Interim Report - Introduction - EASA

INTERIM REPORT – OPTIONS FOR CHANGE
EASA.2009.OP.21
which to operate safely. Both of these would be reason enough to allow any particular
aerodrome to limit the number of de-icing / anti-icing service providers. Clause 11 of the
Directive suggests that this is a possibility, but Article 6 excludes de-icing / anti-icing. Option
GHDSP1, above, addresses the possibility of aerodromes limiting the number of providers.
The ultimate extension of this concept is to remove de-icing / anti-icing altogether from the
constraints of the Directive. This Study has no evidence that aerodromes with only one
provider of de-icing / anti-icing causes detriment to either safety or cost to the customer. In
fact, having one supplier may encourage: more long-term investment; a growing level of
experience; providers solely dedicated to de-icing / anti-icing; an effective relationship
between provider and aerodrome / aerodrome users; and, therefore higher levels of service.
In support of Options REGAD3 and REGAD5 above, the Directive allows certain high value
elements of de-icing / anti-icing equipment and infrastructure to be brought within the
aerodrome centralised infrastructure (Clause 13 and Article 8). Within the terms of the
Directive this would then allow States to define technical specifications to which service
providers would have to comply, or risk losing their license to operate (Clause 23 and Article
11). Such technical specifications could vary between simple minimum requirements
concerning equipment standards, through availability of fluids, and up to full-blown regulation
of procedures and training. The quality, capability and maintenance of de-icing / anti-icing
vehicles can have a direct affect on the standard of service delivered. Declaring these
vehicles as part of the aerodrome centralised infrastructure will bring their capability and
maintenance under the oversight of the NAA. This will not restrict service providers from
sharing their use, however, any aerodrome effectively “renting” such high value assets will
ensure strict control over how they are used, and who uses them.
GHDAD1. Remove de-icing / anti-icing from the list of ground-handling activities within
the Directive 96/97/EC.
GHDAD2. Allow, or mandate, that aerodromes specify de-icing / anti-icing vehicles as
part of the aerodrome’s centralised infrastructure.
GHDAD3. Member States to agree on a set of minimum technical specifications for the
proper functioning of de-icing / anti-icing equipment and infrastructure.
The Directive requires that aerodromes establish and facilitate Airport Users’ Committees
(AUC). There is no mandate as to the regularity of meeting, method of meeting and
communication, or the subjects to be discussed. At some aerodromes, the AUC is used,
prior to each winter season, to discuss aerodrome operations concerning the coordination of
traffic during de-icing / anti-icing operations. It is rare that subject-matter experts in aircraft
de-icing / anti-icing procedures (from the operators, providers and aerodrome) meet under
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