AERODROME

Aerodrome Activities and programmes in BAGASOO is coordinated by the TC Aerodromes

The Aerodrome Unit is responsible for the following: assist Member States in developing the framework for implementation of  Safety Management System by airport operators  the review of  airport safety manual; develop a generic procedure manual for aerodrome certification; ; develop administrative procedures for surveillance tasks and for reviewing aerodrome certification applications; assist States in implementing an annual inspection/surveillance programmes for airports and heliports ; assist in the organization and conduct of aerodrome workshops and  training sessions, ; prepare as required, relevant aerodrome regulations, practices and procedures; assist in evaluating aerodrome certificate applications and in the conduct of  related inspections; provide on-the-job training to counterparts; perform any other duties related to his field of specialization for achieving the Project’s objectives.

There has been a growing number of of initiatives and programmes globally in the area of aerodrome planning, operations, maintenance and safeguarding arising from the need to address increasing concerns related to airport certification, airport maintenance, airport land use and environmental impacts, airport capacity constraints, proliferation of obstructions, runway incursion and airport infrastructural deficit.

A key concern within the BAG region is in the area of Airport operational safety and certification. BAGASOO is mindful of the current status within the BAG region, with regards to lack of certification of many of the region’s international airports and the efforts being made in this regard to address this concern, which is reflected in the Abuja Safety Targets. It has in this regard also been working with ICAO and member States under the certification assistance project and will continue to lend support through other programmes to improve the current status.

It is recognized that a State ability to certify its airport is dependent upon the availability of an adequate certification system. The availability of an appropriate framework for certification and attainment of the certification objective both positively impact on the overall level of effective implementation (EI)  of the critical elements of State safety oversight system in the area of aerodromes. BAGASOO has established all necessary technical framework to provide needed support to States and will continually work with its members to ensure the establishment of sustainable certification systems that will promote attainment of the certification objective. The current BAGASOO strategic plan (2021-2023) incorporates strategic objectives and priorities fashioned to give adequate focus to the Organisation in dealing with all related concerns.     

Another area of note is airport safeguarding and other closely related issues such as  land use and environmental control . Inadequate regulation of land use activities around airports have a potential to have significant negative implications on the safety of airport operations. Proper land use control mechanism and tools are essential to achieve these objectives. Efforts by BAGASOO in this direction resulted  in the convening of a regional workshop and  issuance of a communique by member States enumerating the concerns in the region and remedial measures to be taken. BAGASOO has been coordinating efforts to ensure that decisions and recommendations of the communique are implemented to meet the overall objective of safety enhancement in the region. 

In conclusion, the  Organisation  will continue to work closely with BAG  States in every facet  of the aerodrome field with a view to   the realizing of the relevant objectives in the    BAGASOO strategic plan.