Airfield inspection and hazard identification
How airport staff inspect the airfield each day and respond to hazards.
Updated August 26, 2026 at 12:48 PM PDT
Overview
- Status
- Active
- Expected result
- Airfield hazards are identified, addressed or communicated, and tracked through corrective action
- Audience
- Airport personnel responsible for daily airfield inspections, hazard response, NOTAMs, and follow-up
- Department
- Department of Public Works
- Unit
- Airport Operations
- Identifier
- AIRFIELD-INSPECTION-2026
Conduct the daily inspection
1Inspect airfield operating areas
Conduct a daily inspection of runways, taxiways, aprons, lighting systems, signs, and safety areas.
- Responsible role
- Airfield inspector
- Completion criteria
- All listed operating areas and systems have been inspected.
2Check for hazards and operational issues
Inspect for Foreign Object Debris (FOD), wildlife activity, pavement damage, standing water during winter, obstructions, lighting issues, transient aircraft requiring tags, and conditions in hangar rows.
- Responsible role
- Airfield inspector
- Required record
- Daily inspection findings
Respond, notify, and follow up
1Address hazards immediately when possible
Correct or control identified hazards immediately when the condition can be safely addressed.
- Responsible role
- Airfield inspector
2Issue required NOTAMs
Issue NOTAMs for conditions that may affect aircraft operations.
- Responsible role
- Authorized airport personnel
- Completion criteria
- Affected aircraft operators can receive timely notice of the condition.
3Notify Airport Management
Notify Airport Management of significant safety concerns.
- Responsible role
- Airfield inspector
4Track corrective action to completion
Follow up on identified hazards until corrective action is completed.
- Responsible role
- Airfield inspector
- Airport Management
- Completion criteria
- The corrective action is complete and the hazard no longer affects safe operation.
Responsibilities
- Airfield inspector
- Conducts daily inspections, identifies hazards, addresses conditions when possible, issues or initiates required notifications, and follows up.
- Airport Management
- Receives significant safety notifications and supports corrective action.
Documentation and records
- Record type
- Airfield inspection and corrective-action records
- Requirement
- The source requires inspection and follow-up but does not state a retention period.