ADVISORY CIRCULAR - Department of Defence · Part 139 and the CASA Part 139 (Aerodromes) Manual of Standards 2019 (MOS Part 139), the latest amendment to the DASRs introduces the

BP7839301

v1.0 – 10 April 2020

AC 004/2020 v1.0

Transition to DASR.139 – Aerodromes

ADVISORY CIRCULAR

TRANSITION TO DASR.139 – AERODROMES

AC 004/2020 v1.0 10 April 2020 Page i

An Advisory Circular is issued by the Authority to promulgate important information to the Defence Aviation community, but does not mandate any action. This includes informing the community on aviation safety / airworthiness matters, information that enhances compliance understanding for existing regulation, or policy guidance for aviation issues not yet regulated that requires further understanding.

Audience

This Advisory Circular (AC) is relevant to:

Proposed Aerodrome Operators (AD OPR)

Aerodrome Certificate Applicants

Environmental Commanders

E&IG

Purpose

The purpose of this Advisory Circular (AC) is to provide guidance to all relevant stakeholders on the DASR.139 transition strategy and activities, including, an overview of the processes for achieving Aerodrome Operator (AD OPR) organisational approval and Aerodrome Certification. This AC however, does not cover processes for managing major changes to aerodrome facilities and equipment, nor does it cover the oversight and monitoring activities that will occur once AD OPRs have been approved and Aerodrome Certifications achieved. These areas will be covered separately in future material from DASA.

Further information

For further information on this AC, contact: [email protected]


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Status

This AC will remain current until cancelled by DASA.

Version Date Approved Approved By Details

1.0 10 April 2020 DG DASA Initial release


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Contents

Audience ...................................................................................................................... i

Purpose ........................................................................................................................ i

Further information ..................................................................................................... i

Status ........................................................................................................................... ii

Contents ..................................................................................................................... iii

1 Reference material ............................................................................................. 1

1.1 Acronyms ..................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Definitions .................................................................................................... 3

1.3 References .................................................................................................. 3

1.4 DASR Forms and Templates ....................................................................... 3

2 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4

2.1 Background .................................................................................................. 4

3 Transition to DASR.139 – Aerodromes ............................................................ 7

3.1 Impact to Existing Defence Aerodromes ...................................................... 7

3.2 Planning Period ........................................................................................... 8

3.3 Aerodrome Operator Transition Strategy and Activities ............................. 10

3.4 Aerodrome Certification Transition Strategy and Activities ........................ 11

3.5 Defence Aerodromes with Civilian Agreements ......................................... 15

4 Approvals and DASA Outputs ........................................................................ 17

5 Training and Education ................................................................................... 19

Annex A: DASR.139 Aerodrome Transition Timeline ......................................... 21

A.1 Planning and Transition Milestone Schedule ............................................. 22

Annex B: Aerodrome Operator Organisational Approval under DASR.139 ..... 25

B.1 Aerodrome Operator Introduction .............................................................. 25

B.2 Aerodrome Operator Organisational Approval Process Overview ............. 25

Annex C: Aerodrome Certification under DASR.139-Aerodromes .................... 29

C.1 Aerodrome Certification ............................................................................. 29

C.2 Aerodrome Certificate Process Overview .................................................. 29

Annex D: Non-Compliances to Certification Basis ............................................. 36


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1 Reference material

1.1 Acronyms

The acronyms and abbreviations used in this AC are listed in the table below.

Acronym Description

AAP Australian Air Publication AC Advisory Circular ACDS Aerodrome Certificate Data Sheet ACPA Airworthiness Coordination and Policy Agency AD OPR Aerodrome Operator ADRM Airworthiness Design Requirements Manual AUTHOP Authority to Operate AvSSC Aviation Support Systems Certificate

CB Certification Basis

CASA

CIRCA

Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Certification Issues Risk Controls Approval

CRE Configuration, Role and operating Environment

DAA Defence Aviation Authority

DASA Defence Aviation Safety Authority

DASR Defence Aviation Safety Regulation

EASA European Aviation Safety Authority

ICA Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organisation

MOS Manual of Standards

NPRM Notice of Proposed Rule Making

OSI Operating and Support Intent

QMS Quality Management System

SARP Standards and Recommended Practices

SFARP So Far As is Reasonably Practicable

SMS Safety Management System

SOIU Statement of Operating Intent and Usage

TASRoD Technical Aerodrome Standards - Record of Decision

WH&S Workplace Health and Safety


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1.2 Definitions

Terms that have specific meaning within this AC are defined in the table below.

Term Definition

Aerodrome For the DASR.139 regulations, the terms airport, airfield, airbase, land based or shipborne heliports are all considered appropriate when referring to an aerodrome.

Applicant

(for Aerodrome Certificate)

In the context of applying for an Aerodrome Certificate, the Applicant is any Defence organisation or operator or its representative, which applies for an aerodrome certificate. The Applicant submits the Aerodrome Certificate application on behalf of the AD OPR.

Applicant

(all other DASR.139 activities)

The Applicant is the Aerodrome Operator (AD OPR) or delegate.

1.3 References

1.3.1 BP7583062 DASA Certification Considerations for DASR.139 Certified Aerodromes Minute, - Draft

1.4 DASR Forms and Templates

1.4.1 DASR Forms – To be developed

a. Form TBA – Application for Aerodrome Certificate

b. Form TBA – Application for Aerodrome Operator Organisational Approval

c. Form TBA – Application for Approval of Non-Compliance

1.4.2 DASR Templates – To be developed

a. Aerodrome Certification Basis Template / Example

b. Aerodrome Compliance Declaration and Evidence Record Template

c. Aerodrome Certificate Data Sheet Template

d. Aerodrome Manual Template

Unless specified otherwise, all regulation references in this AC refer to the Defence Aviation Safety Regulation (DASR).


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2 Introduction

2.1 Background

2.1.1 In August 2013, Defence Aviation Authority (Defence AA) acknowledged that the regulation of state aircraft and supporting arrangements relating to Defence aerodromes no longer represented good practice and was not likely to be defensible under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WH&S Act 2011). As a result, in 2016, Defence adopted the Defence Aviation Safety Regulations (DASRs) which are aligned with global conventions in military airworthiness and based on the civilian European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations, with added provisions to support military operational flexibility and organisational structures.

2.1.2 In a similar timeframe and with a focus on aerodromes, in 2014, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and industry recognised that a comprehensive review of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) Part 139 legislative framework for Australian Aerodromes, was necessary to; more closely reflect the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARP) for Annex 14 Aerodromes, re-write existing regulations in an outcome-based format, where appropriate, and provide more clarity and a streamlined regulatory framework for Part 139. As such, Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) 1426AS was released in 2017 to update CASR Part 139 and the subsidiary Manual of Standards (MOS) 139. These updated regulations and standards were released in February 2019 and September 2019 respectively.

2.1.3 The existing aerodrome regulations within the DASRs (DASR Implementing Regulations – Aerodromes) are loosely based on the 2003 CASR Part 139 requirements, and largely on the MILAVREG and OAREG construct of the previous regulations that no longer reflected good practise. In order to better align with contemporary policy within the DASRs and the updated 2019 CASR Part 139 and the CASA Part 139 (Aerodromes) Manual of Standards 2019 (MOS Part 139), the latest amendment to the DASRs introduces the DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations. These regulations incorporate significant changes to the existing set of regulations and bring aerodrome regulations up to a contemporary standard. Table 1 summarises the primary differences between the existing and new aerodrome regulations.

2.1.4 The development of DASR.139 – Aerodromes was supported by a Notice of Proposed DASR Amendment (NPA 02/2019 DASR.139 (Aerodromes)), which was released on 4th July 2019 to inform the wider Defence Aviation community of the proposed revisions. The period of public comment closed on 30th September 2019 after which all comments received were assessed by


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DASA and a formal position was agreed. The updated DASR.139 – Aerodromes will be published 10 April 2020. The period until December 2020 will be utilised to allow detailed transition planning to be completed by both DASA and the regulated community. Formal transition activities will not commence until January 2021.

