What response to difficult environments is expected by the aerodrome operator in those areas that are considered as difficult environments?
Answer
Within the 1 000 m area, the aerodrome operator should normally provide intervention capacities and respond to an incident (however, those responsibilities may be limited by local or national legislation defining other responsibilities). Therefore, the aerodrome operator should determine the options available for intervention based on the capacity of its dedicated means or the established intervention protocols with third-party entities in charge. Additionally, activation and engagement procedures in accordance with needs and capacities considering the actual environment should be established.
For other difficult environments within the 8-km radius from the aerodrome reference point, the responsibility to respond remains with the local authorities or entities in charge within the local legal framework of the district where the incident occurred. Although there is no response expected by the aerodrome operator, the aerodrome operator should actively participate in the coordination of resources. This should include:
- the mapping of further entities’ location and intervention capacities considering the safety management system requirements; and
- the counselling other responsible entities located in the area in the establishment of protocols
to allow for the effective organisation of resources for a rapid intervention.