Guidance Pamphlet for Aerodrome Certification Applicants
1. Introduction
This user guide is applicable to MCAR-139 applicants.
The provisions of this user guide are complementary to the requirements of MCAR-139 and ASC 139-11 regulation “as amended” and these provisions do not supersede or replace the associated regulatory requirements.
Following is a list of CAA regulations concerning aerodrome certification.
| MCAR 139 Aerodrome Rules | Regulation containing the basic requirements to obtain the aerodrome certificate. |
| ASC 139-5 Aerodrome Standards | Contains the standards to be followed for the aerodrome infrastructure and operations. Also includes supplementary guidance materials regarding declared distances, pavement strength, |
| ASC 139-4 Local Runway Safety Teams | Contains the requirements and guidance on formation of runway safety teams. |
| ASC 139-6 Wildlife Control Programme | Guidance material to aerodrome operators on the implementation of a wildlife control programme. |
| ASC 139-7 Notification of change to Aerodromes | Includes the procedures to be used in notifying MCAA of developments on an aerodrome and other changes to the physical characteristics of an aerodrome. |
| ASC 139-8 Assessment of Runway Surface Friction Characteristics | Describes the minimum level of assessment that should be employed for the group of ICAO recommended Continuous Friction Measuring Equipment (CFME). |
| ASC 139-9 Aerodrome Safeguarding | Includes requirements to be followed on obstacle control within OLS and outside OLS. Also provides information on obtaining an aviation permit from CAA for obstacles, land uses and other hazardous activities near the airports. |
| ASC 139-10 Aerodrome Personnel Competency Requirements | Includes the requirements for nomination of key postholders and their training, competency, qualifications. Also include guidance on competency requirements for key aerodrome areas. |
| ASC 139-11 Guidance on Aerodrome Certification for Prospective Aerodrome Certificate Holders | Provides detailed guidance on pre-certification stages of aerodrome certification and also formal process to be followed for obtaining an aerodrome certificate. |
| ASC 139-12 Aeronautical Studies | Provides guidance to aerodrome operators on conduct of an aeronautical studies. |
| ASC 139-13 Safety risk assessments for Aerodromes | Provides a generic guidance to aerodrome operators on conduct risk assessments for aerodromes. |
ASC 139-11 contains the pre-certification stages (stage 1 & stage 2) to enable developers of aerodrome to submit the concept design and detail design documents to CAA during initial stages.
Stage 1 – Concept Acceptance
Applicants shall submit form MCAA/AD/07 to CAA with the supporting documents listed in the form. The following documents shall be submitted:
1- MCAA Form MCAA-AD-09A Airside Infrastructure compliance declaration form
2- MCAA Form MCAA-AD-09B Airside Infrastructure Data Sheet
3- Aerodrome Concept Layout Drawing
4- NOL Issued by DASA
5- Land lease agreement/registry copy (for non-government applicants)
Stage 2- Detail Design Acceptance
Stage 2 application shall be submitted using CAA from MCAA/AD/08 with the following documents:
1- Form MCAA-AD-10 – Visual Aids – Markings compliance declaration
2- Form MCAA-AD-11 – Visual Aids – Lights, Markers and Indicators compliance declaration
3- Form MCAA-AD-12 – Visual Aids – Signs and Electrical system
4- Lighting drawing, marking drawing, signage layout (as applicable)
5- Obstacle survey report
6- EIA Decision statement
3. Formal Application Process
When the aerodrome development is completed, equipment is commissioned and personnel is recruited and trained, the designated aerodrome operator should send the formal application to the Maldives CAA using CAA Form MCAA/AD/01 and the applicable fees. The address details can be found on https://caa.gov.mv/contact/.
The following documents are the contents of pre-application package:
(click the links below to download the documents)
Application Form MCAA/AD/01
Final Compliance Declaration forms (MCAA-AD-09A, MCAA-AD-10, MCAA-AD-11, MCAA-AD-12)
Airside Infrastructure Datasheet (MCAA-AD-09B)
Self-assessment checklist
Aerodrome Manual Compliance Checklist
Airport Emergency Plan Compliance Checklist
Safety Management System Documentation Checklist
Post holder information form
Form 4
The fees regulation MCAR-187 can be downloaded from the CAA website.
4. Processing of applications
1- Completeness of the application
2- Review the Aerodrome Manual, AEP and SMS-M
3- Review the compliance declaration forms and the design drawings
Any non-compliances will be notified to you by email.
The CAA will also advise you regarding the additional costs if travel away from Male’ area is involved. Refer MCAR-187 and ASC 187-1.
Nominated Persons:
Nominated person must meet with the applicable requirements specified in ASC 139-10 and the CAA will interview all nominated persons prior to acceptance.
The CAA may reject a nominated person (including the AM) where there is clear evidence that they previously held a senior position in an approved organisation and abused that position by not complying with the relevant regulations or where the person does not have the appropriate experience and/or qualifications. Refer to the Fitness of Character Policy for further details.
Meeting with the Accountable Manager
A meeting with the Accountable Manager will be convened at least once during the initial approval process to ensure that he/she fully understands the significance of the approval and the reason for signing the aerodrome manual commitment of the organisation to compliance with the procedures specified in the Exposition.
Onsite Audit(s)
CAA will conduct an onsite audit to verify that the organisation meets the requirements of MCAR-139 and associated circulars.
Findings
All findings will be communicated to you in writing. All findings must be provided with a satisfactory CAP before an approval can be granted.
5. Issuance of Aerodrome Certificate
CAA will issue the aerodrome certificate once the organisation’s compliance with MCAR-139 has been established. Additionally, compliance to the civil aviation security programme and national facilitation programme will also be considered when granting the aerodrome certificate.
6. Surveillance
The surveillance audits are usually planned for every year. For new approvals, the audit frequency may increase in the early period, dependent on the company’s experience, risk and the complexity of the scope of approval.
7. Fees and charges
| Regulations: | Refer to MCAR-187 Appendix 4.4.1 and ASC 187-1. |
| Approval Fees: | Fee is based on scope of approval (refer Appendix 4.4.1 of MCAR-187). Request an invoice if your procedures require it. |
| Audit Costs: | Costs of the initial audit and surveillance audits must be borne by the organisation as per ASC 187-1. |
| Tickets | The organisation is required to provide the tickets. |