2.1.5 DASR.139 – Aerodromes aims to strengthen the systems for Defence aerodrome design, operation and oversight while aligning with recognised, contemporary domestic and international good practice.

Table 1 – Major Changes Introduced by DASR.139

Item DASR Implementing Regulations – Aerodromes

DASR.139 – Aerodromes

Alignment to Civil Regulations

Based on CASR Part 139 and subsidiary MOS 139 implemented in 2003.

Based on updated CASR Part 139 and subsidiary MOS 139 updated in 2019

Aerodrome, Shipborne Heliports

Multiple regulations to address aerodromes and shipborne heliports.

(DASA.ADR.Gen, DASR.RFA, DASR.OFA, DASA.DFA, DASR.SAF, DASR.RFF)

Single set of regulations for all aerodromes including airport, airfield, airbase, land based and shipborne heliports.

(139.10 General, Scope)

Aerodrome Categorisation / Classification

Certified, Registered and Unregistered

(RFA.05 – Aerodrome Classification and Categorisation)

Certified and Non Certified

(139.10 General, a.)

Aerodrome Requirements and Baseline Standards

ADRM, Section 5 for land based aerodromes based on MOS 139 (2003)

DEF AUST 5000 Volume 11 for shipborne heliports, based on several baseline standards.

ADRM, Section 6.

Baseline standard:

- Land based aerodromes intended primarily for use by fixed-wing aerodromes: based on MOS139 (2019)

- Land based heliports: based on ICAO Annex 14 Vol II

- Shipborne Heliports: DEF AUST 5000 Volume 11

Certification Criteria/ Considerations

Based on operational capability which includes legacy civil requirements

(GM RFA.05.B – Aerodrome Categorisation (AUS), Clause 8)

Primarily based on operational capability, CASA and EASA certification criteria, taking Defence context into consideration.

(Reference 1.3.1)


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Item DASR Implementing Regulations – Aerodromes

DASR.139 – Aerodromes

Compliance Demonstration

No formal requirement to demonstrate compliance with the Certification Basis.

Formal requirement to demonstrate compliance with Authority-agreed Certification Basis. (DASR.139.80. A)

Aerodrome Operator

No Aerodrome Operator organisational approval.

Environmental Commanders (COMAUSFLT, COMD FORCOMD and ACAUST) accountable for safe aerodrome operations.

Formal organisational approval for Aerodrome Operators.

COMSURF, COMSHORE, DGAVN and CDRCSG are initial considerations for accountable Aerodrome Operators for safe aerodrome operations.

(139.10 General, b)

SMS No formal requirement for aerodrome SMS.

Formal requirement for aerodrome SMS.

(139.60 – Safety Management Systems)

QMS No formal requirement for aerodrome QMS

Formal requirement for aerodrome QMS.

(139.70 – Quality Management System)

Aerodrome Manual

Based on MOS 139 (2003) and did not contain detailed information regarding Certification Basis.

Based on MOS 139 (2019) and contains Certification Basis details including all tailoring and limitations.

2.1.6 The new DASR.139 – Aerodromes seeks to drive Defence organisations to ensure that the design of aerodromes aligns with reputable standards supplemented for the Defence context, so that design requirements make a substantial contribution in meeting WHS obligations relating to aviation safety. With the update of CASR Part 139, CASA MOS Part 139 and other reputable international standards, it was necessary to update the Aerodrome section of AAP 7001.054—Airworthiness Design Requirements Manual (ADRM). The update of the ADRM with a new Section 6 (Aerodromes), released in April 2020, contains Defence-specific design requirements for land based aerodromes intended primarily for use by fixed wing aircraft, land based heliports and shipborne heliports based upon the latest versions of CASA MOS Part 139, ICAO Volume 14 Annex II and DEF(AUST)5000 Vol 11.


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3 Transition to DASR.139 – Aerodromes

3.1 Impact to Existing Defence Aerodromes

3.1.1 The changes introduced by the new regulations (highlighted in Table 1) will have varying impacts on existing Defence aerodromes and their operators.

3.1.2 The majority of these impacts can be related to two significant changes:

Establishment of the AD OPR organisations with Accountable Managers, nominally at the one-star level, and the requirement for these new AD OPRs to have a formal organisational approval issued by the Defence AA.

Requirement for Defence aerodromes to be classified as either ‘Certified’ or ‘Non Certified’. Each certified aerodrome requires an individual aerodrome certificate.

3.1.3 The transition activities for achieving AD OPR organisational approval and Aerodrome Certification are intrinsically linked. The DASR.139 – Aerodromes transition strategy defined below details the transition activities that are to be implemented to work toward DASR.139 – Aerodromes compliance, and shows how the AD OPR and Aerodrome Certification activity interdependencies will be managed during the transition period.

3.1.4 DASR.139 – Aerodromes Transition Timeline. DASA has provided a two-year transition period for AD OPRs to achieve organisational approval and a five-year transition period for Defence aerodromes to achieve a DASR.139 Aerodrome Certificate. These transition periods will start on 1st January 2021, thus providing a nine-month planning period from the release of the DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations and the commencement of the transition periods. The transition plan allows for the proposed AD OPRs to commence transition planning on the release of the new regulations and begin implementation activities and changes in 2021. DASA will provide education and support to progress the applications for AD OPR organisational approval and Aerodrome Certification throughout the transition timelines.

3.1.5 The final date an application may be made to DASA is 30th September 2022 for AD OPR organisational approval, and 30th June 2025 for an Aerodrome Certificate. This will allow DASA sufficient time to process and approve the applications. The DASR.139 – Aerodromes transition timeline is illustrated in Annex A: Figure 1, with further information relating to the DASA planning and transition milestone schedule included in this Annex.

3.1.6 The transition strategy and activities described in this AC are only applicable to existing Defence aerodromes. All new aerodromes are required to comply


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with DASR.139 – Aerodromes from the outset. It is noted that for shipborne heliports that are within their design and development phase and have not yet been certified; accordingly, the AD OPRs are to consult with DASA to either complete the certification program as per current arrangements and then transition to DASR.139 – Aerodromes or change the certification program to align with DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations as soon as possible.

3.2 Planning Period

3.2.1 To support community expectations and enable a clear understanding of the DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations and compliance obligations, a period of approximately nine months (April to December 2020) is provided for the DASA and stakeholders to gain a detailed understanding of the regulations and Authority expectations and then conduct detailed planning of transition. During the planning period all current arrangements for Defence aerodromes remain in place.

3.2.2 DASA activities in the planning phase. During the planning phase the DASA will be completing the following activities to support the implementation of the new regulations:

3.2.2.1 DASA Transition Plan – the DASA has developed an Authority DASR.139 Transition Plan for managing the Authority functions and resources for DASR.139 Transition. The plan will be updated at the end of the planning phase to reflect the support the community requires after stakeholder planning has occurred and is understood.

3.2.2.2 Stakeholder engagement – shortly after the regulations are released the DASA will provide briefings to Command to explain the intent of the regulations and the expectations of the DASA through transition and achieving AD OPR approval and Aerodrome Certification.

3.2.2.3 Assistance – the DASA will provide support to the aerodrome community through liaison, meeting attendance and responding to issues to help the community plan for transition as required.

3.2.2.4 Promotional Material – the DASA will develop and deliver promotional material (i.e., primarily through factsheets, an aerodrome section on the DASA website and short briefing material) to support further understanding of the DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations and supporting mechanisms.

3.2.2.5 Formal Education – the DASA will finalise formal courses for Aerodrome Operator and Supporting Staff Course and Aerodrome Certification Practitioner Course and will look to start delivery in August 2020.


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3.2.2.6 Products and Artefacts – the DASA will develop internal instructions and procedures to formalise and implement the authority functions required under the regulations and develop templates and forms to be used by the community.

3.2.2.7 AAP 7001.054—Airworthiness Design Requirements Manual (ADRM), Section 6—Aerodromes – the DASA has released an update to Section 6 (replacing Section 5 Chapter 8) of the ADRM to contain Aerodrome design requirements for Aerodromes primarily used for fixed wing operations, land-based heliports and shipborne heliports.

