The reporter has raised concerns in relation to reduced Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) response capability between the hours of 0000 - 0400 EST at [Location] Airport.
The reporter states that due to recent damage as the result of [weather event], the ARFF facility has been moved to a temporary location at the international terminal. This move has caused a significant loss of response capability for arrivals and departures at the airport particularly after the hours of midnight local time, when the airport response category drops to zero. Subsequently for all aircraft arriving and departing after midnight until approximately 0400 local time, should a serious aviation incident or accident occur, the only mechanism for an ARFF response is for Air Traffic Control (ATC) to contact ARFF (now off airport) on a designated phone number. ARFF will then attempt to organise a response crew, as well as alerting civilian fire crews in [Location] to respond to the unfamiliar airport environment without radio contact with ATC. Clearly the minimum required response time would not be met in this circumstance.
Additionally, the reporter advises that from [time] the ARFF provide a category 5 service to facilitate the [number] scheduled international heavy jet arrivals, despite the requirement for the provision of a category 8 service.
The reporter further queries how passengers on aircraft arriving or departing [Location] airport during this time would be made aware of the reduced rescue and firefighting capability.
Airservices appreciates the opportunity to respond to the concerns raised in the REPCON.
We understand the concern relates to changes to [Location] Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) due to the effects of [weather event], and notification of such changes to impacted parties.
As the reporter indicates, unprecedented flooding, resulting from [weather event], caused extensive damage to the [Location] Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) facilities. This damage led to contingency processes being enacted, resulting in [Location] ARFFS being provided from an alternative location, while a permanent facility can be re-established. Contingency arrangements are in place to ensure an interim level of service is provided in an appropriate manner following an abnormal event. These plans are in place for each ARFFS location, reviewed annually and tested periodically.
In accordance with contingency processes and regulatory requirements, notification of applicable ARFFS changes is made to impacted parties via a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This ensures operators are aware and can plan accordingly. These are well-established processes that are enacted in accordance with Australian civil aviation safety regulations and international standards.
CASA agrees that the reporter has valid concerns with the level of service provided and is working with Airservices on their action plan to return to Part 139H compliance.
CASA considers that it is feasible for the correct level of ARFF service to be provided from the current contingency facility. [That is], Category 8 24/7.
CASA agrees with Airservices that they are advertising the level of service through appropriate NOTAM advice to industry.