How do you decide what compliance an AGL item needs?
Ask the questions in order, from regulatory rule to contract to standard, then put evidence on file or get any deviation formally approved.
The compliance decision tree asks, for each item, whether a regulatory rule, a contract clause or a standard or manufacturer guidance applies. The answer tells you whether the requirement is mandatory, contractual or advisory, and every route then ends at the same gate: can it be met as written?
Assuming compliance without asking leaves gaps that are found late, at inspection or after an incident. When several sources apply, follow the strictest, and keep the evidence or approved deviation on file against the item.
- Name the item. The design, product or activity being decided.
- Check for a regulatory rule. If one applies, the item is mandatory, but keep asking: the contract and standards may add stricter requirements.
- Check the contract. A clause makes the item contractual.
- Check standards and guidance. These are advisory unless made binding.
- Close the gate. Evidence on file, or a deviation approved and recorded.
The source, its status and the evidence or approved deviation are recorded, so the decision can be repeated and defended.
No source is checked and nothing is recorded, so gaps surface late and the decision cannot be defended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is a compliance decision tree?
It is a short set of questions asked in a fixed order to decide which requirement governs an item and what must be done about it. It starts with the strongest source, a regulatory rule, then moves to the contract, then to standards and manufacturer guidance, so the decision is made the same way each time.
Q2Why is the regulatory question asked first?
A regulatory requirement is set by the authority and cannot be traded away by the contract or by preference. Asking it first makes sure the strongest obligation is found before softer sources are considered. Which rules apply depends on the airport's regulator, so confirm the current ones with that authority.
Q3What if an item falls under more than one source?
Record every source that applies and follow the strictest one. For example, a standard may be advisory on its own but become binding through the contract. The compliance matrix should show each source against the item so nothing is lost.
Q4What if the requirement cannot be met as written?
Do not simply accept the gap. Raise a formal deviation request with the reason, a risk assessment and any compensating measure, and get it approved by the person with authority to do so. Record the decision and keep it with the matrix.
Q5What if no source can be found for an item?
Do not assume the item is free of requirements. Ask the regulator, the client or the designer which source applies, and record the answer. Until it is answered, treat the item as open rather than compliant.
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