3.2.2.8 Certified Aerodrome Determinations – the DASA will develop, consult and release aerodrome certification considerations for establishing those Defence aerodromes requiring certification. Reference 1.3.1 details these considerations and provides a proposed list of Defence aerodromes and shipborne heliports that DASA has determined will require certification. Reference 1.3.1 provides the Authority, working with the Environmental Commanders, a period of two months to determine the classification status of all Defence aerodromes. Feedback on the certification considerations is also encouraged during this period to support the classification determinations.

3.2.2.9 Trial Sites – the DASA will work with stakeholders to identify three trial sites for initial DASR.139 implementation that are an appropriate representation of the different types of aerodromes and their facilities (i.e., consideration of an aerodrome for predominantly fixed-wing operations, a land-based heliport, a joint user facility or aerodrome with civilian lodgings). Trials will be conducted to exercise implementation plans and constructs and test DASA instructions, procedures, templates and forms with a view to identify necessary improvements.

3.2.3 Aerodrome Community activities in the planning phase. During the planning phase the Aerodrome Community will be expected to complete the following activities to support the implementation of the new regulations:

3.2.3.1 Environmental Commanders nominate Aerodrome Operators and appoint an Accountable Manager for each organisation.

3.2.3.2 Development of an implementation planning and control construct.

3.2.3.3 Development of Environmental Command implementations plans and schedules.

3.2.3.4 Provide comment on aerodrome certification and Aerodrome Operator considerations and authority proposed Defence aerodromes requiring certification.


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3.2.3.5 In consultation with the DASA select aerodrome sites for DASR.139 implementation trials (as per para 3.2.2.9).

3.2.3.6 Attend DASA aerodrome training course and utilise promotional material to raise awareness and understanding of DASR.139 regulations.

3.2.3.7 Develop initiatives to drive the cultural change required within the regulated community for aerodrome management IAW DASR.139.

3.3 Aerodrome Operator Transition Strategy and Activities

3.3.1 In the transition to DASR.139 – Aerodromes, the Environmental Commanders (COMAUSFLT, COMD FORCOMD and ACAUST) will determine which of their organisations will become AD OPRs under DASR.139 – Aerodromes and appoint an Accountable Manager. To support the Aerodrome Operators in transition the two-year transition period is divided into two phases that are outlined in this section. These phases describe the process for achieving AD OPR approval and the support DASA will provide during each phase.

3.3.2 Phase 1: Commencement Phase – AD OPR Status at 1st January 2021.

3.3.2.1 On the 1st January 2021, at the beginning of the implementation period, current arrangements for the operation and management of Defence aerodromes will remain in place. Environmental Commanders remain responsible for the safe operation of aerodromes using existing facilities, equipment, enabling and support organisations, orders, instructions and publications (OIP) arrangements, limitations and conditions. Environmental Commanders are expected to continue to follow a risk-based approach to ensure the continual safe flight operations at Defence aerodromes, and maintain any OIP and instruments until DASR.139 – Aerodromes compliant artefacts replace them.

3.3.2.2 During this phase, the DASA will work with the nominated AD OPRs and provide assistance with enacting the implementation plans which may include reviewing draft documentation and providing maturity assessments where applicable.

3.3.3 Phase 2: Implementation – AD OPR Organisational Approval Activities during Transition Period.

3.3.3.1 AD OPRs will be required to prepare and establish systems, structures and arrangements as necessary to comply with DASR.139 – Aerodromes requirements IAW implementation plans. Once the arrangements are sufficiently mature, consultation with DASA should occur to allow DASA informal review. The AD OPRs are to finalise necessary artefacts and submit a Compliance Statement to DASA, who will then conduct a formal review


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and award successful applicants an organisational approval. Further detail of the Aerodrome Operator Approval Process can be found in Annex B.

3.3.3.2 The AD OPR organisational approval process will recognise the certified aerodromes that each AD OPR is accountable for. Therefore, the AD OPR organisational approval may be awarded over several stages depending on the certification status of each aerodrome under the AD OPRs remit. Where the AD OPR is accountable for several aerodromes, the organisational approval must be updated with the progressive issue of DASR.139 Aerodrome Certificates.

3.3.3.3 Stage 1: Where AD OPR organisational approval is achieved prior to Aerodrome Certification, the AD OPR organisational approval will transfer accountability from the Environmental Commanders to the designated AD OPRs. The designated AD OPRs are required to ensure safe flight operations at the aerodrome using the existing aerodrome facilities, equipment, arrangements, limitations and conditions in place under DASR Implementing Regulations – Aerodromes. The AD OPRs are required to continue to follow a risk-based approach to ensure the continual safe operation of the aerodrome.

3.3.3.4 Stage 2: Once Aerodrome Certification is achieved at each aerodrome, AD OPRs will be required to comply with all DASR.139 – Aerodromes obligations for the certified aerodrome.

Note: if Aerodrome Certification is achieved prior to AD OPR organisational approval, the AD OPR will be required to fully comply with all DASR.139 obligations from the outset for the certified aerodromes.

3.3.3.5 DASA will support AD OPRs during this phase through the expansion of promotional material, responding to queries from the community and delivery of the DASR.139 Aerodrome Operator Supporting Staff Course (PMKeyS code 217300) as well as assessing AD OPRs Compliance Statements providing feedback and awarding approvals to successful applicants.

3.4 Aerodrome Certification Transition Strategy and Activities

3.4.1 To set the context for aerodrome certification transition, the primary aspects of the extant aerodrome management environment is summarised. Under the current DASR Implementing Regulations – Aerodromes, DASR.RFA.05 states that Defence aerodromes are categorised as ‘certified’, ‘registered’ or ‘unregistered’ whilst DASR.SAF.05 requires Ship Aviation Facilities (SAF) to have a SAF Certificate. In terms of design of the aerodromes and shipborne heliports, DASR.DFA includes specific tailored requirements for military contexts and references several standards including CASA MOS Part 139


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(2003). Under these extant regulations there is no formal requirement to demonstrate and maintain compliance to a CB.

3.4.2 DASR.139 introduces a two-tier classification for Defence aerodromes; ‘Certified’ or ‘Non Certified’. The classification of Defence aerodromes as ‘Certified’ or ‘Non Certified’ will be determined by the Authority, based on a set of defined certification considerations, and in consultation with the Environmental Commanders and other relevant stakeholders.

3.4.3 Those aerodromes agreed as requiring certification, must apply for an Aerodrome Certificate. To be issued an Aerodrome Certificate by the Authority, the applicant must define an Authority-agreed CB, demonstrate and declare that the design and construction of the aerodrome complies with the agreed CB, implement arrangements to support continued aerodrome compliance with the agreed CB, and provide evidence of arrangements to support continuing safe operation of the aerodrome. Details of this process are provided in Annex C: Aerodrome Certification under DASR.139-Aerodromes.

3.4.4 Aerodrome Certification. A DASA issued Aerodrome Certificate is recognition from the Authority that the aerodromes design, facilities and equipment comply with the agreed Certification Basis and that the appropriate operational and maintenance procedures are in place to assure the Authority of safe flight operations at the Aerodrome IAW DASR.139.80 regulations. While the applicant must present changes to the design or construction of a certified aerodrome, that have an appreciable effect on the safety of flight operations, to the Authority, this process will be covered in future material released by DASA.

3.4.5 The five-year transition period provided allows Defence aerodromes the time to transition whist maintaining existing operations. The transition period takes into account that the level of effort to comply with DASR.139 – Aerodromes may vary from aerodrome to aerodrome, depending on aspects such as an aerodromes age, an aerodrome’s previous categorisation (i.e. ‘Certified’, ‘Registered’ or ‘Unregistered’ under DASR Implementing Regulations – Aerodromes, DASR.RFA.05) and the existence of design data and other evidence. The planning phase described within section 3.2 will develop implementation plans that take into consideration the variances across aerodromes.

3.4.6 The transition timeline for aerodrome certification is divided into several phases. The following paragraphs describe each of these transition phases for achieving aerodrome certification, and the support that DASA will provide at each phase.

