Draft ICAO Circular on NLA.pdf - Airports Council International

<strong>ICAO</strong> Version 4.1 — 15 March 2004
-36-
4.2.2.1.2 Egress for passengers from, and access by emergency crews to double-deck aircraft under
emergency conditions, including the possible need for equipment to access the upper deck, has been
identified as a significant issue. The specifics of dealing with certain NLAs will be addressed separately. In
the meanwhile, attention is drawn to the <strong>ICAO</strong> Airport Services Manual, Part 1 — Rescue and Fire Fighting
(Doc 9137), Chapter 12, section 12.3.
4.2.2.1.3 Aerodrome operators planning to refit or replace existing emergency vehicles should
consider making provision to accommodate any projected increase in size of aircraft types and the
consequential requirement for additional agent capacity during the planned service life of that equipment.
4.2.2.1.4 In the early stages of introduction into service, new aircraft types such as the A380 may be
expected to regularly serve major aerodromes currently supporting B747 operations. These aerodromes will
need to take steps to provide as necessary for the additional requirements of these aeroplanes.
4.2.2.1.5 The most important factors bearing on the effective rescue in a survivable aircraft accident
are the training received, the effectiveness of the equipment and the speed with which personnel and
equipment, designated for rescue and fire fighting purposes, can be put into use.
4.2.2.1.6 Detailed guidelines are given in the Airport Services Manual, Part 1 — Rescue and Fire
Fighting (Doc 9137).
4.2.2.2 Level of protection to be provided
4.2.2.2.1 The A380 falls into <strong>ICAO</strong> Aerodrome RFF Category 10 due its fuselage width (8 m), though
not its overall length. Other projected aircraft type stretches may lift them into a higher category. The A380
has the capability to deploy 3 upper deck slides on each side compared to 1 for the B747. For double-deck
aeroplanes, the increased number and longer extension of upper deck slides widens the area around the
aeroplane to be protected in the event of an evacuation. Specific requirements, in this regard, are under
consideration by <strong>ICAO</strong> and will be issued when available.
4.2.2.2.2 Quantities of extinguishing agents specified in Annex 14, Volume I, Table 9-2 to meet the
requirements in a particular aerodrome category, have been based on the size of the median aeroplane in the
group. To meet the needs of future aeroplane type derivatives, calculations should take into account actual
aeroplane dimensions. Where the largest aeroplane regularly operating at an aerodrome exceeds the size of
the median aeroplane in a given category, the actual quantities of agents required for that aeroplane should
be calculated and provided as per the guidance in the Airport Services Manual, Part 1.
4.2.2.2.3 4.2.2.2.3 The ability of modern extinguishing agents to achieve a more rapid knockdown is
under review and may have some future impact on recommended quantities of agent to be carried.
Conversely, environmental pressures may limit extensive use of certain types of agents in the future. Further
studies are in progress.
4.2.2.3 RFF and emergency planning training issues
4.2.2.3.1 Rescue and fire fighting personnel should receive specific training relevant to NLA. The
on-station training programme will need to take account of the size and type of the NLA and be appropriate
to the risk. Double-deck aircraft will bring new challenges in terms of human factors and procedures.