A vital division.
Flight Operations is a vital division of CAAV’s Aviation Safety and Security Regulations department. Its operational regulatory functions include certification of the aviation industry for various types of flight operations (Aviation Transport, Aerial Work, Aviation Training Institute, Aviation-Sports Activities), a continuing inspection of the industry’s certificated entities, and inspection of any type of flight operations.
The most crucial component of any operation is safety. Each member of the Flight Operations team plays an important role in enforcing regulations and conducting industry safety oversight. The major aspects of flight operations are described below.
AOC Audits
Flight Operations Inspectors and Airworthiness Inspectors conduct audits on valid operators who hold an AOC (Aircraft Operation Certificate) to undertake commercial operations. Depending on the size and complexity of the operation, audits may be performed by individual inspectors or by a team. The entire operation is inspected during these audits to verify safety and compliance with rules. These audits may be performed annually or at any time in the interest of safety (as needed), with regular ad hoc inspections conducted on a regular basis to maintain conformity.
Inspections
Flight operations personnel undertake surveillance inspections at various airports and facilities to ensure safety and compliance. These inspections can also be carried out on the ramp. Ramp inspections are the department’s visible police operations to raise awareness in the industry that the Authority is capable of reaching all corners of the country to enforce laws and be proactive in resolving risks that may jeopardize safety.
Surveillance refers to a continuing duty and responsibility that provides CAAV with a method for continuously evaluating and validating certificate holders’ compliance with the law and safe operating procedures. The information collected by surveillance programs enables CAAV to address shortcomings and safety issues that affect or have the potential to harm aviation safety. These inspections might take conducted at any time of day or night. The Flight Operations and Airworthiness division will create a ramp and route assessment program for both domestic and international operators.
Flight Operations personnel are trained in the approval of operational manuals and assist operators who wish to operate under an AOC. These manuals must be carefully read to ensure compliance with the most recently promulgated regulations. Once the inspector has approved the content and presentation of the manual, it serves as a guideline for the operator’s safe and effective operation. However, apart from flight manuals, the division also reviews Special Operations manuals, such as Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) Operations control manuals and other operator-specific manuals, such as dangerous goods manuals. AOC certification and special approvals are handled by the division in an approved process.