The 22nd edition of the World Cup kicks off in November and the excitement is building with flight departments around the world preparing to operate into Qatar. As 32 of the world’s best teams coming together to battle it out, you may be left wondering if you are ready for your own kickoff. With so much traffic converging in one place operators can expect busy and more complex conditions. Those that prepare in advance, ensuring their compliance documentation is up to date and readily available will be the best equipped to ensure a safe and successful flight.
Here is your checklist to help you prepare for your trip to the World Cup:
· International Operations Procedures Manual
o Be sure you have specific procedures for Qatar outlined as well as any countries you may be overflying to get there.
· SAFA inspection manual
o Remember, Qatar is a member of the SAFA RIP inspection program. At AviationManuals, more and more operators are talking about ramp inspections. If you don’t have an inspection manual, then you should at least have your operational documentation available and know where key inspections items are located within your manuals and aircraft.
· Approved MEL in accordance with the latest revision of the MMEL
o An MEL is required by most countries to continue operations with inoperative equipment. Additionally, keep in mind that use of the MMEL as an MEL is generally not accepted.
· Up-to-date Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
o A robust ERP coupled with your SMS Program is highly recommended. You should always be ready for an incident or emergency and having a plan in place with clear procedures and responsibilities is key to ensure safe and successful management of any situation.
· Company Operations Manual
· Safety Management System
o Use your reporting forms, such as incident hazard reports, vendor feedback and company deviation reports to aid you throughout your trip but also provide crucial data and feedback for future trips. You should also consider completing pre- and post-flight risk assessments.
· Required authorizations.
o For U.S. operators these include:
§ A056 (CPDLC)
§ B036 (Oceanic and Remote RNP)
§ B039 (NAT HLA)
§ B046 (RVSM)
§ C048 (EFVS)
§ C052 (Use of MDA as DA/DH)
§ C063 (Terminal RNP Procedures)
§ C073 (CDFA Operations)
§ D195 (Customized MEL)
· Flight Planning Services
o Your flight planning service can help you ensure you are aware of any local requirements. These include the permits required to operate in the kingdom, participation in the required airport slot program, and reposition options to nearby airports in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE, all of which may have additional requirements.
· Qatar AIP (https://www.aim.gov.qa/eAIP1.html):
o Qatar AIRAC AIP Sup 32/2022 (Fixed Wing General Aviation/Business Aviation Flight Operations)
o Qatar AIRAC AIP Sup 26/2022 (Standard Routes Within the Doha FIR)
o Qatar AIRAC AIP Sup 19/2022 (Managing Airport Slot Coordination During Football World Cup 2022)
· Area NOTAMs
o Monitor any Airport NOTAMS (OTBD - Doha International / OTHH - Hamad International Airport) relating to airport restrictions and;
o Monitor any FIR NOTAMS (OTDF - Doha FIR) relating to traffic flow
o Also monitor nearby FIR NOTAMs, such as OEJD (Jeddah), OBBB (Bahrain) and OMAE (Emirates).
International trips always take an extra level of preparation but following the guidance of this checklist will greatly reduce your risk of running into any issues. Even if you do have issues, elements like your MEL, SMS, ERP, and company procedures will ensure you can easily respond and maintain a smooth and enjoyable event for everyone!
Clément Meersseman is Senior Operations Advisor for AviationManuals.
