Part 139 Safety Self-Inspection Program, Don't Just Go Through The Motions (Part 2, The Inspection, Paved Areas)

In part one of this series, we spoke about the basic components of your Safety Self-Inspection program. In part 2 we will discuss Part 139.305, Paved Areas. It is Important to know the Part 139 regulations, and the standards in your approved ACM. Finding the discrepencies is one thing, understanding them, and dealing with them properly is another. All of the rules and regulations are based on the safety of your airfield and those that use it.

When you are inspecting your airfield it consist of more then driving down the runway at a high rate of speed. Yes, sometimes Air Traffic Control (ATC) rush us, or are we allowing them to rush us. We have a job to do and that is to make sure the airfield is safe to be used regardless of the time it takes to complete the duties.

Part 139.305

The certificate holder (The Airport) must maintain, and promptly repair the pavement of, each runway, taxiway, loading ramp, and parking area on the airport that is available for air carrier use.
The pavement edges must not exceed 3 inches difference in elevation between abutting pavement sections and between pavement and abutting areas.
The pavement must have no hole exceeding 3 inches in depth nor any hole the slope of which from any point in the hole to the nearest point at the lip of the hole is 45 degrees or greater, as measured from the pavement surface plane, unless, in either case, the entire area of the hole can be covered by a 5-inch diameter circle.
The pavement must be free of cracks and surface variations that could impair directional control of air carrier aircraft, including any pavement cracks or surface deterioration that produces loose aggregate or other contaminants.
Mud, dirt, sand, loose aggregate, debris, foreign objects, rubber deposits, and other contaminants must be removed promptly and as completely as practicable.

Foreign Object Debris(FOD), needs to be removed immediately. The areas causing the FOD should be monitored and kept clear of FOD until the pavement can be repaired. Pavement breaking up is not the only cause of FOD. Trash, maintenance tools, aircraft and vehicle parts, also cause FOD, just to name a few. All these items can be and will be found on your airfield, and can cause damage to aircraft and injure people. Please pick them up when spotted.

The pavement must be sufficiently drained and free of depressions to prevent ponding that obscures markings or impairs safe aircraft operations.

Weeds need to be completely removed and the cracks need sealing to prevent week growth & deterioration of the pavement.

The "Paser" program that will help you evaluate your pavement conditions. As we know, pavement/concrete is essential for aircraft and vehicles to move about the airfield.
Here are the links to the Paser manuals.
Concrete Airfield Pavement Paser Manual
Asphalt Airfield Pavement Paser Manual

Inspecting the pavement is an essential part of your Daily Self-Inspection Program. Pay close attention to slowly deteriorating areas. No safety issue is to small to report.

In our next post of the "Safety Self-Inspection Program" we will discuss Part 139.307, Safety Areas.

Don't Just Go Through The Motions!