Part 135 operators frequently use regional, remote and privately owned aerodromes where infrastructure and services vary significantly. This differs from larger airline operations that generally operate from major airports with established infrastructure and support services.
These aerodromes often have varying levels of:
- infrastructure
- weather services
- lighting
- wildlife management
- maintenance.
As a result, flight crews must regularly assess changing operating conditions and adapt to a wide range of environments.
Safety data shows that many operators reported occurrences during the approach and landing phases of flight. These phases increase pilot workload, requiring accurate aircraft handling and timely decision-making. Recurring issues include:
- wildlife hazards
- runway surface conditions
- aerodrome infrastructure serviceability
- limited access to fuel, aircraft parking and other essential services
- increasing restrictions associated with privately owned aerodromes.
Particularly during remote area operations or when weather conditions deteriorate, these issues can:
- affect planning
- increase pilot workload
- reduce flexibility.
Many aerodrome-related occurrences do not result in accidents. However, they frequently occur during high-workload phases of flight when flight crews have limited time to respond to changing circumstances. Risk controls for these occurrences include:
- effective pre-flight planning
- ongoing situational awareness
- conservative decision-making.
Local operating conditions often influence aerodrome-related risks, and these conditions can change between flights. The workshop highlighted the importance of maintaining positive relationships with:
- aerodrome operators
- local councils
- airport owners.
Early communication regarding infrastructure changes, runway maintenance or restrictions allows operators to find hazards before they affect flight operations. Published aeronautical information may not always note these hazards.
What you can do
Operators can reduce aerodrome-related risk by incorporating local operating conditions into their Safety Management System and planning processes. Practical strategies include:
- assessing aerodrome suitability before each operation, including runway dimensions, surface condition and available services
- establishing procedures for obtaining current runway condition information before departure and arrival
- considering wildlife activity during flight planning, particularly at dawn, dusk and after rainfall
- ensuring flight crews understand local aerodrome procedures, published limitations and known hazards
- developing contingency plans for fuel availability, parking limitations and temporary infrastructure outages
- allowing sufficient time for thorough pre-flight planning when operating to unfamiliar or remote aerodromes
- encouraging pilots to report hazards and concerns through the operator's Safety Management System
- monitoring recurring aerodrome hazards to find trends and implement appropriate risk controls
- engaging with aerodrome operators and local stakeholders to share safety information
- reviewing standard operating procedures to ensure they remain appropriate for the operating environment and level of risk.
What we have done
We continue to support safe aerodrome operations through education, regulatory oversight and safety promotion activities.
Current initiatives include:
- publishing guidance relating to operations at controlled and non-controlled aerodromes
- providing educational material through the CASA Pilot Safety Hub to support pre-flight planning and decision-making
- conducting surveillance activities to find emerging risks across the sector
- working with industry to improve safety awareness relating to aerodrome operations
- monitoring occurrence data and industry reports to find developing trends that may require further guidance, education or regulatory action.
We also continue to collaborate with industry, aerodrome operators and other government agencies to improve aviation safety through:
- risk-based regulation
- safety promotion
- ongoing engagement with the aviation community.