Draft CAR ( CAR Section 4 Series B Part VI) – Minimum Safety Requirements for Temporary/ Unlicensed Aerodromes

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA OFFICE OF DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIATION TECHNICAL CENTRE, OPP SAFDARJANG AIRPORT, NEW DELHI CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 – AERODROME STANDARDS & LICENSING SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026 EFFECTIVE: XXXXXXXX Subject: Minimum Safety Requirements for Temporary/ Unlicensed Aerodromes. 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Rule 78 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 requires licensing of such aerodromes that are used as regular place of landing and departure by a scheduled air transport service or for a series of landings and departures by any aircraft carrying passengers or cargo for hire or reward. Further, sub rule (4) of the said rule stipulates that no person shall operate or cause to be operated any flight from a temporary aerodrome or an aerodrome which has not been licensed or approved, as the case may be, under these rules unless it meets the minimum safety requirements laid down by the Director-General. 1.2 There are number of existing aerodromes (air strips) in India which are not being used on regular basis for aircraft operations. These aerodromes, by virtue of limited facilities, usage and being in existence and in operation cannot be equated with fully compliant aerodromes. The list of some of such aerodromes is available in AIC 18/1986. Such aerodromes sometimes are having only a runway and are normally owned by state government or other entities which are having their limited use. However, such owners extend their use on regular basis to aircraft operators without assuming the responsibility for operational aspects/ facilities at the aerodromes. Regulatory oversight cannot be performed over such aerodromes due to various factors e.g. periodicity of operation, geographical location, large number of such sites. Note: Aerodromes notified as uncontrolled/unlicensed by central government vide GSR 751 (E) dated---- along with subsequent notifications issued in this regard constructed and in operation prior to 1st Sept. 1992, (i.e. date of issue of AIC No. 22 of 1992) will be considered as an existing aerodrome for the purpose of this CAR. 1.3 When an aerodrome not licensed or approved is being used privately, the pilots, who are well aware of the performance characteristics of their aircraft, should also take note that the aerodrome dimensions, facilities and operating practices are appropriate and proportionate for the intended operations.CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026 1.4 It is a common practice that usage of such aerodromes is permitted by the owner with or without assuming any responsibility regarding the availability of minimum facilities. Therefore, it is imperative to ascertain that minimum facilities required for safe aircraft operations are available at site. Due to this reason, it has been made obligatory in CAR, Section 8, Series ‘O’ Part II & III, Operation of Commercial Air Transport/ General Aviation – Aeroplanes, on part of operator/ Pilot-in-Command, to ensure that a flight will not be commenced unless it has been ascertained by every reasonable means available that the ground and/or water facilities available and directly required on such flight, for the safe operation of the aircraft and the protection of the passengers, are adequate for the type of operation under which the flight is to be conducted and are adequately operated for this purpose. 1.5 The guidelines provided in this CAR are generic in nature for private aircraft operators; however, the NSOP holder may carry out safety assessment and adopt mitigation measures prior to operating isolated passenger flight. Only those operations which are undertaken by aircraft registered under private category shall be considered as private aircraft operations. 1.6 The aim of this CAR is to provide guidance on minimum safety requirements at existing aerodrome not licensed/approved. However, new aerodromes are not intended to cover under this CAR. The CAR is issued under the provisions of Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 in pursuance to sub rule (4) of Rule 78. 