International Civil Aviation Organization

Airport Self-Audit Checklist

(RERR 2nd edition - Issued 2011)

Runway Excursion Risk Reduction Airport Self Audit Checklist

Purpose
Runway excursion risk factors can be directly related to airport design, operation, maintenance and operating procedures. ICAO Annex 14 Aerodromes, Volume 1 Aerodrome Design and Operations contains extensive specifications which are intended to enhance safety., When properly implemented, many of the Standards and Recommended Practises within the Annex, will provide defences against the risk of a runway excursion. This self audit checklist is provided within this toolkit as a means for airport operators to evaluate their own facilities, organisational and operational policies, procedures and programs. With the objective to assist the hazard identification process and to identify and plan for corrective actions needed to minimize risks associated with runway excursions. From the airport operators perspective it is important to ensure that notification of deficiencies by Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or publication in AIP is promptly initiated when required as part of a corrective action. The items in the checklist draw on lessons learned in global aviation over many years. They reflect, and comply with, the Standards and Recommended Practices of various ICAO Annexes, but particularly Annex 14 Aerodromes, Volume 1, Aerodrome Design and Operation. The checklist is intended to assist aerodrome operators and Civil Aviation Authorities to identify issues that have been shown to improve safety particularly relating to runway excursions. This self audit checklist is not intended to comprehensively cover every conceivable risk factor that may contribute to a runway excursion, nor is it intended to over-ride regulatory guidance, or manufacturers specifications and/or maintenance requirements. Airport owners and operators are encouraged to adapt this checklist to suit their own particular airports and to modify or enhance it, as necessary, to be relevant and useful to their own particular situations. Readers and users of the guidance material should act on it only after consideration of national safety regulations and requirements, as it is not possible to provide material which will be applicable to all situations at all times. It is recommended that action be taken in respect of the material provided only in conjunction with appropriate technical advice. Although ICAO has made every effort to ensure accuracy, it shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage caused by errors, omissions, misprints, or misinterpretation of the contents hereof. Readers are invited to give their views, comments and suggestions about the contents of this document. These should be directed to the Secretary General of ICAO.
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Section 1

AERODROME DESIGN TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

What is the ICAO reference code for each runway?

(Refer to Annex 14 Table 1-1 for detail information)

For each runway: is the longitudinal slope less than: (a) 1% if code number is 3, 4; or (b) 2% if code number is 1, 2?

(Longitudinal slope is the difference between maximum and minimum runway elevations divided by the runway length and expressed as a percentage)

is the maximum longitudinal slope along any portion of the runway within specified limits? is the runway sight distance available at least equal to the specified requirement?

For each runway: is the transverse slope of the runway surface not more than: (a) 1.5% (code letter C, D, E, F) ; or (b) 2.0% (code letter A, B)?
(for runways with a centreline crown)

For each new runway, or runway that has been subject to major maintenance or re-construction, has the runway surface been: constructed: (a) without hazardous irregularities; and

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AERODROME DESIGN TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

(b) with good friction characteristics when the runway is wet; and
(average surface texture depth for a new runway surface should not be less than 1 mm)

measured for friction characteristics using approved equipment?

For each runway strip (RWS): is the longitudinal slope equal or less than: (a) 1.5% (code number 4); or (b) 1.75% (code number 3); or (c) 2.0% (code number 1 or 2)? is the transverse slope within the graded portion equal or less than: (a) 2.5% (code no. 3 or 4); or (b) 3.0% (code no. 1 or 2)? is the upward transverse slope on any portion of ungraded RWS less than 5%? does the RWS extend before the threshold and beyond the end of runway by: (a) 60 m (code no. 2, 3 or 4 and code no. 1 if the runway is an instrument one); or (b) 30 m (non-instrument code no. 1 runway)? is the width of the RWS which includes: (a) an instrument runway: - 150 m either side of centreline (code no. 3 or 4); or

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Section 1

AERODROME DESIGN TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

75 m either side of centreline (code no. 1 or 2)? (b) a non-instrument runway: - 75 m either side of centreline (code no. 3 or 4); or - 40 m either side of centreline (code no. 2); or - 30 m either side of centreline (code no. 1)? if the full width of RWS is not graded, does the width of the graded portion conform to Annex 14 specifications ?

