AD AC NO.

2 of 2019

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
OFFICE OF DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIATION 9th August 2019

AERODROME
ADVISORY CIRCULAR
F. No. AV 20011/12/2011-AL

SUBJECT: GROUND HANDLING AND APRON INSPECTION CHECKLIST.

As Indian Airports are getting busier in view of the exponential growth in Civil
Aviation, the number of ground incidents at Indian Airports involving aircraft are also
increasing. Since January 2019, at Delhi Airport, seven such ground incidents have been
reported involving various aircrafts. In two cases, engines of the aircrafts were hit by
Ground Power Unit, in one case by a ladder and in another case by a toilet cart. Similarly,
in Mumbai, one aircraft was hit by a ground tractor, another by an empty container trolley
and the third by a flying container because of the strong winds and it was not properly tied.
In Hyderabad, Chennai, Trichy. Cochin, Tirupati, Rajkot and some other airports, similar
incidents have been reported. In order to curb such incidents, DGCA has developed a
detailed checklist to benchmark safety standards on the Airside of the Airport.

The checklist details the ground facilities checks, which include ground servicing
equipment, passenger boarding bridge, condition of Apron/ Marking/ Lighting, Availability
of Foreign Object Debris Bins, etc. Similarly to regulate the movement of vehicle in the
airside, the checks include fitness of vehicle as well as the fitness of drivers and their
knowledge with regard to the Geography of Aerodrome, Aerodrome Signs, marking,
lighting, Radio telephony operating procedures, terms and phrases used in airside
operations, adequate training of driving/ operating the relevant vehicle/Equipment and the
training of the employees working at airside.

The checklist also includes aircraft turnaround and general safety procedures
such as Aircraft Fuelling, Pushback, Towing, Marshalling, Mooring and Handling of Arrival
and Departure of the Aircraft.

In order to regulate the airside activities and to reduce the ground incidents for
safe operation of aircraft, DGCA will conduct the safety audit of airside activities quarterly
as per attached checklist. First safety audit based on checklist will be conducted after two
months. It is expected that Airport operators shall ensure the compliance of safety
standards laid down in enclosed checklist attached as Annexure-I.
Sd/-
(D.C. Sharma)
Deputy Director General
 Annexure-I

GROUND HANDLING & APRON INSPECTION CHECKLIST

References :

 ICAO Annex 1
 ICAO Annex 6
 ICAO Annex 8
 ICAO Annex 9
 ICAO Annex 18
 CAR Section 4 Series B Part I
 ICAO Airport Services Manual Part 1
 ICAO Airport Services Manual Part 8
 Air safety Circulars
 IATA AHM
 IGOM
 IOSA
 CAR 145
 MoCA Notification (AV-24011/8/2017-AAI-MOCA) dated 15th Dec 2017

Abbreviation:

CAR: Civil Aviation Requirements

IGOM: IATA Ground operation Manual
ICAO: International Civil Aviation Requirements
IOSA: IATA Operational safety audit
IATA: International Air Transport Association
AHM: Airport Handling manual
MoCA: Ministry of Civil Aviation
GSP: General safety Practice
GSE: Ground Support Equipment
PBB: Passenger Boarding Bridge
GHA: Ground Handling Agency
GHM: Ground Handling Manual
 GROUND HANDLING & APRON INSPECTION CHECK LIST

Date of Inspection

Name of the Airport

Name of GHA/ Operator

Responsible I/C

Name & Desig. of Insp.