2. Applicability 2.1 This CAR is applicable for the aircraft operators to ensure availability of the minimum safety requirement at the aerodromes not licensed/approved prior to operation except for a series of flights by NSOP holder in accordance with para 2.4 2.5 of CAR Section 3, Series ‘C’, Part-III. 2.2 CAR covers aircraft operation requiring aerodrome specification up to 3C only. 3. Minimum Facilities at the Aerodrome/ landing sites The uncontrolled aerodromes are generally used for day VFR operation. Therefore, the facilities required for aircraft operations need to meet the specifications required for such operations. The aerodrome should have following facilities for the intended aircraft operation and endeavour should be made to ensure that they are meeting to the specifications provided for such facilities in the Civil Aviation Requirements Section 4, Series ‘B’ Part –I, to the extent possible. 3.1 Runway: Runway should be capable of withstanding the requirement for aeroplanes is intended to serve. The physical condition of the runway surface should be free of irregularity, pot holes so that not to cause damage to the aircraft. The slopes of the runway should also be suitable for operations and drainage characteristics. In case of operations of aircraft having AUW more than 5700 kgs, the runway strength shall be available in terms of PCN PCR. The runway length shall be adequate to meet the operational requirements of the operating aeroplane and shall be not less than the length determined by applying the corrections for local conditions to the operations and performance characteristics of the operating aeroplane. Rev 1; Dated: xxxCIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026 The width of a runway shall be not less than the appropriate dimension specified in the following tabulation: Outer Main Gear Wheel Span (OMGWS) Code Up to but not Up to 4.5 m but not 6 m up to but not 9 m up to but not Number including 4.5 m including 6 m including 9 m including 15 m 1 18m 18m 23m -- 2 23m 23m 30m -- 3 30m 30m 30m 45m The marking on runway should be visible from the air to identify the runway, designation, centerline and limits of the landing area. The runway marking specification may be referred to CAR Section 4 Series B part I. 3.2 Taxiways: Where provided, the taxiways should be capable to meet the aircraft performance characteristics for exit and entry into the runway and should be equipped with guidance for ground movement of the aircraft. The marking on taxiway should be available. The taxiway marking specification maybe referred to CAR Section 4 Series B part I. 3.3 Aprons: Where provided, Aprons of sufficient size to permit the parking of the aircraft and embarkation / dis embarkation of passengers without causing interference on other aircraft operations. 3.4 Runway Strip & object in Runway Strip: The runway strip of suitable dimension should be available depending on type of intended Aerodrome operations. The runway strip should be properly levelled, graded and free from vegetation the runway strip shall be flush with the surface of the runway, shoulder or stopway. There runway strip should be available to provide safeguard and minimize damage in case of runway excursions, beyond the runway limits. An object situated on a runway strip which may endanger aeroplanes shall be regarded as an obstacle and shall, as far as practicable, be removed. Further, No fixed object, other than visual aids required for air navigation or those required for aircraft safety purposes and which must be sited on the runway strip and satisfying the frangibility requirement shall be permitted on any part of on a runway strip. No mobile object shall be permitted on this part of the runway strip during the use of the runway for landing or take-off. 3.5 Signal Area. Since, uncontrolled aerodromes are not having provision for Air to Ground communication, it is imperative that a Signal area shall display at least Landing Direction Indicator and Aerodrome Identification Sign to indicate runway in use and the identification of the aerodrome. The signal area shall be an even horizontal surface at least 9 m square. The colour of the signal area shall be chosen to contrast with the colours of the signal panels used, and it shall be surrounded by a white border not less than 0.3 m wide. Rev 1; Dated: xxxCIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026 3.6 Wind Direction Indicators: A wind sock, clearly visible from the air, and positioned so as to indicate a representative direction and strength, should be provided. The aerodrome owner should avoid locations close to trees or buildings or where terrain may cause an unrepresentative indication, and ensure it will not interfere with aircraft taking