For each stopway (SWY): has the SWY been prepared or constructed to support movement of the critical aircraft without inducing structural damage? is the SWY width equal to the RWY width? do the SWY gradients conform to the associated RWY gradient specifications? is the SWY surface friction greater than or equal to the associated RWY?

Is a runway end safety area (RESA) provided at each end of a runway whose code number is: (a) 3 or 4; or (b) 1 or 2 (and the runway is an instrument runway)?

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AERODROME DESIGN TOPIC RESPONSE

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REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

For each RESA is the: length at least 90 m from the end of RWS? width at least twice the width of the associated runway? surface cleared and graded to not more than +/- 5% transversely or 5% downwards longitudinally? surface free of objects which may endanger aeroplanes? facility prepared or constructed so as to: (a) reduce the risk of damage to an aeroplane overrunning or under- shooting; (b) enhance deceleration; and (c) facilitate the movement of RFFS vehicles.

If required, has an arresting system been installed that is acceptable/approved for civilian aircraft operations? Wind direction and speed indication(WDI): does the aerodrome have at least one wind direction indicator (WDI); (a) visible from an aircraft in flight at 300m height above aerodrome (adequate contrast with background surface); (b) visible to a pilot at the extremities of the movement area; and (c) located so that wind direction and velocity is indicated free from effects of wind disturbances due to nearby objects.

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Section 1

AERODROME DESIGN TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

are additional WDIs installed as necessary to satisfy visibility requirements or to provide operational information under conditions of reduced visibility?
(Visibility requirements in VMC can be satisfied if the WDI is in the form of a truncated cone with a length of 3.6 m and a diameter at the larger end not less than 0.9 m, and, where practicable, of a conspicuous single colour preferably white or orange.)

when an aerodrome is available for use at night, is the WDI illuminated? are wind speed and direction meteorological sensors installed to give representative wind observations for each runway in use? is there a display in the ATS unit for each installed sensor?

Runway lighting. For each runway used at night, and for precision approach runways, are the following lights provided in compliance with specifications of Annex 14 for location and characteristics: (a) runway edge; (b) runway threshold; (c) wing bar; and (d) runway end? For each runway used for precision approach category II or III operations, are the following lights provided in compliance with specifications of Annex 14 for location and characteristics: (a) RWY centre line; and (b) RWY touchdown zone?

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Section 1

AERODROME DESIGN TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

For each runway used for takeoff with a RVR below 400 m, are RWY centre line lights provided?

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OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

Declared distances For each runway direction, has declared information been calculated for: (a) TORA (b) TODA (c) ASDA (d) LDA, Do declared distances properly allow for available and/or required associated facilities including clearway (CWY), SWY, RWS and RESA? Does declared distance data properly reflect the impact of any displaced thresholds either: (a) permanent; or (b) temporary

If intersection departures are permitted, is associated reduced declared distance information calculated and promulgated for each intersection take-off location? Are aerodrome staff members responsible for declared distance calculations formally trained and competent, including initial and recurrent training, as required?

Aerodrome safety inspections Are safety inspections of the runway and associated facilities conducted: (a) by trained and competent staff;

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Section 2

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

(b) at least once per day for code number 1 or 2 RWY; (c) at least twice per day for other runways; and (d) more frequently if necessary?. Are operational procedures implemented for additional safety inspections to be conducted : (a) at request of ATC; (b) after significant weather phenomena; Are required safety inspections conducted: (a) in communication with ATC; and (b) using approved checklists.

Is the aerodrome inspection system designed and capable of assessing the status of, and reporting about changes to, matters affecting runway safety particularly in relation to: construction activity; maintenance work; rough or broken pavement areas; presence of snow, slush, or ice; snow banks or drifts adjacent to a runway; unsatisfactory condition of a runway strip surface; water on a runway;

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Section 2

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

anti- or de-icing fluid on a runway; other temporary hazards, eg parked aircraft or obstacles in the OLS; failure or abnormal operation or display of aerodrome visual aids; and failure of normal or secondary power supply?

Co-ordination with ATM units To ensure up-to-date notification of changes to aeronautical data, does the aerodrome operator have arrangements for reporting to the responsible units without delay regarding: (a) changes about the status of aerodrome conditions; (b) the operational status of associated facilities, services and nav-aids; and (c) other information of operational significance?

