The JAA TO/GASR Aerodrome course is a basic awareness course aimed at personnel relatively new to the field of aerodromes, be it as CAA staff or managerial staff from the industry. It could also be useful for aerodrome ATS staff or persons from flight operation departments who want to get a deeper understanding of aerodrome issues.
Since a fully functional aerodrome comprise Air Traffic Services, Air Navigation Services, Meteorological services amongst others in addition to the infrastructure and operational issues covered by ICAO Annex 14, the course starts with a session on the Total Aviation system and how the aerodrome fits in. A number of definitions are also reviewed in order to establish a common ground.
Thereafter key issues related to aerodrome certification and safety management systems are reviewed as well as more technical issues such as physical characteristics, visual aids, rescue and fire fighting, management of wildlife and foreign object damage etc. Finally one looks into runway incursion prevention and aerodrome operation under limited visibility, both important in their own right, but also because they illustrate the importance of the Total System Approach.
Conclusion: This course is a basic awareness course covering some key processes, procedures and issues related to aerodrome design, operation and certification from a safety point of view. It also endeavours to convey an understanding of the relationship between the different aspects of aviation (The Total System Concept) with emphasis on the aerodrome.
After the completion of this course, students should have achieved a basic understanding of the aviation system, roles and responsibilities of the CAA, aerodrome organisation and other players in the aviation field as well as a basic understanding of the philosophy behind the requirements governing the infrastructure and operation of an aerodrome. This also covers an introduction to Safety Management Systems and auditing.
By the end of this course, you should have:
After the completion of this course, students should have achieved a basic understanding of the aviation system, roles and responsibilities of the CAA, aerodrome organisation and other players in the aviation field as well as a basic understanding of the philosophy behind the requirements governing the infrastructure and operation of an aerodrome. This also covers an introduction to Safety Management Systems and auditing.
Individuals relatively new to the field of aerodromes, either working for a CAA or Industry (i.e. Aerodrome Operators, Representatives from National Aviation Authorities involved with aerodrome regulation, NSAs (National Supervisory Authorities), ATM staff involved in Aerodrome Safety).
Some knowledge of Aerodrome issues is beneficial.