3.4.7 Phase 1: Certification Commencement Phase.


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3.4.7.1 At the commencement of the transition period, the Defence aerodromes agreed as requiring certification will maintain their existing status until such time that a DASR.139 Aerodrome Certificate is achieved. That is, extant facilities, equipment, arrangements, limitations and conditions that are in place under the existing aerodrome categorisation (as per DASR.RFA.05 and DASR.SAF.05) are considered valid and must be maintained so that Environmental Commanders (or AD OPRs once approved) meet their obligation to support safe flight operations. The Environmental Commanders (or AD OPRs once approved) are expected to continue to follow a risk-based approach to ensure the continual safe flight operations at Defence aerodromes.

3.4.7.2 The DASA will work with the aerodrome community to begin certification activities on identified trial sites in order to exercise the implementation plans, products and processes. The activities will occur as per the following phases, but results from trial sites successes and issues will be used to update plans, products and processes. As various phases of the trial sites activities have been completed (e.g., on completion of CB approvals) and lessons rolled into plans, products and process the services can complete the same activities on the remaining aerodromes IAW implementation plans.

3.4.8 Phase 2: Certification Basis Development and Approval.

3.4.8.1 Once it is established that an aerodrome will be classified as a Defence Certified Aerodrome, Applicants for an Aerodrome Certificate will need to complete the required certification activities (See Annex C: Aerodrome Certification under DASR.139-Aerodromes).

3.4.8.2 Aerodrome Certification. The first step of the certification process is developing an aerodrome Certification Basis (CB) and gaining Authority approval of the CB. An aerodrome CB is an agreed set of design requirements that an aerodrome must be compliant with in order to be issued an Aerodrome Certificate. Annex C Section C.2.4 provides further detail on the process for defining the CB, including tailoring of requirements to meet each aerodrome’s unique Configuration, Role and operating Environment (CRE), Statement of Operating Intent and Usage (SOIU) or Operating and Support intent (OSI). Whilst a formal SOIU or OSI is not required by DASR.139, document(s) should exist that capture sufficient detail as to develop the certification basis from the baseline standard in the ADRM.

3.4.8.3 Engineering Changes to an Aerodrome Prior to Authority Approval of a CB. DASA acknowledges that there are aerodrome engineering changes that are either currently being planned or in work, prior to Authority approval of a CB. Where engineering changes are already underway and variations to the design will result in significant cost and schedule impacts, works are to


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proceed as planned. However, where engineering changes are in the early planning phase and variations can be made without significant impact to cost and schedule, the responsible organisation is expected to use the recognised standards (e.g. ADRM 7001.054, Section 6) as the basis for the engineering design. This is also applicable for engineering changes that begin after the DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations come into effect, but prior to CB establishment or aerodrome certification. This will support the compliance demonstration activities required to gain an Aerodrome Certificate.

3.4.8.4 Design Non-Compliances Prior to Authority Approval of a CB. Prior to Authority Approval of a CB, any departures, supplementations or augmentations to the current design standards are to be managed IAW existing non-compliance management systems and processes (e.g. Technical Aerodrome Standards – Record of Decisions (TASRoDs)). TASRoDs or equivalent documentation issued to address non-compliances to current design standards will be used to assess non-compliances once an Authority-agreed CB has been achieved. Once the Authority has approved a CB for an aerodrome, any non-compliances to the Authority agreed CB are to follow the Certification Issues Risk Controls Approval (CIRCA) process documented in Annex D: Non-Compliances to Certification Basis.

3.4.8.5 The Authority will support the Applicant in the development of the CB by providing a detailed education program and the necessary forms, and templates needed to aid in this process. The education program will provide further clarification on how the CB should be developed and how the CB can be tailored. Promotional material supporting these processes will also be made available to the applicant. DASA will support working groups at various times throughout the planning and transition period to provide applicants with an avenue to further discuss any concerns and develop detailed understanding of the regulations and DASAs expectations. DASA will review mature drafts if requested by the applicant to support the achievement of suitable CBs. Once the CB has been developed and submitted to the Authority, the Authority will review and then approve the CB (or communicate to the applicant why approval could not be provided).

3.4.9 Phase 3: Compliance Demonstration and Supporting Arrangements for Continued Compliance with CB and Continuing Safe Flight Operations

3.4.9.1 Once the Authority has agreed to a CB, the Applicant for the Aerodrome Certificate is to collate the evidence required to demonstrate compliance with the agreed CB. Annex C Section C.2.5 provides further detail on what constitutes evidence and how compliance demonstration evidence is to be recorded.


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3.4.9.2 This phase of transition also requires the Applicant to implement arrangements to support continued aerodrome compliance with the agreed CB and continuing safe operations of the aerodrome. The Applicant is required to provide evidence of these arrangements as part of their application for an aerodrome certificate. Annex C Section C.2.7 and Section C.2.8 provides further guidance on implementing and providing evidence of the supporting arrangements for continued CB compliance and continuing safe operations of the aerodromes, respectively.

3.4.9.3 As is the case with the previous phase the Authority will support the compliance demonstration process by developing a template, promotional material, education, liaison, workshops as applicable, and review mature drafts of artefacts and products.

3.4.10 Phase 4: Aerodrome Certificate Application Submission, Authority Review and Issue of Aerodrome Certificate.

3.4.10.1 The final phase of certification transition involves the applicant submitting an application for an Aerodrome Certificate, the Authority reviewing the application and issuing an Aerodrome Certificate if the application is successful. Annex C: Section C.2.6 and C.2.9 provide further detail on the Aerodrome Certificate application process. At the conclusion of the transition period, all aerodromes agreed as requiring certification are required to have achieved Aerodrome Certification IAW DASR.139.

3.4.10.2 The Authority will review the Aerodrome Certificate application, including the supporting evidence (on a non-exhaustive basis), within a reasonable timeframe and provide progressive updates to the applicant throughout the review process. If the application is rejected, the Authority will provide the applicant with an explanation of why this was the chosen outcome, and work with the applicant to identify what changes need to be implemented to gain certification.

3.5 Defence Aerodromes with Civilian Agreements

3.5.1 The following paragraphs describe how the DASR.139 – Aerodromes transition activities will affect Defence Aerodromes with civilian agreements.

3.5.2 Joint User Facilities. The joint user facilities (Darwin and Townsville) will receive a DASR.139 Aerodrome Certificate under the new regulations, as well as transition to a new CASA certification. DASA will leverage CASA systems and evidence used to provide the civil certification in the review of an application for a DASR.139 Aerodrome Certificate, as well as any unique Defence facilities compliance demonstration evidence. Current Defence arrangements will remain in place during transition.


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3.5.3 Defence Aerodromes with Civil Lodgings. RAAF Williamtown and RAAF Learmonth are examples of Defence aerodromes with civil lodgings. These Defence Aerodromes have memorandum(s) of agreements with civilian airport agencies. They will be subjected to the transition arrangements identified in Section 3.3 above.

3.5.4 In both cases above, DASA will certify these Defence aerodromes in accordance with DASR.139 – Aerodromes. The DASR.139 Aerodrome Certificate will only certify the military specific parts of the aerodrome and will not certify civilian facilities including civilian aprons and linking taxiways.


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4 Approvals and DASA Outputs

4.1 The sections above have detailed the steps the Applicant must take to transition to the DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations, and the support that will be provided by DASA at each phase of this transition. This section summarises the primary approvals and outputs that will be issued by DASA during the transition, to support the organisational approval of AD OPRs and the completion of the aerodrome certification program plan. See Section 5 for details regarding DASA’s delivery of training, promotional and education material.

4.1.1 Approval of Aerodrome Operator Organisation. During the development of the Compliance Statement, DASA will provide relevant input to the AD OPRs through promotional material, formal education, consultation, and maturity assessments. After a successful review of an AD OPR application, DASA will issue to the AD OPR a signed Form TBD to award organisational approval. The issue signifies that the AD OPR is now accountable for the safe flight operations at Defence aerodromes under their control.

4.1.2 Approval of Certification Basis: During the development of the CB, DASA will provide relevant input to the Applicant. Once the CB has been developed and submitted to DASA, the Authority will review the CB. If approved, DASA will issue a minute to the Applicant and AD OPR, approving the CB for the specified aerodrome.

