Regional Airport Operational Review
A structured, independent assessment of your aerodrome's operational practices, documentation, and records — delivering practical recommendations to support continuous improvement.
What Is an Operational Review?
An Operational Review is an independent assessment of how your aerodrome operates day-to-day. It examines your current practices, documentation, record-keeping, and operational procedures against recognised industry standards and best-practice frameworks.
The review is designed to give aerodrome managers, councils, and aviation organisations a clear, honest picture of where operations are working well and where there are opportunities to improve — before those gaps become problems.
At the conclusion of the review, you receive a structured written report with prioritised, practical recommendations tailored to your aerodrome's size, resources, and operational context.
Who Is It For?
The Operational Review is suited to a range of Australian aviation organisations.
Regional and Rural Aerodromes
Council-owned and community aerodromes seeking an independent assessment of their operational practices and documentation.
Local Government Aerodrome Operators
Councils responsible for aerodrome management who want confidence that operations align with recognised standards.
New Aerodrome Management Teams
Incoming managers or newly appointed aerodrome committees who want to understand the current state of operations from day one.
Aerodromes Preparing for Change
Facilities planning infrastructure upgrades, changes in use, or increased operational activity who want a baseline assessment first.
What the Review Covers
Each review is scoped to your aerodrome's specific context. Typical areas assessed include:
Operational Practices
Day-to-day procedures, airside access controls, wildlife management, and general operational conduct.
Documentation and Records
Maintenance records, inspection logs, incident reporting, and the completeness of operational documentation.
Inspection Regimes
Frequency, scope, and recording of routine aerodrome inspections including runway, taxiway, and apron areas.
Emergency and Safety Planning
Emergency response arrangements, safety management practices, and staff awareness of key procedures.
Improvement Priorities
Identification of gaps, risks, and opportunities for operational improvement, ranked by practical priority.
Reporting and Governance
How operational information is captured, reported to management or council, and used to support decision-making.
What You Receive
At the conclusion of the review, you receive a structured written report documenting findings across each area assessed. The report is written in plain language — not technical jargon — so it can be understood and acted on by aerodrome managers, council officers, and elected members alike.
Recommendations are practical and prioritised. We focus on what is achievable given your aerodrome's resources and operational context, not a theoretical ideal. Where relevant, the report will identify quick wins alongside longer-term improvement priorities.
The Operational Review is an independent assessment of practices and documentation. It does not constitute regulatory certification, a compliance audit under CASR Part 139, or a guarantee of regulatory compliance.
How the Review Works
Initial Consultation
We discuss your aerodrome's context, operational profile, and any specific areas of concern to scope the review appropriately.
Documentation Review
We assess your existing records, procedures, inspection logs, and operational documentation prior to the site visit.
Site Assessment
An on-site visit to observe operational practices, inspect the aerodrome, and speak with key personnel.
Findings and Report
A structured written report is delivered with findings, prioritised recommendations, and practical next steps.
What happens next
The operational review is a standalone service. Once you have the report, you decide how to act on it. Clients who want to go further can separately engage Sterling for any of the following — each scoped and priced independently.
Aerodrome Compliance Support
Practical, scoped support for navigating compliance obligations, addressing identified gaps, and maintaining structured operational records.
Enquire about compliance supportOperational Planning
Development of operational plans, procedures, and frameworks that address findings from the review and support safe, efficient aerodrome management going forward.
Enquire about operational planningSterling Aerodrome Manager
Purpose-built aerodrome management software for Australian regional aerodromes. Where the review identifies gaps in record-keeping or operational oversight, Aerodrome Manager may be a practical fit.
Learn about Aerodrome ManagerRequest an Operational Review
Contact us to discuss your aerodrome's needs and how an Operational Review can support your team.