Gain an understanding of local aerodromes

• Certificated aerodromes that are within the scope of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) – their website contains a list of aerodromes falling in the scope of the Basic Regulation
• Aerodromes that are outwith the scope of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

Commission Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 requires EASA certified aerodrome operators to have an emergency plan in place. This must:

1. Be proportionate to the aircraft operations and other activities taking place at the aerodrome
2. Provide for the coordination of appropriate organisations to respond to an emergency at the aerodrome or in its surroundings
3. Contain procedures for testing the adequacy of the plan, and for reviewing the results in order to improve its effectiveness

One of the major parts of this plan is the provision of airport rescue and fire fighting services (RFFS) with adequate equipment, fire extinguishing agents and properly trained personnel to respond to emergencies efficiently.

Aerodromes are allocated a rescue and fire fighting services (RFFS) category according to the dimensions of the largest aircraft operating at the site. This categorisation will allow fire and rescue services to understand the level of RFFS provision. There may be variations in this provision, which will need to be considered as part of the planning process, procedures and safe systems of work.

Further information can be found on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website: Rescue and fire fighting services overview.

Aerodromes that are not EASA certified are covered by arrangements found in the Civil Aviation Authority publication CAP168. Emergency planning for this category of aerodromes is detailed in chapter 9 of that document.

Individual aerodromes will have a set of bylaws, to protect critical parts of the site from unauthorised access. During an incident bylaws will be overridden by the powers provided by the fire and rescue acts to fire and rescue services.

Site-Specific Risk Information (SSRI) for aerodromes should include details of the buildings, infrastructure, rendezvous points (RVP) and access arrangements.