Document outlines safety measures and certification preparedness requirements for STOLport operations
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has issued Safety Information 02/2026 titled “Safety Measures and Certification Preparedness for STOLport Operators in Malaysia”.
The document is dated 18 March 2026. It sets out safety measures to be implemented by STOLport operators and outlines expectations for progressing towards full regulatory compliance and certification.
Safety Information refers to aerodrome certification requirements
Under the introduction section, the document refers to the Civil Aviation (Aerodrome Operations) Regulations 2016, which stipulate that all aerodromes shall be certified and that no person shall maintain or operate an aerodrome unless that person holds a certificate of aerodrome issued by the Authority.
The document states that this requirement ensures that aerodrome facilities, equipment and operational procedures comply with the applicable standards necessary to support safe aircraft operations.
It also states that Short Take-Off and Landing airports, or STOLports, in Malaysia present unique challenges in achieving certification due to operational constraints, technical limitations and geographical conditions.
According to the document, STOLports remain essential in providing connectivity to remote and underserved communities.
CAAM says 19 STOLports are currently operating in Malaysia
Under the background section, the document states that there are currently nineteen STOLports operating in Malaysia, each serving as a vital component of the national aviation network.
It also states that these STOLports vary in terms of runway length, aerodrome reference code and operating entity.
The list provided in Table 2-1 includes the following STOLports:
The table also lists the runway lengths, aerodrome reference codes and operators for each STOLport.
Operators remain responsible for safe operation and maintenance
Under Section 3, the document states that notwithstanding the certification status of the STOLport, the operator remains fully responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the STOLport at all times.
It states that STOLport operators shall ensure that the STOLport is maintained in a condition that is safe for aircraft operations, ensure that all facilities, equipment and services are serviceable and fit for purpose, identify, assess and mitigate hazards associated with STOLport operations, implement appropriate safety management practices, and comply, to the greatest extent practicable, with applicable regulatory requirements, Civil Aviation Directives and Civil Aviation Guidance Materials issued by CAAM.
The document also states that the absence of certification shall not be construed as an exemption from meeting safety requirements.
CAAM expects proactive steps towards certification readiness
The document states that all STOLport operators shall take proactive steps to prepare for STOLport certification.
These include identifying gaps between current conditions and regulatory requirements, developing and implementing corrective action plans, prioritising safety-critical deficiencies, and establishing a clear roadmap towards achieving compliance.
It also states that CAAM expects all STOLport operators to demonstrate continuous progress towards certification readiness.
Safety measures set out in the document
Under Section 4, the document advises all STOLport operators to implement the listed safety measures.
Airside inspections
The document states that STOLport operators should conduct thorough airside inspections prior to and after each aircraft movement. It states that, given the relatively low frequency of operations at STOLports, such inspections are critical to ensure that the movement area is free from hazards.
It also states that inspections should be carried out systematically using an appropriate checklist and should include, but not be limited to, runway surface condition, presence of foreign object debris (FOD), obstructions within the movement area, wildlife hazards, and serviceability of visual aids.
Special inspections
The document states that special inspections should be conducted following heavy rainfall or any adverse weather conditions that may affect the operational safety of the STOLport.
It states that these inspections should focus on identifying surface deterioration, water accumulation, FOD and any other conditions that may adversely affect aircraft operations.
STOLport manual
The document states that each STOLport operator should prepare, maintain and keep up to date a STOLport Manual in accordance with the guidance provided in the Civil Aviation Guidance Material (CAGM) 1405 – Certification and Surveillance of Aerodrome.
It states that the STOLport Manual should include, but not be limited to, particulars of the aerodrome, aerodrome operating procedures, and details of the aerodrome administration and the safety management system.
The document states that the manual should serve as a formal reference to ensure safe and compliant STOLport operations.
Management of non-compliances
The document states that all instances of non-compliance with regulatory requirements should be identified, documented and formally declared.
It states that each non-compliance should be recorded in the STOLport Manual, include a clear description of the deviation, and be submitted to CAAM ANSA for record and monitoring purposes.
The document also states that operators should maintain continuous communication with CAAM ANSA on the status of all identified non-compliances.
Safety assessment
The document states that all identified non-compliances should be subjected to a Safety Assessment in accordance with the guidance provided in CAGM 1404 – Safety Assessments for Aerodromes.
According to the document, the Safety Assessment should evaluate associated risks, determine the level of risk acceptability, and propose appropriate mitigation measures.
It also states that the Safety Assessment should include a clear action plan detailing how the identified risks will be mitigated or resolved, and that all completed Safety Assessments should be submitted to CAAM ANSA for monitoring.
Oversight and monitoring
The document states that CAAM will conduct continuous oversight of STOLport operations, including the review of Safety Assessments, monitoring of corrective actions implemented by operators, and evaluation of safety performance.
It states that this oversight is intended to ensure that the identified risks are effectively managed and that safety performance is continuously improved.
Self-assessment
The document states that each STOLport operator is required to conduct self-assessment of the operational status of the STOLport at intervals not exceeding two months.
It states that the self-assessment should be completed using the prescribed form provided by CAAM in Appendix A and submitted to CAAM no later than the tenth day of the second month.
The document also states that the self-assessment shall accurately reflect the actual condition of the STOLport and should not be treated as a purely administrative exercise.
Appendix A sets out the STOLport self-assessment checklist
The document includes Appendix A titled “STOLport Self Assessment Checklist” under reference CAAM/ANSA/STOL/01, dated 13 March 2026.
The checklist includes sections covering general information, runway, taxiway and apron condition, visual aids, obstacle, vegetation and wildlife environment, rescue, firefighting and emergency preparedness, and safety, operations and maintenance.
The checklist also includes a declaration section stating that the information provided in the report accurately reflects the current operational and safety condition of the STOLport for the reporting period.
Conclusion section highlights operator responsibility and continuous progress
In the conclusion section, the document states that the safety measures outlined in the Safety Information are established to ensure that STOLports continue to operate at an acceptable level of safety pending certification.
It states that STOLport operators bear the primary responsibility for the safe operation and maintenance of their STOLports, regardless of certification status.
The document also states that operators are expected to take proactive measures to identify and mitigate safety risks, address non-compliances and progressively achieve compliance with regulatory requirements.
It further states that effective collaboration between STOLport operators and CAAM is essential to ensure that safety risks are effectively managed, and that continuous monitoring, structured oversight and timely implementation of corrective actions are critical in maintaining and enhancing safety standards.
The document adds that CAAM expects all STOLport operators to demonstrate commitment and continuous progress towards achieving STOLport certification.
