Flight Operations

Flight Operations is an important department in the Aviation Safety and Security Regulations department of KCAA. The department is segmented into the appropriate aircraft categories and operational components as determined in the regulations. Each section has a group of specialists who perform a number of duties and functions on behalf of Flight Operations. 

Safety is the most important aspect of any operation. Within Flight Operations, each member of the team plays a vital role in enforcing regulations and conducting safety oversight within the industry. Most aspects of Flight Operations are listed below. 

AOC Audits 

Audits are conducted by Flight Operations Inspectors and Airworthiness Inspector(s) who then carry out inspections on valid operators who hold an AOC (Aircraft Operation Certificate) to conduct commercial operation. The audits may be carried out by individual inspectors, or as a team, depending on the size and complexity of the operation. During these audits, the whole operation is inspected to ensure safety and compliance with the regulations. These audits may be done annually or at any time in the interest of safety (as need may arise) with regular ad-hoc inspections being conducted from time to time to maintain conformity. 

Inspections 

The members of flight operations conduct surveillance inspections at various airports or facilities to ensure safety and compliance. These inspections may also be done on the ramp. Ramp inspections are the visible policing efforts of the department to create the awareness in the industry that the Authority is able to reach all corners of the country to enforce the regulations, be proactive in addressing hazards that may compromise safety.

Surveillance relates continuous monitoring to an ongoing duty and responsibility that provide KCAA with a method for a continual evaluation and validation of certificate holder’s compliance with the law and safe operating practices. Information generated from surveillance programs permits KCAA to act upon deficiencies and safety issues, which affect, or have a potential effect on aviation safety. These inspections can take place by day or night. The Flight Operations and Airworthiness sections will develop a periodic ramp and route check programme for local and foreign operators

The Flight Operations personnel are trained in the approval of manuals used for operations, and assist operators intending to operate an AOC. These manuals need to be read carefully to ensure compliance with the current promulgated regulations. Once the content and presentation of the manual has been approved by the inspector, this manual serves as a guideline for safe and effective functioning by the operator. In addition to flight manuals, the department reviews manuals for Special Operations e.g. Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) Operations control manuals and other operator-specific manuals, such as dangerous goods manual. The department conducts AOC certification and special approvals which are a five phased process.

Flight Operations responsibilities include the following functions:

Flight Operations

  • AOC Initial issuance
  • AOC Renewal
  • AOC Recertification
  • AOC Surveillance
  • Amendment of AOC Operations Specifications
  • Re-issue of AOC Operations Specifications
  • Inclusion and/or addition of Aircraft to AOC Operations Specifications
  • Dangerous Goods certification process
  • Ramp Inspections

Other functions

  • Conduct an Enforcement Investigation
  • Investigate a Pilot Deviation
  • Investigate a Report of a Near Midair Collision (NMAC)
  • Investigate a Report of Emergency Evacuation
  • Investigate an Incident Involving Hazardous Materials
  • Investigate a Foreign Air Carrier Incident
  • Conduct a Ramp Inspection of Foreign Registered Aircraft (SAFA)

 Issuance of Special approvals

  • ETOPS
  • Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums (RVSM) Program
  • Performance Based Navigation (PBN)
  • Exemption, Deviation, or Waiver Request
  • Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
  • ASETPA
  • NAT HLA
  • Low Visibility Operations (LVO)
  • EDTO
  • AWOPS
  • NVGs
  • Offshore Operations
  • Sling Load Operations