Certification Documentation

Documents required for Aerodrome Certification include:

• the Aerodrome Operations Manual;
• the Aerodrome Safety Management Manual; and
• the airport certificate;

The operational information from these documents is distributed to the flying public through:

• the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP); and
• Notams

Aerodrome Operations Manual

An Aerodrome Operations Manual requirement for certifying an aerodrome as an airport. OTAR 139.53 specifies the detailed information and instructions for the AOM.

The drafting of an AOM is the responsibility of the applicant aerodrome operator.

The completed AOM draft must be approved by the Governor (designated to DGCA) to signify that the airport meets certification standards and there are no apparent shortcomings which would adversely affect safety of flight at the airport. The AOM then serves as:

1. a legal reference between the airport operator and the regulatory Authority, with respect to the standards, conditions and levels of service to be maintained for certifications;
2. a reference document for airport users and tenants, and
3. a legal instrument to record and approved changed of the airport's standards, conditions or levels of services.

Sample Aerodrome Operating Manual - Document to be developed. Contact CAACI for further information.

Sample Heliport Operating Manual - Document to be developed. Contact CAACI for further information.

Criteria used to review AOM's is provided in the CAACI Aerodrome Manual Checklist.

The Aerodrome Safety Management Manual

The holder of an aerodrome certificate is required by OTAR 139.A.09 b to have an SMS acceptable to the Governor that describes the structure of the organization and the duties, powers and responsibilities of the officials in the organisational structure.

Core elements of an SMS Manual are to include:

SAFETY OBJECTIVES AND POLICY

• 1.1   Management commitment and responsibility
• 1.2   Safety accountabilities and responsibilities
• 1.3   Appointment of key safety personnel
• 1.4   Coordination of emergency response planning
• 1.5   SMS process and documentation

SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT

• 2.1   Hazard identification
• 2.2   Risk assessment and mitigation

SAFETY ASSURANCE

• 3.1   Safety performance monitoring and measurement
• 3.2   The management of change
• 3.3   Continuous improvement of the SMS

SAFETY PROMOTION

• 4.1   Training and education
• 4.2   Safety communication

Aerodrome Certificate

The aerodrome certificate documents that:

1. the applicant and his/her staff have the necessary competence and experience to operate and maintain the aerodrome safely; and
2. the Aerodrome Manual prepared for the aerodrome contains all of the relevant information; and
3. the aerodrome facilities, services and equipment meet the required standards; and
4. the aerodrome operating procedures ensure the safe operations of aircraft and/or the safety of air navigation; and
5. an acceptable safety management system is in place at the aerodrome; and
6. appropriate arrangements are in place for the provision of:
   1. the Aeronautical Information Service; and
   2. the Meteorological Service.

In addition, the Governor has been satisfied that:

1. the Air Traffic Service Unit, including the Air Traffic Service Engineering Unit, has been approved in accordance with the requirements of OTAR Parts 172 and 171; and
2. the Rescue and Fire Fighting Services have been approved in accordance with the requirements of OTAR Part 140; and
3. the Instrument Approach Procedures have been approved in accordance with the requirements of OTAR Part 176.

The aerodrome certificate document has 2 sections:

• a Certificate page; and
• a record of conditions for the approval.

The "Conditions for Approval" section is included by the authority of the Governor to grant a certificate subject to conditions as he thinks fit as a means of achieving a satisfactory level of safety. It is also a standard condition of a certificate that the holder must inform the CAA of changes to data concerning the aerodrome so that appropriate promulgation of the change and amendment to the Cayman Islands AIP can be made.

A sample 'Anytown' Aerodrome Certificate is provided for reference.

Last Updated: 2009-04-16