Officers

S/N ITEMS OF INSPECTION Reference SAT UNSAT N/A Remark

A. General Ground Facility and pre arrival checks

1. Check Staff allocated for aircraft handling GHM/SLA
are available on stand before arrival of the
aircraft.
2. Check availability of GSE against listing of GHM/SLA
the particular type of aircraft handling.
3. Check condition of paved surface of CAR4B1
Apron/ Bay.
4. Does the aircraft stand provide the CAR4B1
minimum clearance, Stand marking as per
requirements?
5. Check availability of safety lines. CAR4B1
6. Check equipment and vehicles free of GSP
loose items.
7. Check whether Apron being regularly ICAO Doc
swept so as to ensure that aprons is clean 9137
and clear of foreign object debris ((FOD),
Oil, Grease, Rubber marks, other
contamination etc.)
8. Check FOD bins available on the parking ICAO Doc
bays and other strategic positions and are 9137
FOD bins emptied regularly.
9. Check whether the airport has an apron ICAO Doc
management service at the airport. Is Bay 9137
allocation given in time to facilitate proper
bay preparation by the ground handler of
the arriving aircraft
10. Check mooring facility of aircraft. (if GSP
required)
11. Check availability of Apron Flood Lighting CAR4B1
of appropriate illuminance such that an
aircraft stand receives light from two or
more directions to minimize shadows.

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 GROUND HANDLING & APRON INSPECTION CHECK LIST

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12. Check whether all equipment parked at IGOM
designated staging areas and parking
brakes or chocks are set.

13 Check the compatibility of Step ladders IGOM

used for the type of aircraft and its
alignment prior to dis-embarkation /
embarkation commencement.
14. Check whether all apron equipment and ASC 4 of
vehicles adhere to the speed limit on the 2007
ramp.
15. Check VDGS serviceability and calibration CAR 4B1
for accuracy.
16. Check whether VDGS is updated with the CAR 4B1
correct Aircraft type.
17. Check PBB is positioned at home position IGOM
before arrival of the aircraft.
18. Check whether warning signal sounds IGOM
before PBBs are moved.
19. Check whether PBB operators are suitably IGOM
trained.
20. Check whether emergency exit from IGOM
bridge/ node building clear of
obstructions?
B. Checks during turnaround and after departure of aircraft
1. Check whether SOPs are developed (by IGOM
Aerodrome operator) to regulate the
movement of vehicles and equipment on
the movement area.
2. Check whether vehicles and equipment IGOM
operating in the airside fitted with
serviceable anti-collision lights.
3. Check whether the vehicle has valid AVP, GSP
RC, Fitness Certificate & Insurance, etc.
4. Check whether all drivers are familiar with: GSP
a. Topography of Aerodrome.
b. Aerodrome Signs, marking and
lightings.
c. Terms and phrases used in
aerodrome control.
d. Airport rules and procedures.
e. Special functions in case of
Rescue and Fire Fighting etc.
f. Adequate training for driving the
relevant vehicle/ Equipment.
5. Check whether drivers are familiar with IGOM
low visibility procedures (LVP).
6. Whether drivers adhere to the limit of IGOM
maximum permissible speed and standard

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operating procedures when on the aprons/
ramps and service roads?
7. Check whether vehicles permitted on the IGOM
airside fitted with Speed Governor/ speed
controlled device.
8. Check whether Catering vehicle guided IGOM
(Marshalled) into and out of position close
to aircraft.
9. Whether catering vehicle brakes and/or IGOM
chocks are applied during servicing?
10. Whether safety rails are in appropriate IGOM
position on Bridge (from truck to aircraft) ?
11. Check whether Catering vehicle using GSP
reversing and raising alarm?
12. Whether vehicles pass underneath the IGOM
aircraft fuselage or wings?
13. Whether drivers follow the designated GSP
routes, giving way to routes provided for
pedestrians and aircraft?
14. Check whether vehicle driver ensures IGOM
adequate clearance behind the aircraft
when aircraft engines are running.
15. Check whether Equipment/ vehicles IGOM
retrieved from Stand after departure?
16. Check whether PBB disconnected and IGOM
retrieved/ repositioned before pushback.
17. Check whether SOPs followed during
loading and unloading of the aircraft.
18. Whether the stand is clean and fit for use IGOM
by next planned aircraft?
19. Whether any oil spillage/patch noticed, if IGOM
yes, informed to the concerned agency for
cleaning?
20. Whether the GSE positioned without IGOM
contacting the aircraft?
21. Whether GSE lowered when not in IGOM
use?
22. Interview: (One Sample per apron) IGOM
Verify if the driver has all necessary
authorization (ADP,DL) to operate a
vehicle on airside and if he/she is
knowledgeable on the standard operating
procedures governing vehicular
movement on the airport.
23. Whether vehicles/staff approaches the IGOM
aircraft when anti-collision lights are ON?
24. Whether equipment marshaller available IGOM