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Section 2

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

Wet runway inspection and assessment

When water is present on a runway, is the aerodrome inspection system capable of assessing and reporting the condition in terms of: (a) Damp (b) Wet (c) Water patches (d) Flooded. When a runway or portion of it may be slippery, is the aerodrome inspection system capable of making the information available? Is runway slipperiness determined by States minimum friction levels by using specified measuring equipment? Is the type of equipment used and minimum specified friction level for slippery runways published? Maintenance program Does the runway maintenance program include regular inspections and monitoring of pavements and adjacent areas to: (a) eliminate loose objects and/or debris; and (b) ensure no harmful irregularities exist on runway surfaces? Are the runway surface friction characteristics measured periodically, using a continuous friction measuring device with selfwetting features?

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Section 2

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

Is corrective action to pavement surfaces taken when the measured friction levels are below criteria?

Are surface contaminants (snow, slush, ice, standing water, mud, dust, sand, oil, rubber deposits, etc.) removed rapidly and completely? Are measures taken to ensure contaminants do not accumulate on pavement surfaces? Does the runway strip maintenance program include regular inspections and monitoring to: (a) ensure surface gradients conform to requirements; (b) ensure grass height is maintained within limits; and (c) ensure there is a flush join between the RWS surface and adjacent pavement surface? Does the rainfall runoff drainage maintenance programme include: (a) open drains routinely inspected for unimpeded water flow; (b) covered drains routinely inspected for obstructions and structural integrity; and (c) repairs are made to drainage facilities as necessary to facilitate water flow away from the runway.

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Section 2

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

Is maintenance and construction activity in the proximity of electrical systems restricted: (a) during low visibility procedures (ILS Cat II or III approaches); or (b) during take-off when RVR is less than 550m?

Air navigation equipment installations Is equipment required for air navigation that is within specified areas of RWS, or on a RESA or CWY, mounted (a) frangibly; and (b) as low as possible?
(This item became an ICAO Annex 14 Volume 1 standard with an application date of 1 January 2010)

Visual Aids wind direction indicators (WDI). is the aerodrome equipped with at least one WDI that is (a) unaffected by local air disturbances; and (b) properly maintained including fully operational lighting for night operations ?

Visual Aids signalling lamp. is there an approved signal lamp in the control tower? is it serviceable?

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Section 2

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

are runway side stripe markings provided on paved runways to define the edge of the runway in relation to the shoulder? are the locations and are the characteristics of all markings in conformance with relevant national standards and/or Annex 14 SARPs?

Visual Aids lighting. Are elevated approach, runway and stopway lights frangible? Are inset lights designed and fitted to withstand aircraft traffic without damage to the fittings or aircraft? Is the runway lighting intensity: (a) adequate for minimum visibility conditions; and (b) compatible with the intensity of the nearest section of approach lighting? If a high intensity runway lighting system is installed, can the following systems (installed as specified in Annex 14) be operated at compatible intensities: (a) approach lighting; (b) RWY edge lights; (c) RWY THR lights; (d) RWY end lights; (e) RWY centreline lights: and (f) RWY TDZ lights? Are rapid exit taxiway indicator lights installed?

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Section 2

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

if yes, is the installation compliant with ICAO SARPs for application, location and characteristics; and has information been made available so users are familiar with the purpose of these lights?

For code number 3 or 4 runways used under visual conditions at night, and for non-precision approach runways, is a simple approach lighting system installed? - if yes, it is compliant with ICAO SARPs and/or national standards? For a precision approach runway Category I, II or III, is an approach lighting system installed as specified in ICAO SARPs? For each runway is a PAPI or other visual approach slope indication system (VASIS) required because : (a) the runway is used by turbo jet aircraft; or (b) inadequate visual guidance provided due to: - approach over water; or - featureless terrain; or - black hole effect; or (c) misleading visual guidance exists due to presence of deceptive surrounding terrain or runway slopes; or (d) objects are present in the approach area (especially if not lit or marked); or

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Section 2

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

(e) physical conditions at either end of the runway present a serious hazard in the event of an aircraft undershooting or overrunning the runway; or (f) conditions are conducive to an aeroplane being subjected to unusual turbulence during approach? For each VASIS, is the installation as specified in ICAO SARPs or national standards? Where a RWY is served by a VASIS and ILS, has the VASIS been sited so that the visual approach slope conforms as closely as possible to the ILS glide path? For each VASIS, is information published at least regarding: (a) RWY number; (b) type of system; (c) nominal approach slope angle; and (d) minimum eye height over threshold?