4.1.3 Approval of Non-Compliances and Tailoring. During the compliance demonstration phase, DASA will work with the Applicant where compliance with the Authority-agreed CB cannot be achieved. DASA will provide relevant guidance on the development of the CIRCA application and the supporting evidence/ documentation required. When the Authority’s review of the CIRCA application is successful, DASA will issue to the Applicant and AD OPR a signed Form TBD, approving the tailoring of the CB due to the non-compliance.

4.1.4 Approval and Issue of Aerodrome Certificate. Upon successful review of the Aerodrome Certificate application, DASA will issue to the AD OPR an Aerodrome Certificate and the accompanying Aerodrome Certificate Data Sheet (ACDS). The issue of these documents, certifies the aerodrome, and requires the AD OPR to operate the aerodrome IAW DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations.

4.1.4.1 Legacy Instruments. At the end of the transition period, or earlier when a DASR.139 Aerodrome Certificate has been issued, any legacy instruments that recognised the validity of an aerodrome’s facilities, equipment,


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arrangements, limitations and conditions that were in-place under DASR Implementing Regulations – Aerodromes will no longer be valid.

4.1.4.2 The following instruments applicable under DASR Implementing Regulations – Aerodromes will expire on 31st December 2025 if they have not already been withdrawn earlier due to the issue of a DASR.139 Aerodrome Certificate1:

a. Aviation Facilities Certificate (AFC): will be superseded by a DASR.139 Shipborne Heliport Certificate.

a. Aviation Support Systems Certificate (AvSSC): will be superseded by a DASR.139 Aerodrome Certificate and AD OPR approval.

b. Authority to Operate (AUTHOP): Issued IAW DASR Implementing Regulations – Aerodromes will be withdrawn.

c. Current Aerodrome Manuals: will be superseded by the Aerodrome Manual submitted as part of application for DASR.139 Aerodrome Certificate or AD OPR organisational approval.

1 AD OPRs may choose to use the same or similar artefacts going forward, however those

issued through DASR Implementing Regulations – Aerodromes must be officially withdrawn and reissued under AD OPR systems.


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5 Training and Education

5.1 DASA is currently developing formal education and promotion packages to support the release of the DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations. These packages contain programs and material, which will be relevant to all staff supporting the AD OPRs, and to aerodrome designers and facilities managers. The programs and material aim to aid the communities understanding of DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations, and provide further guidance to all stakeholders regarding DASR.139 – Aerodromes for planning and transition activities. The following training and educational material development have been planned to lay a foundation level of knowledge in aerodrome management awareness, and to support the transition activities:

5.1.1 Aerodrome Operator Training Course. An Aerodrome Operator Introduction Course is being developed to provide the new Aerodrome Operators with an understanding of their accountabilities under DASR.139-Aerodromes. This course will also address the steps needed to achieve an AD OPR organisational approval i.e. development of a Compliance Statement. This course is currently scheduled to be delivered in August 2020.

5.1.2 Aerodrome Certification Training Course. An Aerodrome Certification Practitioner Training Course is being developed to provide stakeholders an understanding of the activities required to achieve and maintain a DASR.139 Aerodrome Certificate. It is acknowledged that this course will have a wide range of stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds. This course will aim to cover aerodrome design standards (including the ADRM), the purpose of a CB and the process involved in the development of a CB, the process for demonstration of compliance evidence (i.e. what constitutes evidence and how evidence is to be gathered and recorded), the process for managing non-compliances against the Authority-agreed CB, how and when to declare compliance, what the arrangements are for continued compliance with the CB and continuing safe flight operation. This course is currently scheduled to be delivered in August 2020.

5.1.3 Aerodrome Certification Consideration Minute and Supporting Factsheet. An Aerodrome Certification Consideration Minute will be released in April 2020 to provide Environmental Commanders and AD OPRs with the considerations that DASA has developed to determine the classification of Defence aerodromes. The stakeholders are invited to review the certification consideration and provide feedback and to agree with or negotiate with DASA regarding the proposed certification status of each aerodrome.


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5.1.4 Factsheets. In addition to the training courses, several factsheets are being development to provide further guidance on the implementation of the DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations. Factsheets that are currently under development cover topics such as certification considerations, non-compliances against the Authority-agreed CB and development of a CIRCA application, application of the DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations to shipborne heliports and the management of major changes to the aerodrome design over its life. Additional factsheets will be developed as areas requiring amplification are identified.

5.1.5 Website Information. The DASA Aerodromes and Heliports (AH) Cert website2 provides information across all aspects of DASR.139 – Aerodromes and will be regularly updated as DASA matures its systems, tools and processes. DASA will make available through the website all relevant templates and where possible exemplar documentation.

5.1.6 Authority Consultation. Finally, the DASA will be available for on-going consultation during the transition period and beyond. DASA can be contacted regarding queries on DASR.139 - Aerodromes and aerodrome transition arrangements by emailing: [email protected]

5.2 It is anticipated that the education and promotion program will continue to develop during Q3 2020. Further details of the education, training and promotion packages will be released separately.

2 https://www.defence.gov.au/DASP/Aerodromes-and-Heliports/Default.asp

ANNEX A TO AC 004/2020

TRANSITION TO DASR.139 AERODROMES

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Annex A: DASR.139 Aerodrome Transition Timeline

NOTE: Whilst AD OPRs have two years to apply for organisational approval and five years to achieve an Aerodrome Certificate, it is expected That due to parallel programs all AD OPRs will be approved and most aerodromes requiring certification will be progressively certified well before the respective transition period end dates

10/04/2020 31/12/2025

31/12/2022Last day for DASA to issue

AD OPR organisational approval

30/06/2025Last day for Aerodrome Certificate application

submission

10/04/2020‐ Release of DASR.139 Regulations. ‐ Commencement of Planning Phase.

‐ Environmental Commanders and existing facilities, equipment, arrangements, conditions and limitations recognised as valid for duration of transition period.

31/12/2025‐ Last day for DASA to issue Aerodrome Certificates. ‐ Transition arrangements become invalid.‐ Existing Aviation Facilities Certificates, AvSSC, AUTHOP and Aerodrome Manuals expire

01/01/2021‐ End of Planning Phase

‐ Commencement of Transition Period

01/01/2021 ‐ 30/06/2025

Transition period during which:‐ DASR.139 will be implemented at 3 trial sites (first 6 to 12 months)

‐ All Defence aerodromes agreed as requiring certification are to complete all certification activities to gain

Aerodrome Certificate.

10/04/2020 ‐ 01/01/2021Planning Period during which:

‐ DASA will release ADRM, Section 6‐ DASA and community to develop transition plans‐ Environmental Commanders to nominate AD OPRs

‐ DASA and community to determine classification of aerodromes‐ DASA and community to select Trial Sites

‐ DASA to develop and deliver promotional and educational material

01/01/2021 ‐ 30/09/2022Transition period during which

AD OPRs are to prepare Compliance Statements and apply

for organisational approval

30/09/2022Last day for AD OPRs to apply for organisational

approval

Figure 1: DASR.139 Aerodrome Transition Timeline



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A.1 Planning and Transition Milestone Schedule

Period Task Details Completion Date

Planning Period

Planning and preparatory period for Authority and stakeholder cooperative development of artefacts and plans for implementation of DASR.139

DASA.139 formal release into Regulations with supporting Advisory Circular 10 April 2020

DASA to socialise the Authority DASR.139 Transition Plan with the aerodrome community.

April – May 2020

DASA to release Updated ADRM Section 6 – Aerodrome (includes specific military supplementation to baseline standards)

April 2020

DASA to release DASR.139 Certification and AD OPR Approval Considerations for stakeholder consultation.

April – May 2020

Environmental Commanders to nominate their AD OPRs and Accountable Managers. May 2020

DASA and stakeholders to finalise the classification status of all Defence aerodromes, identifying those aerodromes that need to be certified.

May 2020

DASA and stakeholders to identify three trial sites for DASR.139 implementation. June 2020

DASA to develop DASA (I), Tools, Templates, Instructions and Instruments to support Authority functions required to enable application for organisational approval of AD OPRs.