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for positioning equipment and vehicles
close to aircraft?
25. Whether traffic alerted before pushback IGOM
on service roads (by use of traffic
marshallers/ wingwalkers)?
26. Whether vehicle drive through or park in IGOM
the red hatched area under the movable
aerobridge.
27. Whether vehicle left unattended in the GSP
vicinity of aircraft?
28. Whether vehicle drive into aircraft parking GSP
areas, except those actively involved in
aircraft handling or servicing?
29. Check whether safety cones have GSP
reflective tapes for night /LVP operations.
30. Whether bus parking brake applied, during GSP
passenger boarding/de-boarding process?
31. After equipment is positioned at an aircraft IGOM
whether the gear shift is in neutral or park,
and the parking brakes/chocks are set
before any other control is operated?
32. Check whether baggage trailers/carts IGOM
have intact curtains.
33. Check whether any ULDs(Unit Load GSP
Device) left on ground or left unsecured at
parking stand.
34. Whether proper mechanism and
procedure for securing of equipment is
available?
35. Check whether aircraft properly chocked IGOM
with appropriate & good condition chocks
once stationary.
36. Whether GHA has adverse weather SOP IGOM
available?
37. Check weather warning receiving and GSP
disseminating mechanism among GH
agents is available.
C. Training/Competency

1. Whether the process for identifying IOSA

training needs and training schedule is
defined and recorded in GHM?
2. Whether Induction training, refresher IOSA
training and introduction of new process or
procedures are planned and provided?
3. Check whether the airside work force IOSA
have been imparted Ramp safety, DGR,
SMS & AvSec training.
4. Check whether the safety training being IOSA

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given by duly competent personnel and
evaluation of training is conducted.
5. Check whether emergency safety IOSA
response drill/training planned and
conducted and whether Staff briefed for
voluntarily hazard reporting?
6. Whether working hours are defined for GSP
each ground handling agents considering
human factor principles.
7. Check availability of training records of all CAR
Ground Equipment operator. 145.A30(e)
D. Aircraft Towing & Movement
1. Check whether the Ground Handling IGOM
Manual contains enough information, IOSA
guidance & procedures about Aircraft
Towing & Movement for staff to perform
their duties.
2. Whether the push-back and towing IGOM
procedures comply with the appropriate
standards?
3. Check whether the operator ensures IGOM
that pre or post taxi positioning of the
aircraft is not executed without tow bar
(wherever applicable).
4. Whether a trained/authorized person IGOM
assists in attaching the tow bar?
E. Marshalling
1. Check availability of sufficient number of GSP
approved marshaller commensurate with
the type and number of aircraft being
handled.
2. Check whether usage of Signs and IGOM
markings by marshaller are appropriate?
F. Cargo/Mail Handling/Loading
1. Check whether SOPs for Cargo/Mail IOSA
Handling are available.
2. Whether System is available to ensure IGOM
that cargo loaded in correct location?
3. Whether cargo loading locations are IGOM
included on load sheet?
4. Whether cargo netting/ restrain GSP
system/s adequate in all baggage
trolley/pallets etc.?

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5. Whether Cargo tie-down points GSP

available?
6. Whether system to prevent 'Tail IGOM
Tipping' available?
G. Re-fueling facility

1. Check type of facility available

AFS (Aviation Fueling Station) with
refuellers [ ] Hydrant [ ] On-wheel [ ]
2. Check that the surrounding of the storage CAR2H
facilities are clean, free from accumulated
water, garbage etc.
3. Check the condition of the Refueller/
Dispenser/Hydrant.
4. Check that the hydrant facility is provided
with necessary earthing points and
inspected regularly. Check records.
5. Check that the hydrant pits are grade
marked, kept clean and free of water.
6. Check that all visible pipe lines and valves
are grade marked and direction of flow are
marked properly.
7. Whether hydrant pits checked after every
rain/snow and any contaminants are
removed?
8. Check that the hydrant system is provided
with necessary firefighting facilities at the
location such as fire hydrant system,
foam system, portable fire extinguishers,
firefighting equipment.
9. Check whether employees are using
electronic devices within the refuelling
zones around the aircraft.
H. Ground Support Equipment maintenance checks(sample)
(Check proper system for periodic maintenance/ daily maintenance/ control of usage of the following
equipment as per respective Service Manual.)
1. Tow Bars: CAR145.A40
ID/SN(#)___________________

