Ground Operations audit

An airline has to incorporate all aspects of the operation in its Quality Assurance Programme. This obligation is based of OPS 1.035(b). Approximately half of the flights is carried out from an outstation. It is obvious that also the performance of the usually contracted  handling companies is verified by means of an audit.

A Ground Operations audit exists of three components; Ramp Handling, Passenger Handling and Operations. This audit is mainly conducted based on EU-OPS. A number of subjects are however subject to other legislation such as the EU security regulations.

The Ground Operations audit is conducted by means of interviews, review of documents and observation of activities. such as the handling of an aircraft on the ramp and passenger check-in. Everything of course with special attention to flight safety.

During the preparation of the audit, a planning is made for the execution of the audit. This planning includes subjects such as organisation, training, observations and a visit to the maintenance facilities of ground equipment. If the handling is performed by more than one sub-contractor, the general subjects will be examined separately at every sub-contractor.

During a Ground Operations audit the auditors are frequently surprised by unexpected occurrences. It happens that flights which have to be observed are delayed or activities are performed differently than contracted. In these cases the audit planning will have to be adjusted. This demands a lot of creativity and adaptability of the auditors.

AviationAudits.nl has extensive experience with Ground Operations audits and has an especially developed checklist for this type of audit.