Q3 2020

DASA to develop DASA(I), Tools, Templates, Instructions and Instruments to support Authority Functions required to Certify an Aerodrome

Q3 2020

DASA to update DASA ‘DASR.139’ Authority Transition Plan Q4 2020

Environmental Commanders issue implementation Planning arrangements. Q4 2020



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Education program to engage and educate the regulated community

DASA to provide initial engagement briefings. April – May 2020

DASA to update (continuously) website information along with artefacts such as factsheets and minutes etc.

April – August 2020

DASA to develop DASR.139 Aerodrome Operator Supporting Staff Course. June 2020

DASA to develop DASR.139 Aerodrome Certification Practitioner Course June 2020

DASA to deliver DASR.139 Aerodrome Operator Supporting Staff Course August 2020

DASA to deliver DASR.139 Aerodrome Certification Practitioner Course. August 2020

DASA liaison and assistance to address stakeholder concerns. May – December 2020

AD OPR Transition Period

DASR.139 Transition Period – Aerodrome Operator

Designated AD OPRs to develop the Compliance Statement for application for organisational approval, which includes:

Description of organisational structure and roles and responsibilities

Description of, or implementation plans for, a Safety Management System compliant with DASR.SMS

Description of, or implementation plans for, a Quality Management System

Description of aerodrome maintenance program

Aerodrome Manual

January 2021 –

September 2022



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DASA to:

Review applications for AD OPR organisational approval

Issue AD OPR organisational approval upon successful review

March 2021 –

December 2022

Aerodrome Certification Transition Period

DASR.139 Transition Period – Aerodrome Certification

Applicant to:

Establish Certification Basis

Develop, Collate and Document Compliance Evidence

Assess and treat non-compliances

Declare compliance and submit application for certification

January 2021 –

July 2025

DASA to:

Review application for Aerodrome Certificate

Issue Aerodrome Certificate with accompanying Aerodrome Certification Data Sheet.

August 2021 –

December 2025

ANNEX B TO AC 004/2020


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Annex B: Aerodrome Operator Organisational Approval under DASR.139

B.1 Aerodrome Operator Introduction

B.1.1.1 An AD OPR has the organisation (including enabling and support organisations), systems and processes in place to operate and maintain the aerodrome, and is ultimately accountable for safe flight operations at the aerodrome. Under DASR.139, Aerodrome Operator responsibilities will transfer from the Environmental Commanders (COMAUSFLT, COMD FORCOMD and ACAUST) to their designated AD OPRs.

B.1.1.2 The following section provides further detail on the organisational approval process for AD OPRs.

B.2 Aerodrome Operator Organisational Approval Process Overview

B.2.1.1 An applicant organisation seeking AD OPR approval must submit a Compliance Statement to the Authority. The contents of the Compliance Statement are described in the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) to DASR 139.30. The sections below summarise the key elements of the Compliance Statement, grouped into broad information categories.

B.2.1.2 AD OPR Organisational Description. The Compliance Statement is to describe the AD OPR organisation that is accountable for complying with DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations and ensuring safe flight operations at the aerodrome. Information required to describe the AD OPR organisation is detailed across several sections within DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations:

AMC to DASR 139.30 Requirements for Approval: states that the Compliance Statement should include AD OPR organisational name, AD OPR location, relevant Hazard Tracking Authority (HTA) within the AD OPR organisation, key aerodrome/s base safety or manager appointments.

DASR 139.40 Organisational Structure: states that the AD OPRs must define organisational structure including authority, duties and responsibilities of management personnel in charge of safety and quality functions (including Accountable Manager) and applicable relationships and reporting lines (chain of command) between key personnel and parts of the organisation.

DASR 139.50 Aerodrome Manual: states that the Aerodrome Manual should contain the aerodrome’s organisation and management structure and master contact list of relevant aerodrome management positions.



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DASR 139.100 Personal Competency: state that the AD OPRs must ensure that personnel responsible for the conduct of activities to support aerodromes are competent, qualified and authorised to undertake their duties.

B.2.1.3 Arrangements for Aerodrome Management. In addition to describing the AD OPR’s organisational and accountability structure, the AD OPR is to demonstrate that the organisation has in place or will implement arrangements (systems and processes) to manage safe flight operations and maintenance of the aerodrome. Similar to the organisational description, the requirements to demonstrate operational and sustainment arrangements are contained in several sections within the DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations.

AMC to DASR 139.30 Requirements for Approval: states that the Compliance Statement should outline the relevant aerodrome management arrangements as well as the OIPs that are used to operate and maintain the aerodrome.

AMC to DASR 139.80.A(4) Implement Arrangements to support Continued Compliance with the agreed Certification Basis: requires the AD OPR to provide evidence of existing arrangements, or to implement new arrangements, to support continued aerodrome compliance with the agreed CB. This includes processes for managing changes to the aerodrome design over its service life.

AMC to DASR 139.80.A(5) Provide Design Information to support Continuing Safe Operation of the Aerodrome: requires the AD OPR to provide evidence of existing arrangements, or to implement new arrangements, to support continuing safe operations of the aerodrome. This includes description of scheduled maintenance tasks and the instructions that enable inspections, processes and procedures necessary to keep the aerodrome in a condition for safe flight operations.

DASR 139.90 Maintenance of Aerodromes: requires the AD OPRs to develop, document and undertake an aerodrome maintenance program to ensure the aerodrome remains in a condition to support safe flight operations. This includes maintenances schedules and routines, technical inspections and the engagement of qualified maintenance personnel to perform maintenance activities.

B.2.1.4 Aerodrome Certification. The Compliance Statement must clearly identify the certification status of the aerodromes under the AD OPR’s remit. Only those aerodromes that are certified (or to be certified) are regulated by DASR.139 – Aerodromes. This Compliance Statement requirement is the critical link between the AD OPR organisational approval and Aerodrome Certification process. The requirements for the aerodrome certification process are described in DASR 139.80 Aerodrome Certification. In addition to



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this, general requirements relating to aerodrome certification are also contained in several sections within DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations:

AMC 139.30 Requirements for Approval: states that the Compliance Statement should provide evidence of the certification status of the aerodrome/s and any imposed limitation and/or conditions.

DASR 139.50 Aerodrome Manual: contains the aerodrome certification basis and any non-compliances and resulting limitations and/or conditions imposed on the aerodrome operations and sustainment activities.

B.2.1.5 Evidence of SMS. One of the key changes introduced by DASR.139 (as detailed in Table 1), is the formal requirement for an AD OPR to incorporate a SMS to support the conduct of safe flight operations, facilities management, rescue firefighting and maintenance aspects of the aerodrome. The Compliance Statement must therefore provide evidence of the aerodrome’s SMS that is compliant with DASR.SMS regulations. In addition to DASR 139.60 Safety Management Systems, DASR 139.50 Aerodrome Manual details elements of the SMS that need to be documented in the Aerodrome Manual.

B.2.1.6 Evidence of QMS. Similar to the requirement for an SMS, DASR.139 – Aerodromes introduces the formal requirement for AD OPRs to incorporate a QMS that will support the conduct of safe flight operations, facilities management and maintenance aspects of an aerodrome. Evidence of a QMS is required for the Compliance Statement (as detailed in AMC to DASR 139.30 Requirements for Approval) and the Aerodrome Manual (as detailed in AMC to DASR 139.50 Aerodrome Manual).

B.2.1.7 Aerodrome Manual. Finally, the Aerodrome Manual itself is part of the Compliance Statement. DASR 139.50 provides information as to the content of the Aerodrome Manual. As the above paragraphs have shown, many of the information requirements of the Compliance Statement are contained in the Aerodrome Manual. In such instances, references to the Aerodrome Manual may be sufficient for an AD OPR organisational approval application.

B.2.1.8 The above paragraphs have provided a high-level summary of the Compliance Statement information that is required to achieve an AD OPR organisational approval. The DASR.139 sections referenced in the above paragraphs, demonstrates the integrated nature of the DASR.139 – Aerodromes regulations and the interdependencies between a Compliance Statement, development of an Aerodrome Manual, implementation of an SMS, QMS and the aerodrome certification process.

