Dear Madam/Sir,
Please find attached hereto a preliminary draft for an EASA Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) [task
2017.064] regarding
Access for Rescue and Fire Fighting Services at Aerodromes
for consultation until 21 April 2017.
We would be grateful to you if you could send any comment(s) to
[email protected] by making
reference to [task 2017.064], no later than the above-mentioned deadline.
Safety Information Section Email:
[email protected]
EASA Website
(Attachment is in Acrobat PDF format)
Postal: Postfach 10 12 53, 50452 Cologne, Germany
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EASA SIB No.: 2017-XX
Safety Information Bulletin
Aerodromes
SIB No.: 2017-XX
Issued: DD Month 2017
Subject: Access for Rescue and Fire Fighting Services at Aerodromes
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Ref. Publications:
Commission Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 on the requirements and administrative
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procedures related to aerodromes of 12 February 2014.
EASA ED Decision 2016/027/R amending Certification Specifications and Guidance Material
for Aerodrome Design, Annex CS-ADR-DSN, Issue 3.
EASA ED Decision 2014/012/R adopting Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance
Material for Aerodromes. IN
Applicability:
National Aviation Authorities (NAAs) and aerodrome operators.
Description:
IM
The intent of this SIB is to raise awareness at NAAs and aerodrome operators about the need to
provide convenient access for rescue and fire-fighting services (RFFS) vehicles to areas both within
the aerodrome perimeter but also, where a fence is provided, outside the aerodrome perimeter.
In a recent accident, the landing aeroplane overran the runway and ended up in an area next to
the aerodrome. Subsequent investigation found that the aerodrome’s RFFS vehicles that
responded to the event encountered problems accessing the accident site due to a locked gate
EL
located between the aerodrome and the crash area.
In a similar event, the aeroplane veered-off during landing, exited the runway, crashed into trees
and caught fire. The investigation revealed that access of RFFS personnel was obstructed by a locked
gate situated outside of the aerodrome perimeter fence, but within the aerodrome area. Due to
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this, the vehicle had to stop at the gate and could not be positioned closer to the accident area.
In another case, an aeroplane, after its take-off, crashed within the aerodrome perimeter. The
investigation identified that an internal fence surrounding the runway strip (located within the
external aerodrome perimeter fence) prevented the access for the first responding RFFS vehicle.
This was due to the height of the concrete base of the fence, and the fact that the gates across the
fence were locked.
Similar situations might exist at other aerodromes.
This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.
TE.CAP.00117-005 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 1 of 2
Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union
EASA SIB No.: 2017-XX
In the case of an occurrence, aerodrome RFFS vehicles may be required to intervene on the
runway, or other parts of the movement area, but also outside of the aerodrome perimeter. In
such cases, the time between the emergency alarm and the actual intervention is crucial for the
success of the rescue and firefighting operations.
EASA AMC1 ADR.OPS.B.005(b) foresees that an assessment of the approach and departure areas
within 1 000 m from the runway threshold should be carried out in order to determine the
available options for intervention.
To facilitate the response of the RFSS, it is imperative to provide suitable access within the
aerodrome itself, but also to areas outside the aerodrome. Related EASA guidance exists (GM1
ADR-DSN.T.900) regarding:
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- the provision of emergency access roads in order to achieve minimum response times of
the RFFS;
- the need to provide convenient access to outside areas, in case a fence is provided at the
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aerodrome perimeter, taking into account the RFFS vehicles that will need to use the
access points provided.
In addition, GM1 ADR-DSN.T.920 provides guidance for the provision of gates in case a perimeter
fence or other barrier is provided at an aerodrome. Such access points should be of an adequate
number, including for emergency operations. IN
At this time, the safety concern described in this SIB does not warrant the issuance of a safety
measure under Regulation (EU) 139/2014, Annex II, ADR.AR.A.040.
Recommendations:
The Agency recommends:
IM
(a) Aerodrome operators ensure that:
- RFFS are given convenient and expeditious access, at all times, both within the
aerodrome perimeter fence, but also to areas outside the aerodrome perimeter fence
where their intervention may be necessary;
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- Aerodrome perimeter fences have provision for rapid egress to areas outside the
aerodrome perimeter fence, by way of frangible barriers or other means of ensuring
convenient and expeditious access;
(b) The competent authorities to take into account the above recommendations during their
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safety oversight activities.
Contact(s):
For further information contact the EASA Safety Information Section, Certification Directorate.
E-mail:
[email protected].
This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.
TE.CAP.00117-005 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 2 of 2
Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union