Airport Safety Inspections for Regulated Aerodromes in Australia
Airport Safety Inspections
Aerodrome safety inspections are a core compliance obligation for airport operators across Australia. Oz Airports provides certified aerodrome inspection services to both regulated and unregulated aerodromes, delivering detailed airport safety audit reports and the expert oversight your aerodrome needs to remain safe and compliant.
The Manual of Standards Part 139 underwent a radical transformation culminating in the edition dated 5 Sept 2019. That edition came into force on 13 August 2020, before that registered aerodromes were subject to annual aerodrome safety inspections. These safety inspections were completed by persons authorised by CASA for the purpose.
Regional and Remote Airport Safety Inspections
Prior to MOS 139 (5 Sept 2019) More detailed Aerodrome Technical inspections were directed at Certified Aerodromes and were conducted by CASA staff at these aerodromes engaged in the most the operations of Regular Public Transport (RPT) services.
With the change to MOS 139 (5 Sept 2019) aerodromes were reclassified “regulated” or “unregulated”. Regulated aerodromes are all registered or certified aerodromes and are all classified “certified”. This has precipitated the cessation of the previous CASA delegation of “Aerodrome Safety Inspector” and removal of that description from MOS 139.
Periodic high-level Inspections
Given the need for some form a safety assurance for the plethora of “other” (unregulated) aerodromes, the industry is awaiting new guidelines for the delivery of this airport specialisation. These aerodromes still have a need for periodic higher-level inspection other than daily serviceability inspection.
Government bodies wishing to source the previous Safety Inspections are encouraged to contact us to discuss options.
safety assurance
Relate more Services
Aerodrome Reporting and Works Safety Officer Theory Training
Oz Airports provides Aerodrome Reporting and Works Safety Officer theory training, in accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) AIC 139-13. The training provides the theory base that a new Aerodrome Reporting and Works Safety Officer requires,
Aircraft Radio Operators Certificate (AROC)
Oz Airports trainers deliver, through CASA Instruments of Authority, training and assessment of candidates to gain an AROC. This also extends to our delivery of Aviation English Literacy Proficiency (AELP) and General English Literacy Proficiency (GELP) assessments.
What Are Airport Safety Inspections?
Airport safety inspections are structured assessments of an aerodrome’s physical infrastructure, operational procedures, and compliance status against CASA regulatory requirements. They cover:
- Runways, taxiways, and aprons
- Airside lighting and signage
- Windsocks, fencing, and obstacle limitation surfaces
- Operational procedures and safety management compliance
The purpose is to identify hazards, document deficiencies, and support corrective action before those issues affect aircraft safety or trigger a CASA finding. For aerodrome operators, a scheduled inspection program is not optional. It is the mechanism through which you demonstrate to CASA that your aerodrome is being actively managed to the required standard.
How CASA Regulations Changed Aerodrome Safety Inspections
Prior to the Manual of Standards Part 139 edition dated 5 September 2019, registered aerodromes were subject to annual safety inspections conducted by CASA-delegated Aerodrome Safety Inspectors. The 2019 MOS Part 139 reform, which came into force on 13 August 2020, reclassified all aerodromes as either regulated or unregulated and removed the CASA Aerodrome Safety Inspector delegation entirely.
The practical consequence is that many aerodromes, particularly unregulated aerodromes, still require periodic higher-level safety inspections but no formal CASA framework currently exists to govern their delivery. Oz Airports works with these operators to structure appropriate inspection programs that meet their ongoing safety obligations.
Types of Aerodrome Safety Inspections We Provide
Daily Airport Serviceability Inspections
Every certified aerodrome requires daily serviceability inspections to confirm the aerodrome is safe for aircraft operations. Conducted by a qualified Aerodrome Reporting Officer, these checks confirm that runways, taxiways, lighting, and safety areas are serviceable and clear of hazards. Oz Airports supplies qualified ARO staff for these inspections as part of our Airport Staff Relief and Airport Management services.
Periodic High-Level Safety Inspections
Beyond daily checks, aerodromes require periodic comprehensive assessments of overall infrastructure condition and compliance status. These produce a formal airport safety audit report documenting findings, hazards, and recommended corrective actions. This is particularly important for unregulated aerodromes and government-owned regional airports.
Pre-CASA Audit Preparation Inspections
Oz Airports conducts independent inspections ahead of scheduled CASA audits. Our team identifies compliance gaps, documents deficiencies, and gives operators the time and guidance needed to resolve issues before a formal CASA review.
What Our Aerodrome Safety Audit Reports Include
Every inspection produces a detailed written report structured to support your internal safety management processes and provide a clear compliance record.
- Runway, taxiway, and apron condition assessment
- Airside lighting and signage compliance review
- Windsock, fencing, and obstacle limitation surface checks
- Hazard identification and risk classification
- Corrective action recommendations
- Compliance status against MOS Part 139 requirements
- Photographic evidence of all findings
Why Use an External Aviation Safety Consultant?
Many operators conduct daily serviceability checks using internal staff. However, periodic higher-level inspections benefit significantly from an independent external consultant who approaches the aerodrome without familiarity bias and is therefore far less likely to overlook established deficiencies.
Oz Airports inspectors are experienced across dozens of Australian aerodromes, bringing an objective perspective and current CASA regulatory knowledge to every engagement. For operators who want genuine safety assurance rather than a box-ticking exercise, an independent inspection delivers meaningfully better outcomes.
Inspections for Regional and Remote Aerodromes
Regional and remote aerodromes often lack in-house aviation expertise, yet their CASA obligations are identical to larger operators. Oz Airports provides aerodrome safety inspection services to regional councils and remote aerodrome operators across every Australian state, with experienced inspectors and purpose-built airside vehicles available at short notice.
If your aerodrome previously accessed CASA-delegated inspection services, contact Oz Airports to discuss how we can fill that gap with a structured, compliant inspection program.
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Question
What is the difference between a daily serviceability inspection and a periodic safety inspection?
Oz Airports manages regional council aerodromes, mine site airports, civil aerodromes, and Defence bases across Australia.
Are safety inspections required under CASA regulations?
Yes. Our aerodrome management services are flexible and can be structured to meet your specific staffing and budget requirements.
Can you inspect unregulated aerodromes?
Yes. CASA regulatory compliance and audit preparation are a core part of our aerodrome management service.
Do you provide written reports?
How often should periodic inspections be conducted?
Ready to Book an Aerodrome
Safety Inspection?
Whether you need a one-off inspection, a pre-audit compliance review, or a structured periodic inspection program, Oz Airports has the qualified personnel and experience to deliver it.