off or landing. The locations and other specification of Wind Direction Indicator may be referred to para 5.1.1 of CAR Section 4 Series B part I 3.7 Obstacles: For the safety of the aircraft operation it is essential that at least approach & take off surface and transitional surface are free of obstacles. The obstacle in the vicinity of the runway should be clear of safety area provided for aircraft excursion airport should be regulated as per GSR 751(E). In the ideal condition the slope requirement for approach path for non-instrument runway is 3.33% and required to be provided up to 3.0 km. Any obstacle protruding in the approach/ take off surface would severely impact the aircraft operation and impose operational restrictions. In the ideal condition the slope of the transitional surface shall be measured in a vertical plane at right angles to the centre line of the runway where runway code is 1 or 2 and has a visual or non-precision approach the slope is 20% (1:5). For all other runways the slope is 14.3% (1:7). Any obstacle protruding in transitional surface may impact the aircraft operation and impose operational restrictions. Any structure that, because of its height or position, could be a hazard to an aircraft landing or taking off should be conspicuously marked if it cannot be removed or minimised. Unregulated growth of obstacles may render the aerodrome unusable and therefore impact of obstacles needs to be assured by the aircraft operator in order to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. 3.8 Rescue and Fire Fighting: The Rescue and firefighting equipment and services shall be available at an aerodrome. The services shall be available throughout the hours of aircraft operation and for 15 minutes after the departure of the last aircraft or until the aircraft has reached its destination, whichever is the earlier. The arrangements /Level of protection shall be determined from Table 9-1 and based on the aeroplanes Overall length and their fuselage width. The Table 9-2. Specifies the minimum usable amounts of extinguishing agents commensurate with the Aerodrome ARFF category and type of Aeroplane intended for use. Table 9-1. Aerodrome category for rescue and fire fighting Aerodrome Aeroplane overall length Maximum category Fuselage Width 1 0 m up to but not including 9 m 2 m 2 9 m up to but not including 12 m 2 m 3 12 m up to but not including 18 m 3 m Rev 1; Dated: xxxCIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026 4 18 m up to but not including 24 m 4 m 5 24 m up to but not including 28 m 4 m 6 28 m up to but not including 39 m 5 m Table 9-2. Minimum usable amounts of extinguishing agents Foam meeting performance Foam meeting Foam meeting Complementary level A performanc performance agents e level B level C Aerodr Water Discharge Water Discharge Water Discharge Dry Dischar ome (L) rate foam (L) rate foam (L) rate foam chemica ge Categor solution/ solution/ solution/ l Rate y minute (L) min (L) min (L) powders kg/sec (kg) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 350 350 230 230 160 160 45 2.25 2 1000 800 670 550 460 360 90 2.25 3 1800 1300 1200 900 820 630 135 2.25 4 3600 2600 2400 1800 1700 1100 135 2.25 5 8100 4500 5400 3000 3900 2200 180 2.25 6 11800 6000 7900 4000 5800 2900 225 2.25 The additional information and reference for Rescue and fire fighting arrangements can be referred to para 9.2 of CAR Section 4 Series B part I. 4 Protection of site 4.1 Availability of fence or other suitable barrier to prevent the entrance to the movement area of animals large enough to be a hazard to aircraft. 4.2 Where required, the aspect of crowd control, security of operation and separation of crowd from flying operations shall also be ensured. 5 General Safety Requirements 5.1 Prior permission from owner of the air strip should be obtained by the aircraft operator before operation and intimation to be sent to district authorities. NSOP operators intending to undertake flights from uncontrolled/unlicensed aerodromes shall conduct Pre-Operational Safety Risk Assessment. The assessment should include runway surface condition, Obstacle assessment, emergency response capability, security arrangements, and reliable weather information availability. 5.2 Aerodrome Operator/State Government shall publish the Aerodrome data of all such unlicensed aerodromes on their websites as per Annexure I.Further, The Aerodrome Operator is required to carry out self inspection quarterly as per checklist attached in Annexure II. DGCA may carry out safety oversight inspection of such aerodromes under Annual Surveillance Plan as far as practicable. 