AOP 16 Winter Operations (Aerodrome Operating Procedure) Produced by Airfield Services Document Author Operations Support Manager
Contents 1 SECTION 1 - WINTER OPERATIONS... 6 1.1 Aims and Objectives... 6 1.2 1.3 Procedures... 6 Snow Warning... 7 1.4 1.5 Frost Warnings... 7 Anti/De-Icing Procedures... 7 1.6 The Use of De-Icing Products on the South Side... 8 Page 2 of 8
AOP 16 Winter Operations Page 3 of 8
Amendment Record The following list of amendments clearly details the agreed amendment made to the Aerodrome manual. Each amendment will be detailed and highlighted to all recipients on the distribution list for promulgation to all staff where applicable. The amendment date is the actual date amended in the live document available on the LBA website and will be considered in force from that date onwards. Any deletions will be marked with STIKETHROUGH and any additions or amendments will be UNDERLINED IN RED. Amendment Number: JB141 Amendment Date: Paragraph Updated: Para. 1.4 Incorporated by (NAME): Detail: AOU Team Leader replaced with AOUS (or Fire Operations in AOU absence) JB142 Para. 1.4 If necessary added to requirement to liaise with ATC JB143 Para. 1.4 friction runs replaced with deicing runs JB144 Para. 1.5 AOUS (or Fire Operations in AOU absence) added to persons responsible to complete the task. JB145 Para. 1.5 If necessary added to requirements for friction runs. JB146 Para. 1.6 Safe Grip replaced with approved deicer /anti icing fluid JB147 Para. 1.6 Jet 2.com operations should be advised as they may wish to relocate aircraft away from the hangar area removed. Page 4 of 8
Amendment Number: Amendment Date: Paragraph Updated: Incorporated by (NAME): Detail: Page 5 of 8
1.1 Aims and Objectives 1 SECTION 1 - Winter Operations ADR.OPS.B.035 Operations in winter conditions states the aerodrome operator shall ensure that means and procedures are established and implemented for providing safe conditions for aerodrome operations during winter conditions. As part of the safety management system in place at LBA these instructions exist for the guidance/direction of staff involved in the operation of winter procedures at LBA. In addition, these procedures inform other interested parties of the measures to be employed to minimise disruption to operations at LBA during winter conditions. Anti-icing operations are necessary in order to prevent the formation of ice on ground surfaces. Where appropriate, de-icing may be necessary. Unlike landside areas, rock salt cannot be used to treat areas in advance of forecast ice or snowfall. It is therefore essential that all airside users are constantly aware that snow and ice may be present and take extra precautions as appropriate. LBA monitors the performance and actions of aircraft operators, handling agents and tenants who employ their own procedures for the anti-icing of aircraft, equipment or leased areas. Objectives To achieve and maintain a safe aviation environment complying with all relevant rules and regulations associated with the operation of aircraft. To achieve and maintain adequate road and footpath conditions on airport properties to assist the safe transit of passengers, visitors, employees, tenants, concessionaires and associated vehicles. To ensure maximum utilisation of the airport during the winter season by effective clearance of snow, slush, ice and water from the manoeuvring areas, associated taxiways and aprons. To inform all participating personnel of their responsibilities and of the availability and disposition of equipment. 1.2 Procedures LBA publishes a Snow Plan annually and distributes it to all aerodrome manual holders detailing: Roles and Responsibilities Objectives Contact Numbers LBA Winter Measures Planning Committee Response Initiation Surface Inspections Snow Closure Clearance Programme Communications Assessment and Reporting of Conditions Operating Requirements Snow Clearance Procedures Page 6 of 8
Landside Winter Gritting Procedure Equipment SNOWTAM Form Snow State Distribution List 1.3 Snow Warning Snow warnings are issued by the meteorogical office and normally received via the AFTN. In the event of receipt of a snow warning, procedures as set out in the Seasonal Snow Plan are to be adopted. SNOCLO (Snow closed) will be issued by air traffic control under extreme circumstances: If the amount of snow lying on the runway is sufficient to effect aircraft operations (usually 3mm)over the majority of the runway surface) If snow is failing to such an extent that the runway clearing operations are unable to make significant progress in achieving a usable runway surface. SNOWTAM s shall be issued by ATC as follows: SNOWTAM shall be consecutively numbered throughout the winter period Shall be issued when the manoeuvring areas are contaminated. Issued when there is a significant change of surface conditions. Issued at intervals not greater than 24 hours unless an overnight period is involved. In this case a new SNOWTAM shall be issued prior to aerodrome opening. All snow banks over 30 centimetres (60cm runway, 30cm taxiway) shall be reported. 1.4 Frost Warnings On receipt of a frost or snow warning the AOUS (or Fire Operations in AOU absence) should: If necessary, liaise with ATC regarding the warning, i.e. forecasted temperatures freezing rain, snow etc. If necessary and applicable, carry out a Mu-meter run to ascertain runway-braking action. Carry out an inspection of all taxiways and apron areas paying particular attention to ice forming on puddles etc. Check all passenger walk-ways are free from ice. Liaise with ATC about aircraft movements to allow time to complete de-icing in one go (if possible) Liaise with ATC to ensure the crewmembers carrying out the deicing runs are back on station to maintain the correct fire service category before any movement takes place. 1.5 Anti/De-Icing Procedures Inspection to be carried out by AOU (or Fire Operations in AOU absence) Anti/De-icing to be carried out by trained AOU/ RFFS staff and generally spraying of anti-icing fluid is undertaken late afternoon to allow holdover time to last throughout the night. Friction testing to be carried out by trained staff if necessary. Page 7 of 8
1.6 The Use of De-Icing Products on the South Side Due to continuing environmental concerns, the use of any de-icing product on Taxiways F,G,L M and Multiflight aprons to the south of the airfield it NOT permitted. Approved de-icer /anti icing fluid may be used on Multiflight Central Apron. If freezing weather/snow conditions are forecast, Multiflight operations will liaise with AOU with regard to their forthcoming programme and possibly relocate aircraft to the apron/stands on the northern side of the runway. Consultation between Multiflight and AOU will be required to ensure a smooth transition of any aircraft. Aircraft transferred into the Critical Part (CP) will be required to be searched in accordance with DfT regulations. Jet 2.com operations should be advised as they may wish to relocate aircraft away from the hangar area. During frost conditions, inspections will be undertaken by AOU staff and surface conditions monitored. In the event that taxiways and aprons become icy and in conjunction with Multiflight Ramp Manager (or other appointed staff) if the area is deemed to be unsafe for use, ATC should be advised by AOU which areas are affected and report them as closed. Following snow fall, staff or equipment may be made available (where reasonably practical) to brush the Multiflight East apron and Taxiway L. This would not normally be undertaken until completion of the clearance of the runway. Any exceptional circumstances that may require actions contrary to the above procedures can only be taken with the prior approval of the Head of Airfield Services. Alternatively a copy of the LBA Snow Plan is available on request from the Airside Operations Unit Page 8 of 8