Airport Operations Manuals
A certified airport in Canada must be operated according to its approved airport operations manual, or AOM. Cirrus writes new manuals and reworks outdated ones, so the manual matches how your airport actually runs. We also write procedures manuals for registered aerodromes and mine airstrips that want one. Transport Canada approves the manual; we help you prepare it. See all our airport services.
When Do Airports Need a New or Reworked Manual?
- You are applying for an airport certificate. The application must include a proposed AOM. See TP312 and Transport Canada compliance.
- Something has changed at the airport: a runway, lighting, services or the people in charge. The manual has to follow, and each amendment goes to Transport Canada for approval.
- The manual no longer describes how the airport runs day to day.
- A new manager takes over and needs a manual the team can actually work from. See relief airport manager.
- A registered aerodrome or mine airstrip wants written procedures that stay the same when crews rotate.
What Does Cirrus Do?
We review your current manual, your site and your operation against CAR 302.08 and TP312. Then we write a new manual or rework the one you have, section by section. Your team gets a draft to review before anything is submitted. When the airport changes later, we prepare the amendments. For registered aerodromes and mine airstrips, we write a procedures manual sized to the strip and its traffic. See an example in our projects.
Manuals, Plans and Programs We Write
- Airport operations manual, or AOM
- Safety management system program, or SMS. Every certified airport must have one.
- Airport emergency plan
- Winter maintenance plan and general maintenance plan
- Fuel program
- Aircraft de-icing program
- Terminal operations management manual
- Ground operations manual
- Environmental management plan
- Airport manager's manual
Sources: CAR 107.02, CAR 302.501.
Who Writes the Manual?
Experienced airport managers on the Cirrus team, who know what an inspector looks for and what staff need on a busy day. Cirrus also trains airport staff, so your team can learn the new manual, not just receive it. See airport management training or all our training programs.
How Does a Manual Project Work?
- Review. We read your current manual and related documents and note the gaps.
- Site visit. We visit the airport to see how it runs day to day and check the manual against the field.
- Draft. We write or rework the manual and send it to your team for comments.
- Submission. As the operator, you sign the manual and submit it to Transport Canada. We help answer the inspector's questions.
- Keep it current. When the airport changes, we prepare the amendment for approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every aerodrome need an airport operations manual?
No. The Canadian Aviation Regulations require one for certified airports, under section 302.08. Registered and unregistered aerodromes fall under Subpart 1 of Part III, which does not require one. A written procedures manual is still the simplest way to keep a mine strip's procedures the same from one crew to the next.
Sources: CAR 300.01, CAR 301.01, CAR 302.08.
What must an AOM contain?
The manual sets out the standards the airport meets and the services it provides. Under CAR 302.08 it includes: administration, such as the amendment record, the list of copy holders, the management structure and the operator's signed statements; the information that shows the airport meets the standards, including physical characteristics, obstacle limitation surfaces, declared distances, lighting, markers, markings, signs, emergency response measures, airport safety measures, movement area access and apron plans; the facilities and services provided, such as movement area maintenance, removal of disabled aircraft, air traffic and aeronautical information services, navigation aids and aviation weather; and a description of the safety management system. Transport Canada also notes that the operator chooses the level of service and states it in the manual.
Sources: CAR 302.08, AC 302-031.
Who approves the manual?
Transport Canada, on behalf of the Minister. The manual is approved if it accurately describes the aerodrome's physical specifications and meets the requirements for airport operations manuals in the aerodrome standards publications. The operator signs a statement that the manual is complete and accurate. Cirrus helps you prepare the manual; the approval is Transport Canada's.
Sources: CAR 302.03, CAR 302.08.
Do we need approval to change our manual?
Yes. The operator must keep the manual up to date and submit every proposed amendment to Transport Canada for approval. The operator must also notify Transport Canada in writing of any change in airport operations within 14 days of the change. The airport must be operated as the manual says, so an outdated manual is a problem in itself.
Sources: CAR 302.07, CAR 302.08.
How does the manual relate to TP312?
TP312, Aerodrome Standards and Recommended Practices, sets out standards such as physical characteristics, obstacle limitation surfaces and visual aids for certified airports. The manual must contain the information needed to show the airport meets the standards as they read when its certificate was issued. Any part of the airport that is replaced or improved must meet the standards in force when it goes back into service, so the manual changes with it.
Sources: TP312, CAR 302.07, CAR 302.08.
Is the emergency plan part of the manual?
The manual must cover emergency response measures. The airport emergency plan has its own rules: it is kept at the airport in the form of a manual, reviewed at least once a year after consulting air operators that use the airport and the organizations named in it, and updated as needed. We can work on both.
Sources: CAR 302.08, CAR 302.202.
Do you write manuals in French and English?
Yes. We write and rework manuals in French and English.
Official Sources
- CAR 300.01 definitions and Subpart 1 aerodromes, 301.01 and 301.03
- CAR 302.01 to 302.07, application, certificate and operator obligations
- CAR 302.08 airport operations manual and 302.202 emergency plan
- TP312 Aerodrome Standards and Recommended Practices
- CAR 107.01 and 107.02, safety management system applicability
- AC 302-031 Publication enhancements to airport information
Need a New Manual, or One That Matches Your Airport Again?
Tell us about your airport and your current manual. We'll tell you how we can help you accomplish the mission.
Talk to usOr email info@cirrusintelligence.ca