5.3 It is in the interest of airport owner and aircraft operators that a procedure is developed for visiting pilots for indicating the availability of the facility, procedures for approach, landing/take off and warning on hazards associated with the aerodrome. A requirement Rev 1; Dated: xxxCIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026 to obtain prior permission before landing will facilitate such hazard warning by allowing visiting pilots to be briefed. Such information may also be usefully included on the aerodrome's website, if one exists. 5.4 Based on the information available through the aerodrome operator or any other reliable source, the aircraft operator may develop an SOP in case the operations to the aerodrome are not restricted for one time operation. 5.5 Subject to the number of movements, system for communicating with aircraft from ground to communicate essential information, either through walkie talkie/VHF/ aldies lamp, is desirable. Aircraft operator / aerodrome owner may either provide facilities themselves or designate/assign the responsibility to a person for safety of aircraft operations, passengers and people on ground. 5.6 When such place is used by aircraft carrying VIP, all instructions issued from time to time in this regard shall be complied with during such operations. 5.7 The aircraft operator shall file the flight plan and ensure that meteorological conditions are appropriate to the type of operation before originating flight from such aerodromes. 5.8 Necessary arrangement for picketing /mooring of aircraft should be made for overnight parking as well as at aerodromes likely to be affected by strong winds/weather. 5.9 First aid facility as minimum medical requirement may be provided at the aerodrome and also arrangements with locally available medical facilities may be made to deal with emergencies. 5.10 Continuous visual reference to terrain shall be maintained by flight crew. 6 Passenger services facilities and Security requirements 6.1 The aircraft operator should ensure arrangement for minimum facilities/ amenities for the passenger facilitation. 6.2 Necessary arrangements shall also be made available for escort of passengers to and from the aircraft parking area. 6.3 The aircraft operator shall ensure that security requirements are complied with as per the approved Security Manual. ( ) Director General of Civil Aviation Rev 1; Dated: xxxCIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026 Annexure–1 Aerodrome Information General Information 1. Name of Aerodrome/Airfield: 2. Aerodrome Operator Name 3. Operator Address 4. Nodal Officer Name & Designation 5. Contact Details (Phone & Email) 6. Aerodrome reference Point (ARP) Coordinates (WGS- 84) 7. Aerodrome Elevation (AMSL) 8. Aerodrome reference Temperature Runway Physical Characteristics RWY RWY Surface Dimension Strength Geographical Threshold Slope RESA Desig Type RWY (PCR) if coordinates elevation (Long Dimensi nation (Asphalt/Concr length x available (WGS 84) for & ons if (m) ete/other) width (m) threshold and Trans) available RWY End (%) (length x width) (m) Declared Distances RWY Designation Take – off Take – off Accelerate Landing Remarks run available distance distance Distance TORA available available available TODA ASDA LDA Rev 1; Dated: xxxCIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026 Runway Strip 1. Runway Strip Dimensions 2. Grading status of RWY Strip 3. Details of Objects within RWY Strip (if any) Taxiways (if Available) 1. Taxiway Identification/Designation 2. Dimensions (length x width 3. Surface Type 4. PCR Apron Details (if available) 1. Total Apron Area/dimension 2. No. of Parking Stands 3. PCR 4. Aircraft Compatibility (Type/Code Visual Aids & Markings 1. Runway markings – Type & Colour 2. Taxiway Markings - Type & Colour 3. Apron Markings – Type & Colour 4. Signal Area – Dimensions & Markings 5. Wind Direction indicator(s)  Specification  Number  Location Rev 1; Dated: xxxCIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026 Arrangement of Weather Reporting Details of Rescue and Fire Fighting Arrangement and contact no. Details of Medical facilities and Nearby hospitals Details of protection of site (fencing/boundary and security arrangement) Details of Obstacles RWY/ Area Obstacle Co- Elevation Marking/lighting Remarks affected type ordinate Passenger Facilities: Any other relevant information: Rev 1; Dated: xxxAnnexure II General Information