Written by ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Images, video supplied
A SURGE in overseas aircraft traffic using new aircraft types is keeping Australian air safety inspectors busy as the air travel industry continues its post-pandemic recovery.
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) inspectors conducted 167 random inspections this year, compared to about 120 last year, to ensure foreign aircraft and crew comply with all safety requirements.
There are now at least 64 carriers servicing Australia as overseas traffic continues to grow; CASA says the latest figures show short-term overseas departures by Australians were 39% higher in October 2023 than for 12 months previously.
The CASA inspections took in 28 aircraft types from 31 countries and 10 new international operators.
“One thing we’re noticing is that the larger carriers are introducing new aircraft types as they look to maximise efficiency while a number of new start-up operators are looking to capitalise on a big pool of existing aircraft that have come on the market,” CASA International Operations Manager Grant Hamilton said.
Ramp checks are an essential part of the aviation safety system and a reason Australian travellers can be confident international aircraft are operating safely, according to Mr Hamilton.
“The inspections are part of a global system involving 51 countries and co-ordinated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA),” he said.
“In a normal year, some 14,000 plus inspections are conducted globally in this program using a standard checklist.
“Our unannounced ramp inspections are part of that system and involve checks of aircraft, airline crew and documentation to ensure they meet international standards.”
CASA’s International Operations team employs 5 inspectors who would normally perform about 130 inspections annually, inspecting each airline operator at least once.
The operations team inspects aircraft at major gateway airports at Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane and at international airports like the Gold Coast, Cairns, Darwin and Canberra.
There are at least two inspectors involved in a ramp check – a flying operations inspector and an airworthiness inspector – and a cabin safety inspector when resources allow.
”This ensures we can get on and off the aircraft in an appropriate time and don’t delay the aircraft operation,” Mr Hamilton said.
A cabin safety check covers everything from safety cards to crew seating, seat belts and the pressure in escape slides.
”We’re looking to make sure that nothing in the cabin is a potential safety hazard, even down to loose carpet that may impede a safe evacuation,” said CASA International Safety Inspector Allison Ingham.
”When we’re in the cabin, we’re looking at safety equipment. We’re looking at fire extinguishers, oxygen and first aid kits and we have to make sure they’re working and they’re accessible.”
Safety information is shared in a global program and inspection results entered into a central database. There is no pass or fail but operators must meet International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.
Tasman Aircraft 