scope:

This manual consolidates in one document a review of the maintenance practices required at an airport to maintain the safety, efficiency and regularity of aircraft operations. It is only concerned with those facilities which are normally the responsibility of the airport authority. In other words, maintenance of such facilities as radio navigational aids and meteorological equipment is not discussed.

Proper maintenance of airport facilities is important both for the safe operation of aircraft and extending the life of the facilities. Nevertheless, maintenance is fre- quently overlooked or reduced when establishing budgets for airports. It is hoped that this manual will establish the proper position of maintenance in the over-all airport programme.

Differences between the facilities provided at an airport, differences in the local environmental conditions and differences in use make it impossible to name specific maintenance requirements. The manual attempts to overcome this by identifying the various types of mainten- ance required for airport facilities. It remains for each airport authority to decide if a particular maintenance check is appropriate for its airport and to establish the appropriate maintenance schedule.

This manual was prepared by the ICAO Secretariat with the assistance of the German Airports Association (ADV). It is important to note that the material contained in the manual may not necessarily reflect either the views of the ADV or the official position of ICAO. It is intended that the manual will be kept up to date. Future editions will be improved on the basis of experience gained and of comments and suggestions received from the users of this manual. Therefore, readers are invited to give their views, comments and suggestions on this edition. These should be directed to the Secretary General of ICAO.