Airport Audit Tool

Download the Airport Audit Tool.

The Airport Audit Tool is designed to assist operators in identifying current and potential hazards related to airport operations that are not readily apparent during the crew’s routine preflight preparations. Schedulers and flight crewmembers can use this checklist to gather information that will provide a better understanding of the destination airport, whether it is a routine stop or new to the flight department. The completed report should be saved in-house (electronically or on paper) for review prior to future visits to that airport.

About 75 percent of the checklist can be completed prior to the first visit to the airport using standard sources such as the FAA Airport/Facility Directory or commercially available airport data sources. This information can be gathered by the scheduler, flight crew or anyone familiar with such resources.

Visit the FAA Airport/Facility Directory.

The remaining information will be available only upon the first visit to the airport. Prior arrangements should be made to meet with the airport manager or other representative. If possible, arrange for a tour of the airport surface and perimeter for better examination of taxiway and runway conditions, signage and perimeter fencing. Detailed observations should be noted on the form and saved for future reference.

Flight crewmembers may initially not be familiar with the standards expected for some items on the checklist. After two or three uses of the form, however, pilots will become accustomed to its use and be better able to recognize unsuitable conditions.

Use of the form will vary by department, as some will want a detailed review of all destination airports while others will use it only for first-time destinations. All airports subject to review by the flight department should be reassessed periodically – at least annually for destinations visited infrequently and biannually for well-known airports.

The Airport Audit Tool was developed by the NBAA Safety Committee. Questions or comments related to use of this form can be forwarded to NBAA Safety Committee staff liaison Mark Larsen at 202-737-4473 or mlarsen@nbaa.org.