Visual Aids Signs

Are intersection take-off information signs provided at all runway intersections from which a take-off may be commenced? Are runway exit signs provided where there is an operational need to identify a runway exit?

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Section 2

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

Are signs frangible? Are signs sufficiently low to preserve clearance with aircraft engine pods and propellers? Do the inscriptions and colours of signs conform to ICAO SARPs? Are signs illuminated at runways intended to be used at night or in conditions of reduced visibility?

Visual Aids maintenance For each runway lighting system (including approach lights) is there a system of preventative maintenance to ensure lighting system reliability? Does the system of maintenance specify that a light is unserviceable when its intensity is less than 50% of its designed main beam intensity? Does the system of preventative maintenance applied to runway and approach lights used for precision approach category I, II or III operations comply with the relevant ICAO SARPs? Does the system of preventative maintenance for a runway meant for takeoff with RVR less than 550 m have as its objective that all runway lights will be serviceable but in any event:

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Section 2

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

(a) at least 95% of the lights are serviceable in the runway centreline lights (if provided) and in the runway edge lights; (b) at least 75% of the lights are serviceable in the runway end lights; and (c) no unserviceable lights will be adjacent each other? Does the system of preventative maintenance for a runway meant for takeoff with RVR 550 m or greater have as its objective that all runway lights will be serviceable but in any event: (a) at least 85% of the lights are serviceable in the runway edge and end lights; and (b) no unserviceable lights will be adjacent each other?

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Section 3

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) Is a RFFS established? Does the RFFS provide a level of protection for actual operations as determined in compliance with Annex 14 standards? Does the number of serviceable RFFS vehicles conform to ICAO SARPs? Do the RFFS vehicles provide the amounts of water for foam production and complementary agents in compliance with ICAO SARPs? Do the RFFS vehicles provide the discharge rate of foam solution in compliance with ICAO SARPs? Can the RFFS demonstrate a response time of three minutes to any part of an operational runway in optimal conditions? Are all RFFS personnel competent to perform their duties efficiently, including completion of training in human performance and team co-ordination? Do all RFFS personnel participate in live fire drills, commensurate with the aircraft traffic? Are all RFFS personnel provided with appropriate protective clothing and respiratory equipment?

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Section 3

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

When approach or departure operations take place over water/swampy areas or difficult terrain close to the aerodrome, are specialist rescue services and equipment available?

Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP) Has the aerodrome operator established an AEP that is: (a) commensurate with operations; (b) formulated to coordinate actions to be taken in case of an emergency on or in the vicinity of the aerodrome; and (c) co-ordinates the responses of agencies to assist in responding to an emergency? Does the plan incorporate human factor principles to ensure optimum response by participating agencies? Does the plan incorporate a grid map of the aerodrome and its environs? Does the aerodrome operator provide a mobile command post and emergency operations centre for use in an emergency?

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Section 3

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

Are communication systems available and operational to link the command post and emergency centre with each other and participating agencies? Does the plan include a provision for inspection of movement areas before a return to service is permitted? Is the plan tested to review its adequacy and improve its effectiveness? Does the testing occur: (a) every two years for a full scale emergency; and (b) in the intervening year for a partial exercise? Does the AEP cater for coordination with specialist services when significant numbers of approaches or departures occur over water or swampy areas near the aerodrome?

Disabled aircraft removal Has the aerodrome operator established a plan for the removal of an aircraft disabled on or adjacent to a runway? Has a competent person been appointed to coordinate the plan?

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Section 3

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TOPIC RESPONSE

YES NO

REMARKS /ACTION REQUIRED

Does the plan take into consideration the characteristics of the type of aircraft operating at the aerodrome? Does the plan include: (a) a list of equipment and personnel readily available; (b) arrangements to receive aircraft recovery equipment kits from other aerodromes; and (c) a determination of the capability to remove a disabled aircraft based on the largest type of aircraft the aerodrome is equipped to remove?

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