B.2.1.9 To support the AD OPR transition, the Authority will develop the required templates, promotional material, education (operator training course), liaise,



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conduct workshops as applicable, and review mature drafts of artefacts and products. Once an application has been submitted, the Authority will review the application, including the supporting evidence (on a non-exhaustive basis), within a reasonable timeframe and provide progressive updates to the applicant throughout the review process.

ANNEX C TO AC 004/2020


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Annex C: Aerodrome Certification under DASR.139-Aerodromes

C.1 Aerodrome Certification

C.1.1.1 A DASA issued Aerodrome Certificate is recognition from the Authority that the aerodromes design, facilities and equipment comply with the agreed Certification Basis and that the appropriate operational and maintenance procedures are in place to assure the Authority of safe flight operations at the Aerodrome.

C.1.1.2 Figure 2 in Appendix 1 to Annex C illustrates the aerodrome certification process. The following section provides further detail on the certification process for applicants seeking an Aerodrome Certificate.

C.2 Aerodrome Certificate Process Overview

C.2.1 Aerodromes requiring certification

C.2.1.1 For those Defence aerodromes requiring certification, DASR.139.80 defines the actions required by an Applicant to attain aerodrome certification. The five key steps include:

a. Define an Authority-agreed certification basis for the aerodrome;

b. Demonstrate that the aerodrome design and construction complies with the agreed certification basis;

c. Declare that the aerodrome design and construction complies with the agreed certification basis;

d. Implement arrangements to support continued aerodrome compliance with the agreed certification basis; and

e. Provide design information to support continuing safe operation of the aerodrome.

C.2.2 Determinations for Certified Aerodromes

C.2.2.1 The certification considerations documented in Reference 1.3.1 will be used to determine which Defence aerodromes require certification. Whilst application of the certification considerations may yield a requirement to certify or not, further input from Environmental Commanders and other relevant stakeholders will be considered to make a final determination as to which Defence aerodromes will be certified. Reference 1.3.1 provides the Authority, working with the Environmental Commanders, a period of two months to determine the classification status of all Defence aerodromes.



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C.2.3 Step 1: Develop Certification Plan (optional)

C.2.3.1 Whilst DASR.139 – Aerodromes does not require the Applicant to develop a formal certification program, DASA recommends that the Applicant has a certification plan in place to support those involved in the Applicant’s organisation, and the supporting organisation/s, to understand what is required to achieve a DASR.139-Aerodrome Certificate. The plan should describe activities that must be completed in order for DASA to issue an Aerodrome Certificate. These may include:

general information identifying the Acquisition Office and organisations involved and the responsibilities of key individuals (including the position that will declare compliance, and those that will accept the evidence as demonstrating compliance) in the design and construction of the aerodrome;

a description of the aerodrome, including aerodrome history, aerodrome deign definition, previous certification, design organisation resources, design subcontractors, technologies and process descriptions, etc.;

where the CB will be documented, how the CB will be developed including the baseline standard and the documented CRE which will be used to tailor the CB, and the process for gaining the Authority approval of the CB;

the means of compliance, from evaluation, analysis, test, inspection and/or qualification and what will be submitted to show compliance against an Authority-agreed CB and how the certification will be confirmed as applicable to the Defence context;

Non-compliance processes to be utilised to tailor the CB and gain authority approval

a project schedule identifying dates of major milestones; when data will be available; when inspections, installation, and testing are required; and when the project will be completed.

C.2.4 Step 2: Defining a CB and Gaining Authority Agreement for the CB

C.2.4.1 An aerodrome CB is an agreed set of design requirements that an aerodrome must be compliant with in order to be issued an Aerodrome Certificate. All design requirements that affect aviation safety must be in the CB. It is the Applicant’s responsibility to define the CB for an aerodrome that requires certification, and achieve Authority approval of the CB.

C.2.4.2 Defining a CB involves:



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a. Starting with the design requirements from the Airworthiness Design Requirements Manual (ADRM) Section 6 and determining which requirements are applicable and which requirements are not applicable.

Note: Those requirements deemed not applicable can be considered as those design requirements that are not relevant to the CRE,SOIU or OSI of the aerodrome (e.g. heliport specific requirements are not applicable to an aerodrome that does not have a heliport). Not applicable design requirements will not be included in the CB.

Those requirements identified as ‘not applicable’ must be presented to the Authority along with justification for their removal, when a CB is submitted to the Authority for approval.

b. Tailoring the above prescribed design requirements (ADRM, Section 6) to meet the aerodrome’s unique CRE,SOIU or OSI. Tailoring may propose alternate recognised standards or include any special technical design requirements that are needed to address unique issues beyond the scope of design requirements in ADRM Section 6.

C.2.4.3 Tailoring of the design requirements ensures that the differences in the design, maintenance and flight operations of different aerodromes are taken into consideration in the certification process.

C.2.4.4 The Applicant is to submit the CB, and reference all supporting documents, to the Authority under a minute. The supporting documents need to be made available on the Authority’s request. An example CB will be made available to provide guidance on how to develop / document the CB. After a successful review, DASA will issue a minute to communicate agreement of the CB.

C.2.5 Step 3: Demonstrating Compliance to Agreed Certification Basis

C.2.5.1 The Applicant is responsible for demonstrating, through the production of evidence that the design and construction of the aerodrome complies with the Authority-agreed CB. Evidence to demonstrate compliance is contained in compliance documents that consist of but is not limited to:

Design reports

Test plans and reports

Technical Drawings

Material specifications

Calculations

Analysis



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C.2.5.2 Partial compliance with a CB requirement is not permitted. If the Applicant is unable to provide full justification/evidence for a CB requirement, the Applicant should pursue approval for tailoring the CB in the first instance. Where tailoring is not possible and a requirement cannot be complied with, the Applicant should seek DASA approval for a non-compliance. The non-compliance process is described in Annex D: Non-Compliances to Certification Basis.

C.2.5.3 It is the responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that all evidence is available to the Authority to review and the evidence is stored in a logical and structured manner within Objective. The Authority will inspect the compliance demonstration evidence provided by the applicant. This may be on a non-exhaustive basis.

C.2.6 Step 4: Declare Aerodrome Design and Construction Compliance with the agreed Certification Basis

C.2.6.1 Once all the compliance evidence has been collated, the applicant must provide a formal declaration of compliance to the Authority. The declaration needs to formally state that the design and construction of the aerodrome entirely meets the requirements of the CB. The declaration can only be made once compliance demonstrations for each of the requirements outlined in the CB is provided, and all CIRCAs approved.

C.2.6.2 The Applicant makes this declaration in the Aerodrome Certificate Application Form (TBD) at the time of submission. The submission to DASA must include the completed and signed Aerodrome Certificate Application Form, a completed compliance evidence template (TBD), all approved CIRCA documentation and access to compliance evidence in Objective.

C.2.7 Step 5: Arrangements to Support Continued Aerodrome Compliance with the agreed Certification Basis

C.2.7.1 Over the life of the aerodrome, compliance with the CB may change due to changes to the aerodrome design through upgrades or modifications or through identified latent defects that require maintenance, repair or change.

C.2.7.2 Arrangements to support continued aerodrome compliance with the agreed CB is required, to ensure continued safe operations, and to assure the Authority that the safe design of the aerodrome will be retained throughout the service life of the aerodrome.

C.2.7.3 Systems and procedures should be implemented to:

retain all relevant design information, drawings and test reports; including inspection records for the aerodrome in order to provide the information



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necessary to ensure the continued compliance to the aerodrome CB, and conditions for safe operation of the aerodrome;

manage the configuration of the aerodrome design; and

collect, investigate and analyse reports of, and information related to, failures, malfunctions, defects or other occurrences which might adversely affect safe operation of the aerodrome, to implement corrective action if warranted.

C.2.7.4 The Aerodrome Operator is responsible for the continued implementation and monitoring of these systems and procedures for as long as the Aerodrome is certified and regulated by DASR.139.

