Safety Audit procedure for Flight Safety

             A detailed checklist shall be prepared for conducting internal safety audit. These  audits shall review and analyse all matters having bearing on safety of operations, particularly with reference to the following:-
        (a) Management Practices Relating to Safety Aspects: The management policy has been clearly defined for the commitment and priority to safety of aircraft operations. The management has issued guidelines to this effect and has also taken action for violations of safety requirements by their employees.
       (b) Operational Policies and Procedures: The Operations Manual and other circulars issued from time to time clearly define the operational policies and procedures for all types of aircraft in operation. For example, whether:
i. the pilots are filling the flight reports properly giving complete details of the snags;
ii. operational control is being exercised and the concerned officials are posted at the airports for discharging the duties;
iii. detailed study/trial has been carried out before starting operation to a new airport;
iv. procedures and precautions have been laid down for operations at critical/marginal airfields and for operations during the monsoon period; and
v. proper alternate aerodromes have been selected for a given flight keeping in view the ATC watch hours and aircraft handling facilities etc.
         (c) Flight Operations :Flight operations offices at the main base and sub-bases are adequately manned and equipped with communication and other assisting equipment. The operator should have sub-bases at stations where there are night halts. The flight despatchers shall be approved by DGCA. Company doctors and proper medical equipment are available at the main base and at sub-bases for carrying out preflight medical check. The flight operations offices shall maintain the records of FDTL, validity of licence/IR, medical check, proficiency check, refresher and flight safety courses which shall be updated regularly.
       (d) Safety Promotion Meetings :As a part of accident/incident prevention program, the operator shall organised frequent meetings of the pilots and engineers to discuss important safety issues
       (e) Training :Regular refresher courses are being conducted for the flight crew, AMEs, cabin crew and other key personnel and whether the commercial staff engaged in loading of aircraft is being given regular training/ refresher regarding proper filling up of load and trim sheets.
      (f) Maintenance Standards and Procedures :DGCA approval for maintenance organisation is current and the operator has adequate number of AMEs/approved personnel/authorized personnel/certifying staff and the infrastructure to cope up with maintenance of aircraft fleet. It shall also be ensured that only type rated AMEs/approved personnel/authorized personnel carry out rectification of snags. Check availability of trained technicians for engine start, marshallers, etc. The operator has necessary tools and equipment required for maintenance of aircraft and whether their shops have required maintenance facilities.
      (g) Quality Control :check that the Quality Control Manager or Dy. Quality Control Manager are having licence on the type of aircraft being operated. The quality control manual covers all types of maintenance/shop activities carried by them and these be updated regularly as per the applicable regulation in force. Defect/ snag, delay and incident investigation records shall be maintained and updated.
     (h) Manuals, Documentation and Other Records :The operator is in possession of various manuals and is on the mailing list of the manufacturer for relevant literature, and whether all the documents related to aircraft operations and maintenance, log books, etc. are maintained properly and regularly updated.
      (i) Buildings and Other Facilities : The operator has sufficient and proper space for maintenance/ shops and is being maintained properly. Whether sufficient space is available for office work, for proper keeping of records, stores etc. Check for proper environment control.
     (j) Support Equipment :The operator has proper ground support equipment like baggage trolleys, step ladders, motorised vehicles, etc. and whether they are maintained in serviceable condition. Check that the personnel engaged in handling ground support equipment are trained and regular refresher is given to them.
     (k) Security :The operator has a Security Program approved by BCAS, maintains a set of necessary instructions/ circulars on civil aviation security, has trained personnel to oversee security and whether these personnel are aware of their role in case of bomb threat, hijacking, accident etc.

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