CASA 93/16 - Approval — alignment lines at primary parking positions (operators of certified aerodromes)

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, amended by the Notifiable Instrument CASA 93/16I, addresses a specific operational concern for certified aerodromes regarding the marking of alignment lines at primary parking positions. This instrument, enacted by Graeme Mills Crawford, Aviation Group Manager and a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), aligns with the provisions of the Manual of Standards (MOS) – Part 139 Aerodromes, aiming to streamline operations while ensuring safety. The policy objective is to allow flexibility in the marking of alignment lines at primary parking positions, provided that aircraft using these positions are either equipped with a Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) or are marshalled into position when VDGS is not operational or installed. This legislative instrument seeks to balance operational efficiency with safety by setting clear conditions under which alignment lines can be omitted or not marked beyond pilot stop lines.

Scope and Application

This instrument, CASA 93/16I, applies to operators of certified aerodromes, providing them with specific approval regarding the marking of alignment lines on aerodrome apron areas. The instrument permits these operators to omit the marking of alignment lines beyond pilot stop lines, or not to mark such lines at all, subject to certain conditions. The primary objective of this approval is to allow flexibility in aerodrome operations while ensuring safety standards are maintained. It is important to note that this approval is granted under regulation 139.015 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 and aligns with the Manual of Standards – Part 139 Aerodromes. The instrument is subject to conditions outlined in Schedule 1, which includes ensuring aircraft are either guided by a Visual Docking Guidance System or are marshalled into position if the alignment lines are not marked, and that relevant details are incorporated into the aerodrome operator's manual and communicated to aircraft operators. This instrument provides a regulatory framework that allows for practical adaptations in aerodrome operations, provided safety conditions are strictly adhered to.

Key Provisions

The key provision of this instrument allows operators of certified aerodromes to either omit the marking of alignment lines beyond pilot stop lines on the aerodrome apron areas or not mark the alignment lines beyond pilot stop lines on the aerodrome apron areas (section 3). This approval is subject to certain conditions, as outlined in Schedule 1, which the aerodrome operator must adhere to in order to maintain compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 and the Manual of Standards. Under the obligations imposed by the Act, the aerodrome operator must ensure that any aircraft using a parking position without an alignment line beyond a pilot stop line is either using a Visual Docking Guidance System or is marshalled into position if VDGS is not operational or not installed (Schedule 1, condition 1). Additionally, the operator must include details of this approval in their aerodrome manual, ensure that the manual provisions relating to alignment lines reflect the terms of this approval, and inform operators of aircraft using the aerodrome about these provisions (Schedule 1, condition 2). Failure to comply with the conditions outlined in Schedule 1 may result in civil or criminal consequences. However, the instrument does not explicitly state the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. It is important to note that any breach of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 or the Manual of Standards could potentially lead to legal action, penalties, or other consequences as determined by the relevant authorities. The maximum penalties for breaches of these regulations and standards would be in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and any other applicable legislation.