Prepare a written report about what happens during an inspection of an airport (Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)), the findings, and the subsequent actions that may be required by the airport for problems found.
Problems found: Runway 7/25 runway needs to be repainted, cracks need to be fixed, resealing needs to be done, and rubber removal. Reflective markings need to be repainted with special paint made of glass beads.
General Information to be included:
-The importance of a self-inspection program
-Regulation (Part 139 Certification of Airports)
-FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-18C
-Airport Responsibilities
-Training/Records
– Types of Self-Inspections: (2 inspections are conducted daily Day/Night)
- Regularly Scheduled- Daily, except as otherwise required by the ACM
- Continuous Surveillance- Construction, fueling, ground vehicles, wildlife, FOD
- Periodic- Weekly, monthly, quarterly (fuel farms, surveys)
- Special- Accident, incident, meteorological event, construction, SMGCS
Inspection Items
- Paved and unpaved areas
- Safety areas
- Markings and signs
- Lighting
- NAVAIDs
- Wildlife
- Fueling
- Obstructions
- Hazmat
- Snow and ice
- Public protection
- Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting
- Construction
- Wind Indicator
Inspection Checklist
- Required component of a good safety self-inspection program.
- Constitutes a written record of conditions noted and follow-up actions taken.
- Assures regularity and thoroughness of safety inspections.
- Each inspected area of the airport complex should be positively or negatively noted on the checklist.
Describe Inspection Techniques
Summary
Prepare a written report about what happens during an inspection of an airport (Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)), the findings, and the subsequent actions that may be required by the airport for problems found.
Problems found: Runway 7/25 runway needs to be repainted, cracks need to be fixed, resealing needs to be done, and rubber removal. Reflective markings need to be repainted with special paint made of glass beads.
General Information to be included:
-The importance of a self-inspection program
-Regulation (Part 139 Certification of Airports)
-FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-18C
-Airport Responsibilities
-Training/Records
– Types of Self-Inspections: (2 inspections are conducted daily Day/Night)
- Regularly Scheduled- Daily, except as otherwise required by the ACM
- Continuous Surveillance- Construction, fueling, ground vehicles, wildlife, FOD
- Periodic- Weekly, monthly, quarterly (fuel farms, surveys)
- Special- Accident, incident, meteorological event, construction, SMGCS
Inspection Items
- Paved and unpaved areas
- Safety areas
- Markings and signs
- Lighting
- NAVAIDs
- Wildlife
- Fueling
- Obstructions
- Hazmat
- Snow and ice
- Public protection
- Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting
- Construction
- Wind Indicator
Inspection Checklist
- Required component of a good safety self-inspection program.
- Constitutes a written record of conditions noted and follow-up actions taken.
- Assures regularity and thoroughness of safety inspections.
- Each inspected area of the airport complex should be positively or negatively noted on the checklist.
Describe Inspection Techniques
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) follows a specific criterion to conduct inspections within the airport. Inspectors have an Aerodrome Manual to follow during inspection for reference and accuracy verification. All taxiways and runways are inspected by driving all them on both sides, passing in all directions (FAA Office of Airports, 2016). The vehicle operation driver runs on both ways at a low speed to allow the inspector enough time to conduct the inspection. The inspector first instructs the vehicle operator to take the taxiways towards the landing traffic and backtrack on the parallel way (FAA Office of Airports, 2016). The runway end safety area at the end of the runway is also inspected.
As the inspector is driven along the runway or taxiway, he/she checks the condition of the proper markings, pavement, signs, maintenance of pilot visual aids, lighting, runway strip, NAVAIDs, wind indicators, and also look out for aircraft at the same time (Federal Aviation Administration, 2022). On wind indicators, Inspectors look for non-standard, improperly maintained, and potentially confusing marking, signs, or lighting and make the right corrective action (FAA Office of Airports, 2016). The problems are photographed and documented on the appropriate checklist. Markings are checked and ensured that they follow the National Aeronautical Information System.
The inspection follows the ICAO Annex 14 standards and recommendations that require the surface of pavements to be free of loose stones and other objects, provide good friction, low rolling resistance, and be free of contaminants. a vehicle with self-wetting features, particularly the Saab Friction Tester is used to estimate friction of the runway (Federal Aviation Administration, 2022). For Runway Strips and Runway End, objects that may endanger aeroplanes, including the mounted ones are regarded as obstacles and removed. There are no fixed objects on the runway trip except for the visual aids. The inspector ensures that the edge of the runway, stopway, or shoulder is used to flush the runway strip (Federal Aviation Administration, 2022). Adhering to these standards ensures that the airport complies with both Part 139 standards for Safety Areas and FAA standards.
Visual inspection criterion was also followed as recommended by ICAO Annex 14. It checks if the markings, lighting, and signs are in place as per the required standards. Faded markings are recommended for re-painting or replacement. Markings should have glass beads for nighttime visibility (FAA Office of Airports, 2016). Warning signs, adequate barricades, and potentially confusing or misleading visual aids are also inspected for construction purposes. The inspector also checks the pedestrian and ground vehicle operations to make sure that they comply with safe operations, proper communication, and Aerodrome Manual. Inspectors also check for wild animals and other living obstacles or interference and address them adequately (FAA Office of Airports, 2016).
Summary
Inspection is routinely done at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, as recommended. There are both regular and periodic inspections scheduled daily and weekly, monthly, or quarterly respectively. Continuous Surveillance for Construction, ground vehicles, fueling, FOD, and wildlife and Special inspection for Accidents, meteorological events, incidents, SMGCS, and construction was also done. Visual aid is seemingly more compromised and needs to be addressed with urgency. Repainting of faded markings and replacement of invisible or uncleared signs will need to be made. Such corrective moves will ensure the safety and efficient functioning of the airport. Apart from the aspects of virtual aid, PHF shows that other aspects of the inspection including taxiways and runways were in good working condition. However, PHF should not be complacent but continue to comply with various inspection standards and requirements to ensure that it avoids associated accidents and litigation issues as much as possible. PHF should ensure to maintain regular inspections and implementations of the recommended measures given.
References
FAA Office of Airports. (2016). ICAO/FAA Comprehensive Aerodrome Certification Inspector Workshop – The Self Inspection Process. Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.icao.int/NACC/Documents/Meetings/2016/ACI/D1-04-InpsecProcedures.pdf
Federal Aviation Administration. (2022). What is Part 139? – Part 139 Airport Certification. https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_safety/part139_cert/what-is-part-139/