Date of Inspection: Name of Aerodrome: Details of Aerodrome Operator (owned & maintained by): Nodal officer/Person Details (Responsible for Ops & maintenance): REF: CAR Comments/Observations Sr. No. Description /Guidance Details Material Note: The requirements laid down in CAR Section 4 Series B Part VI may be read in conjunction with CAR Section 4 Series B Part I. Runway and Runway Strip Check the geographical coordinates CAR Section 4 Series 1. of RWY Threshold, Elevation B Part VI Para 3.1 Check the dimensions and declared CAR Section 4 Series 2. distances B Part VI Para 3.1 Check the RWY strength (PCR), If CAR Section 4 Series 3. pavement is intended for apron B Part VI Para 3.1 (ramp) mass greater than 5 700 kg Check the surface condition for CAR Section 4 Series irregularities such as depression, pot B Part VI Para 3.1 4. hole, rutting, FODs &, contaminations etc. Check the surface friction CAR Section 4 Series 5. characteristics/rubber deposits etc. B Part VI Para 3.1CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026 CAR Section 4 Series Check the slopes condition 6. B Part VI Para 3.1 (longitudinal & transverse). Check the runway strip (length, CAR Section 4 Series 7. width, objects forming obstacle, B Part VI Para 3.1 flushing, grading, slopes & strength). Check the runway end safety area if CAR Section 4 Series 8. available (dimensions, obstacle, B Part VI Para 3.1 cleared & graded, slopes & strength). Check the markings (designation, CAR Section 4 Series centre line, threshold, aiming point, B Part VI Para 3.1 9. touch down zone, side strip, runway holding position, TWY links etc.). CAR Section 4 Series 10. Check the signs/markings B Part VI Para 3.1 Apron (if available) Check the strength ( If pavement is CAR Section 4 Series 11. intended for apron (ramp) mass B Part VI Para 3.3 greater than 5 700 kg) , dimensions Check the surface condition for CAR Section 4 Series B irregularities such as depression, pot Part VI Para 3.3 12. hole, rutting, FODs & fuel spillage etc. CAR Section 4 Series B Check the condition of visual 13. Part VI Para 3.3 markings CAR Section 4 Series B 14. Check the signs Part VI Para 3.3 CAR Section 4 Series B Check the aircraft parking stand 15. Part VI Para 3.3 identification Rev 1; Dated: xxxCIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026 CAR Section 4 Series B 16. Check the equipment parking area. Part VI Para 3.3 Taxiways (if available) CAR Section 4 Series B 17. Check the strength, dimensions Part VI Par a 3.2 Check the surface condition for CAR Section 4 Series B 18. irregularities such as depression, pot Part VI Par a 3.2 hole, rutting & FODs etc. CAR Section 4 Series B 19. Check the slopes conditions Part VI Par a 3.2 CAR Section 4 Series B 20. Check the markings Part VI Par a 3.2 CAR Section 4 Series B 21. Check the signs Part VI Par a 3.2 Availability of appropriate aids, procedures for preventing 22. inadvertent incursions or limitation on number of aircraft/vehicles in maneuvering area? Operational Area Check the arrangement of weather 23. reporting (Wind/Temp/Visibility) Rev 1; Dated: xxxCIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026 Check the boundary wall and fence or barrier provided to deter the CAR Section 4 Series B 24. inadvertent or premeditated access Part VI Para 4.5 of person and wildlife. Check the aerodrome reference point (ARP), wind direction indicator CAR Section 4 Series B 25. (WDI), landing direction indicator Part VI Par a 3.5 (LDI) & signal area and their , 3.6 maintenance. Check the objects forming obstacles CAR Section 4 Series B 26. and their marking. Part VI Para 3.7 Rescue and Fire Fighting Check the arrangement for provision CAR Section 4 Series B 27. of Rescue and Fire Fighting Facilities Part VI Para 3.8 Check the training/familiarization of CAR Section 4 Series B 28. Rescue and Fire Fighting personnel Part VI Para 3.8 with the airfield. Check the availability of fire CAR Section 4 Series B 29. extinguishers. Part VI Para 3.8 Passenger Facilitation Check the availability of drinking CAR Section 4 Series B 30. water Part VI Para 6 Check the availability of seating arrangement and procedure for CAR Section 4 Series B 31. escorting of passengers to and from Part VI Para 6 aircraft parking area Rev 1; Dated: xxxCIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 4 SERIES 'B' PART VI XX June 2026  CAR Section 4 Series Check the availability of medical first 32. B Part VI Para 5 aid facilities List of Observations: Inspecting officer Name & Signature: Date: Rev 1; Dated: xxx