(a) Check Towheads/couplings/locking

mechanism etc. for condition.
(b) Check Shear pin- condition, security and
correct type.
(c) Check availability of suitable Tow bar for
all type of aircraft being operated.
(mandatory for defense airfield)
2. Tow Tractors/ Push back tractor CAR145.A40
ID/SN(#)___________________

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(a) Check condition of the Toe hook.
(b) Check serviceability of Brakes.
(c) Check serviceability of Lights, Beacon etc.
(d) Check availability of fire-extinguisher
(e) Check condition of Tyres.
(f) Check condition of flame arresters.
(g) Check steering bypass pin installed prior
to tow bar connection. Correct by-pass pin
must be installed before tow bar is
connected.
(h) Check availability of trained operator
3 Ground Power Unit: CAR
ID/SN(#)___________________ 145.A40

(a) Check date last serviced (filters/oil

change).
(b) Check date of last electrical output
calibrated/ adjusted.
(c) Check serviceability of all gauges.
(d) Check serviceability of Brakes.
(e) Check serviceability of Lights, Beacon etc.
(f) Check condition of Tyres.
(g) Check condition of Flame arresters.
(h) Check availability of fire-extinguisher
(i) Check availability of trained operator
4. Air Start Units: CAR
ID/SN(#)___________________ 145.A40

(a) Check date last serviced (filters/oil

change).
(b) Check date of last electrical output
calibrated/ adjusted.
(c) Check serviceability of all gauges.
(d) Check condition of Ducts and Coupling.
(e) Check serviceability of Brakes.
(f) Check serviceability of Lights, Beacon etc.
(g) Check condition of Tyres.
(h) Check condition of flame arresters.
(i) Check availability of the fire-extinguisher
(j) Check Availability of trained operator.
5. Ground Air Conditioning Units: CAR
ID/SN(#) 145.A40

(a) Check date last serviced (filters/oil

change).
(b) Check date of last electrical output
calibrated/ adjusted.

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(c) Check serviceability of all gauges.
(d) Check condition of Hoses and Control
panel.
(e) Check serviceability of Brakes.
(f) Check serviceability of Lights, Beacon etc.
(g) Check condition of Tyres.
(h) Check condition of Flame arresters.
(i) Check availability of the fire-extinguisher
(j) Check availability of trained operator
6. HP Air Carts & Nitrogen Trolley: CAR145.A40
ID/SN(#)__________

(a) Check cylinder last hydrostatic test date.

(b) Check proper colour coding of cylinder.
(c) Check condition and security of Cylinders/
pipes/flexible hoses.
(d) Check serviceability of HP
regulators/SOVs.
(e) Check condition, calibration validity of
gauges.
(f) Check condition of wheels.
7. Water Cart: CAR
ID/SN(#)___________________ 145.A40

(a) Check condition of Hose and Coupling

(b) Check vehicle Brakes
(c) Check vehicle Light & Beacon Light
(d) Check availability of trained operator
8. Toilet Cart: CAR
ID/SN(#)___________________ 145.A40

(a) Check condition of Hose and Coupling

(b) Check vehicle Brakes
(c) Check vehicle Light & Beacon Light
(d) Check availability of trained operator
9. Maintenance steps/ladders/stands: CAR
145.A40
(a) Check adequate by number and type. (e.g
for Oil level check, Cockpit Window
cleaning etc.)
(b) Availability of Cherry picker
19 Cargo Loaders: CAR
(a) Check Bulk freight loader 145.A40
(b) Check conveyer belts condition.
(c) Check condition of Brakes
(d) Check availability of trained operator
10. Container/Pallet loaders: CAR
ID/SN(#)______________ 145.A40

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(a) Check serviceability of vehicle Lights,

Beacon etc.
(b) Check condition of Rollers
(c) Check condition of Flame arresters.
(d) Check availability of trained operator

DATE:-__________

………………………………. ………………………………. ……………………………….

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