C.2.7.5 For the purposes of initial aerodrome certification, the Applicant is expected to establish, implement and document these systems and procedures and provide the relevant evidence as part of the Aerodrome Certificate application.

C.2.8 Step 6: Supporting Continuing Safety Operations of Aerodrome

C.2.8.1 To be issued an Aerodrome Certificate by the Authority, the Applicant must provide information to support the continuing safe operation of the Aerodrome. This involves producing key information and procedures, related to the design and/or construction of the aerodrome that will enable the Aerodrome Operator to ensure that the aerodrome is kept in a condition for safe flight operation. At a minimum, the Applicant should provide:

details of specific scheduled inspection and maintenance tasks and their frequency of completion; and

descriptive data and accomplishment instructions that enable inspections, processes and procedures necessary to keep the aerodrome in a condition for safe flight operation.

C.2.8.2 While the Aerodrome Operator is responsible for ensuring that the aerodrome, at any time in its operating life, is in a condition for safe flight operation; it is reliant upon information and procedures that are provided by the aerodrome designer to undertake this function.

C.2.9 Step 7: Submit Application for Aerodrome Certificate

C.2.9.1 The Applicant completes the Aerodrome Certificate application process by submitting Form TBD to DASA email address: [email protected] along with identification and access to all evidentiary documentation identified in the Aerodrome Compliance Declaration and Evidence Record Template (TBD) and a draft Aerodrome Certificate Data Sheet (ACDS).



AC 004/2020 v1.0 10 April 2020 Page 34

C.2.9.2 DASA may take up to one month to review the Aerodrome Certificate application to make a determination on whether a certificate is to be issued or not. During the assessment period, DASA may contact the Applicant for clarification purposes. On successful application, DASA will provide an Aerodrome Certificate and accompanying ACDS to the AD OPR.

APPENDIX 1 TO ANNEX C TO AC 004/2020


AC 004/2020 v1.0 10 April 2020 Page 35

APPENDIX 1 to ANNEX C: DASR.139 Aerodrome Certification Process

DASR.139 Aerodrome Certification Process

Applican

tDIA

ACPA

Notes

Propose CB to DASA

AMC 139.80.A (1)

Agree to proposed CB?

Liaise with Applicant to

provide feedback and guidance on tailored req.

Declare Compliance &

Submit Application

AMC 139.80.A (3)

Issue Aerodrome Certificate?

Review Compliance Evidence & Supporting Documents

Issue Aerodrome Certificate

Advise applicant of shortfalls to be addressed

Update AD OPR Compliance

Statement, ERSA, AIP/OIP.

Develop Certification Program Plan

No

Yes

No

CB comprises of ‐ applicable ADRM Section 6 requirements with

appropriate tailoring to meet aerodrome’s unique CRE and SOIU/OSI. Tailoring may include

proposing the use of alternate recognised standards or any special technical design

requirements that address unique issues beyond the scope of recognised standards.

Applicant to engage DASA early in the CB definition stage

Optional

Develop, Implement & Document

Arrangements for Continued CB Compliance

AMC 139.80.A (4)

Develop. Implement & Document

Arrangement for Continuing Safe OpsAMC 139.80.A (5)

Yes

Non‐Exhaustive Review

Agreed‐CB will be documented in the Aerodrome Manual and Aerodrome Certificate Data Sheet.

If the applicant is unable to provide full justification/evidence for the agreed‐CB requirement, the Applicant is to follow the

Non‐Compliance process. The non‐compliance process must be supported by a safety argument that either demonstrates an equivalent level of safety or that risks due to non‐compliance

have been eliminated or otherwise minimised SFARP. (see Non‐Compliance process)

Arrangements for continued CB compliance and continuing safe operations are documented in the Aerodrome Manual or other documents such as the Aerodrome Maintenance Program.

Define CBAMC 139.80.A (1)

Non‐Compliance

Compile Compliance Evidence

AMC 139.80.A (2)

Update Defence Aerodrome Register

Provide Input To the CB Review.

Provide Input to Compliance

Evidence Review

Declaration can only be made once compliance has been demonstrated for each requirement in

the CB.

Figure 2: Initial Aerodrome Certification Process

ANNEX D TO AC 004/2020


AC 004/2020 v1.0 10 April 2020 Page 36

Annex D: Non-Compliances to Certification Basis

D.1.1.1 The Authority-agreed CB is the set of design requirements that the aerodrome must meet in order to be issued an Aerodrome Certificate. Where an aerodrome’s design is unable to meet the Authority-agreed CB, a non-compliance is identified and must be evaluated for the risk to safe flight operations at the aerodrome, and treatments agreed. All non-compliances and their risk treatments against the agreed CB must be approved by the Authority. The CB is then tailored by the approved non-compliance, so that the Aerodrome Certificate is aligned to a complete and correct certification basis

D.1.1.2 The applicants analysis of any issue must employ Defence’s ‘seven step approach to risk management’3 to evaluate the identified non-compliances and establish whether any associated risk has been eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable (SFARP) or, where this is not reasonably practicable, has been minimised SFARP. This evaluation will also inherently establish if there is a capability imperative that would be adversely affected through requiring compliance to the CB requirement. The evaluation must represent a unified technical and operational assessment. Confirmation that consultation, cooperation and coordination between all stakeholders (both technical and operational) has occurred during development of the CIRCA application is needed, and this is required to be declared by the applicant.

D.1.1.3 Where a non-compliance against the agreed CB has been identified, the Applicant may manage the non-compliance in two primary ways described below. The Applicant is to select option ‘a’ in the first instance before proceeding to option ‘b’.

a. Tailor the CB requirement (using alternate recognised standards or bespoke specification) and demonstrate that an aerodrome design IAW the tailored requirement achieves an equivalent level of safety as the prescribed requirement in the CB.

b. Characterise the risk to safe flight operations due to non-compliance and identify risk controls (as per the hierarchy of controls) and demonstrate that risk to aviation safety imposed by the aerodrome design has been eliminated or otherwise minimised SFARP (using the SRM process).

D.1.1.4 The analysis and treatment of non-compliances to the agreed CB must include:

3 Described further in the Air Force Safety Manual –

http://intranet.defence.gov.au/home/documents/data/RAAFPUBS/Manuals/AFSAFETYMAN.pdf

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Confirmation that Defence has a well-defined capability imperative, and that meeting the prescribed design requirements would impede achievement of that capability imperative;

a description of the proposed tailoring, including any additional operational procedures that will be employed to minimise risk;

confirmation that appropriate consultation, cooperation and coordination has been conducted between all persons with a shared duty to ensure health and safety for aerodrome users;

confirmation that the applicant, with assistance from aerodrome users, has clearly characterised the risk due to the tailored design requirements; and

confirmation that the relevant aircraft Military Air Operator(s) has agreed that risks have been eliminated or otherwise minimised SFARP, and has agreed to retain any residual risk.

D.1.1.5 No Evidence / Partial Evidence. Where the compliance cannot be fully established with a CB requirement, the applicant would be expected to work through the development of further compliance demonstration evidence as identified in paragraph C.2.5 above.

D.1.1.6 DASA expects that the generation of evidence may take some time to achieve, which is supported with the transition time. If the development of evidence will take significant time and there is doubt over the system / facilities compliance, the seven-step risk management should be applied to treat the possible risks to safe flight operations at the aerodrome until such time as the evidence can be developed.

D.1.1.7 If the further evidence is unable to demonstrate compliance the applicant will need to treat the facility or equipment as a shortfall in compliance as per the next paragraph.

D.1.1.8 Evidence Identifies shortfall in compliance. Were a shortfall in compliance has been demonstrated / established, the applicant will need to apply the process described in paragraph D.1.1.3 above.

D.1.1.9 DASA should be engaged early in the non-compliances assessment process so that the Authority may provide appropriate guidance through the treatment process. DASA’s early involvement will also support faster turn-around of applications for approval of non-compliances.

D.1.1.10 The Applicant is to submit the non-compliance analysis and treatment details including safety assessments to DASA for approval. On approval, the Applicant is to modify the CB as agreed within the approved application. The application form to submit non-compliances is currently under development.