1. Aerodrome Certification
During these unprecedented times of aerodrome closures and reduced operations, when the aerodrome certificate expires, the CAA may issue an interim aerodrome certificate or extend the validity of the aerodrome certificate for a certain defined period based on the application submitted by the concerned aerodrome, if the CAA is satisfied that:
- the documents submitted by the applicant aerodrome for renewal of aerodrome certificate are in order;
- the self-inspection checklist completed (as per the provisions in the PANS-Aerodromes (Doc 9981) and Manual on Certification of Aerodromes ( Doc 9774)) by the applicant aerodrome is in order or if the situation does not warrant the conduct of self-inspection, the satisfactory implementation of the previous surveillance programme/certification process before the Covid-19 situation may be considered;
- an aerodrome certificate in respect of the aerodrome will be issued as soon as the lockdown/reduced operations period ends and when the normal procedures for the grant of an aerodrome certificate has been completed; and
- the grant of the interim certificate/ or an extension of the validity of the aerodrome certificate is in the public interest and is not detrimental to aviation safety.
2. Coordination for Aerodrome Closure or reduced capacity
Challenge of the closure of aerodromes due to COVID-19. States to involve stakeholders on the decision of closing of aerodromes, especially those needed and operated only as alternates that would affect en-route operations, as well as those needed for cargo transportation, including essential supplies. In this case, it is essential that States:
- Coordinate with the public health authorities, aircraft operators, ANSPs, Aerodrome operators, etc., to address the needs/concerns of all the stakeholders, before initiating any action to close an aerodrome.
- Obtain information from aerodrome operators on the levels of services that will be provided if they are operating at reduced capacity, such as duration of operations, reduced RFF category (due to all cargo operations or changes in aircraft operations), available runways, taxiways, and parking stands.
- Consider maintaining provision of aerodrome services to the following operations ICAO SL: AN 13/35-20/47 dated 20 March 2020 refers:
- aircraft in a state of emergency;
- operations related to humanitarian aid, medical and relief flights;
- alternate aerodromes identified in the flight plan (including those being used for extended diversion time operations (EDTOs));
- technical landings where passengers do not disembark;
- cargo flights; and
- other safety-related operations.
- Ensure that details on the closure and/or level of services provided at aerodromes are promulgated through NOTAMs as well as other appropriate platforms including aerodrome websites, CAA websites, etc.
- Ensure that current contact details of key aerodrome personnel are available with the CAA, ANSP, and other stakeholders, so that they can be contacted if there is a need to resume/upgrade any services due to contingencies.
3. Resuming Aerodrome operations
It is anticipated that once the COVID-19 situation is under control and States eases the lockdown requirements, aerodromes will resume normal operations to support the aviation ecosystem. This is expected to be a gradual process, which may be carried out in a phased manner as the aviation industry scales up operations based on the global demand.
Resuming operations after a full or partial aerodrome closure involves extensive preparatory checks to ensure safe and efficient aircraft operations. States should be aware of the preparedness of the aerodromes within their jurisdiction. To this end, State regulator may use the sample checklist to facilitate a quick check on aerodromes resuming operations after an extensive lockdown/ reduced operations period. It is not an exhaustive list since detailed checks/inspections are done as a part of the State's safety oversight activities.
