastructure, personnel, and procedures to handle a wide range of operational challenges, including adverse weather conditions, wildlife hazards, and emergency situations. This operational resilience contributes to minimizing disruptions and enhancing the overall safety of air travel.

Recent Amendments and Updates

Since its implementation, Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 has undergone several revisions to keep pace with industry changes and emerging safety concerns.

• For example, recent amendments introduced new requirements for runway safety, aeronautical data management, and rescue and firefighting services.

>> These updates ensure that aerodrome operators continue to comply with the latest safety standards and are equipped to manage modern safety risks.

• The most recent revision in June 2023 incorporated updates related to information security risks and enhanced coordination with air traffic management (ATM) systems to further improve runway safety.

>> These amendments emphasize the growing need for aerodrome operators to manage cybersecurity risks that could impact the safety of aircraft operations

Summary  - Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 has significantly contributed to improving safety in aerodromes across the European Union. By establishing harmonized safety standards, fostering a proactive safety culture through the SMS, and ensuring compliance with operational requirements, the regulation ensures that aerodromes remain safe environments for aircraft, passengers, and personnel. Regular updates and amendments to the regulation continue to address emerging safety challenges, ensuring that EU aerodromes are well-prepared to handle evolving risks in the aviation industry.

Next Steps

Check this link for the EASA Commission Regulation EU 139/2014 Airports Initial course. For questions and comments, please email [email protected].