The AOC Handbook – Volume 4 – Specialist Areas 2.0 Ground Operations

Approved by Executive Manager CASA Operations Version 1.0: Oct 2012

2.0 Ground Operations

2.1 Introduction

This section details ground handling operational related matters associated with the operations of an Air Operators Certificate holder for Regular Public Transport (RPT) or Charter Operations in Australian registered aircraft. Ground handling functions are assessed as part of the AOC application to ensure that there is appropriate management, training, control and safe application of these activities. The assessment process is to ensure that the AOC applicant, given the fleet and the operations proposed has the ability to conduct ground handling activities relating to aircraft, safely, and within the requirements of the applicable legislation.

2.2 Responsibilities

2.2.1 CASA Responsibilities The AOC applicant’s ground handling assessment will be carried out by a CASA Inspector. The CASA Inspector must be satisfied that all ground handling functions can be practicably accomplished, and that ramp safety will be maintained during normal and emergency procedures.

2.2.2 Applicant’s Responsibilities It is the operator’s responsibility to clearly state that every employee has direct responsibility to work in a safe manner and to comply with both legislative and company requirements and safe work procedures. The CASA Inspector will verify that the AOC operator has documented processes and procedures for the safe operation of ground handling and ground handling equipment. These functions include but are not limited to: • Passenger handling (tarmac control) • Baggage and cargo handling • Aircraft handling including servicing, towing and marshalling • Loading and unloading including load control ramp procedures and

documentation completion • Operational safety during aircraft fuelling. If an operator contracts the ground handling functions to an external service provider, the responsibility for legislative compliance is retained by the operator. For

The AOC Handbook – Volume 4 – Specialist Areas 2.0 Ground Operations

Approved by Executive Manager CASA Operations Version 1.0: Oct 2012

this purpose the operator must demonstrate that processes are in place to effectively monitor and oversight the contracted external service providers.

2.3 Entry Control Requirements - General

CASA will ensure that the following documents, in addition to the company Operations Manual suite have been received from the applicant • Ground Handling Manual, or its equivalent • Aircraft loading manuals where applicable • Ground handling training syllabus Where a third party provides ground handling services the operator must also provide to CASA: • Ground Handling Agreement- if using Standard Ground Handling agreement, any

exclusions shall be listed (no commercial information required) • Service Level Agreement

2.3.1 Operational Personnel Operational personnel involved in the management, supervision, training and day to day application of ground handling activities will be assessed by CASA Inspectors. The operational personnel involved in Ground Operations are: • Operator port representative • Ground Operations / Ramp Services Manager or equivalent Where practical, the operator should appoint a manager responsible for ground operations within their organisation. A person appointed within the scope of this position should possess the required knowledge, training, skills and experience within ground operations.

2.3.2 Ground Operations / Ramp Staff The ground handling manual will contain a management and reporting structure that specifies reporting responsibilities. The CASA Inspector will verify that the operator has appropriate management structure and representatives responsible for the management of ground handling operations at each port authorised under the AOC. The CASA Inspector will verify that the operator has provided an appropriate documented structure to provide a sufficient number of suitably qualified staff to safely carry out all ground handling operations.

The AOC Handbook – Volume 4 – Specialist Areas 2.0 Ground Operations

Approved by Executive Manager CASA Operations Version 1.0: Oct 2012

2.4 Assessment – Desktop Review (Documentation Review)

2.4.1 Manuals The Operations Manual, including the Ground Handling Manual, must describe the operator’s processes and procedures for undertaking ground handling operations. The operator’s operations manual material relevant to ground handling may include: • Ground Handling Manual – incorporating Ramp Services • Passenger Services Manual – incorporating Customer Service • Ground Handling Training Manual – the training requirements for all specified

Ground Services Equipment (GSE) • Load Control Manual including Weight and Balance • Aircraft Loading Manual • Management Policy and Procedures Manual • Safety Systems Manual It is up to the applicant to determine the layout of the manual suite, however, the specific requirements of CAR 215 with respect to completeness, accessibility, navigability, amendment and control must be assured. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all manuals are cross-referenced for consistency. The operator must provide a contact within the operator’s organisation nominated for ground handling operations both during and after assessment. The Project Manager will ensure that before allocation to a CASA Inspector for assessment is made the necessary documentation including manuals has been received.

2.4.1.1 Ground Handling Manual The Ground Handling Manual, while not requiring specific approval, must be acceptable to CASA. The CASA Inspector will verify the accuracy and content of each manual and document. The operator’s manuals must contain operational policies, procedures, processes and any other necessary information and instruction for ground handling so that the operators ground handling staff are able to perform their duties and be in compliance with standards of the operator as well as all legislative requirements.

The AOC Handbook – Volume 4 – Specialist Areas 2.0 Ground Operations

Approved by Executive Manager CASA Operations Version 1.0: Oct 2012

2.4.1.2 Ground Handling Training Manual CASA recommends AOC operators develop a Ground Handling Training Manual. The assessment, tests and checks intended for ground handling staff shall be used by the applicant to ensure the competency and currency of ground staff. A syllabus of training and development for persons nominated as ground handling trainers must be included in the Ground Handling Training Manual. There should also be a process for ensuring standardisation of training delivery. The CASA Inspector will verify that the AOC operator has documented processes and procedures for the retention of training and assessment records for ground handling staff.

2.5 Verification and Testing

The CASA Inspector will verify by onsite inspection that the facilities, ground service equipment, training and contractors, proposed for use by the applicant are appropriate. The scope of the inspection is determined by factors such as the aircraft type, similarity of procedures currently in use by the AOC applicant or another Australian AOC holder, similarity of procedures for the aircraft type and whether differences or initial training is required for the staff involved. During the site inspection the operator will demonstrate the suitability of ground operations processes, procedures, Ground Service Equipment (GSE) and provide evidence of training and assessment of ground handling staff. Operational personnel must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge, proficiency and competency to perform their designated duties including operation of equipment.

2.6 Applicable Legislation

Section 28.1.b. (ii) & (iii) Civil Aviation Act 1988 CAR 215 CAO 82.1 CAO 82.3 CAO 82.5 CAO 20.2 CAO 20.9 CAO 20.16.1 CAO 20.16.2 CAO 20.16.3