Section 1, Chapter 14 - Aerodrome Availability

Question 1

What is the general availability of Belfast International Airport?

Answer 1

• Belfast International Airport is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
• The only exception is Christmas Day, when the airfield may close for specified periods.
• The Airport Authority will notify ATC of these hours and take appropriate NOTAM action.

Question 2

Which agencies must ATC notify when an ATC service is not available due to Christmas closure?

Answer 2

• PC (Prestwick Control)
• BIA Operations Control Centre
• RFFS (Rescue and Firefighting Services)
• Engineering (if applicable)
• D&D (Distress and Diversion)
• MET Forecaster
• Watch Manager (to confirm all agencies have been informed)

Question 3

What are the key steps in the Christmas Closedown Procedure at Belfast International Airport?

Answer 3

Briefing Room:

• Turn off lights and equipment.

Training Room:

• Turn off lights and SIMTAC.

Watch Manager’s Office:

• Turn off lights, extractor, and fan.

Rest Room:

• Turn off lights and T.V.

Kitchen:

• Turn off microwave, kettle, cooker, and lights.

Aerodrome Control:

• Turn off plug sockets (ALDIS), secure standby headsets, turn off all lighting, and set heating to low.
• Keep Copperchase Printer on.

ATIS:

• Broadcast that ATC service is unavailable until reopening.
• Advise aircraft to broadcast intentions on 118.3MHz if coming within 3NM of the airfield due to possible military movements.
• Lock Emergency Action Folder (AA/MAN/053) and iPad in WM Drawer.

Approach Radar:

• Keep RADAR on.
• Turn off all lighting and annotate Watch Log.
• Switch off all other lighting and heating.
• Lock Emergency Action Folder (AA/MAN/053) and iPad in WM Drawer.

Reopening Watch:

• Inform all agencies listed in Section 1, 14.2.
• Broadcast on ATIS that ATC services are available.
• Check with BIAL Control Centre for any UAS sightings.
• Remove Emergency Action Folders and iPads from WM drawer and replace in active areas (VCR and APR).

Question 4

What are the responsibilities of the Airport Duty Manager (ADM) regarding aerodrome availability?

Answer 4

• The ADM is the primary BIAL contact for ATC for daily operations on the aerodrome.
• Ensure all necessary resources are available to operate the aerodrome per the Aerodrome Licence and CAP 168.
• Implement a corresponding reduction in the level of operation if there are reductions in resources or abnormal circumstances affecting aircraft safety.

Question 5

What actions should ATC take when aware of unserviceabilities or obstructions on the movement area, and what are the responsibilities of the ADM?

Answer 5

ATC Actions:

• Immediately report unserviceabilities or obstructions to the BIAL Airport Duty Manager (ADM) and log the report.
• Inform pilots of aerodrome deficiencies/unserviceabilities in sufficient time to ensure safe aircraft operation.
• If the ADM is unavailable, contact Apron Control to pass a priority message to the ADM.
• Restrict or suspend aircraft movements until ADM confirms aerodrome status, following local ATC procedures.

ADM Responsibilities:

• Assess aerodrome status/availability and instruct ATC accordingly.
• Maintain contact with ATC until the situation is resolved.
• Take action to rectify or control deficiencies/unserviceabilities.
• Initiate relevant NOTAM action if an unserviceability affects the validity of the aerodrome licence.
• Make an initial assessment and ensure ATC is informed.
• If any doubt exists about aerodrome availability, confirm the status to resume aircraft movements.

Examples of Restrictions:

• Suspend all movements if deficiencies affect provision of LVPs (Low Visibility Procedures).
• Suspend jet departures from runway 35 if its traffic lights have failed.

Question 6

What is the procedure for handling interruptions or changes in the status of notified Engineering Services?

Answer 6

• If an interruption or change in the status of a notified Engineering Service is expected to exceed one hour, Engineering must immediately issue a NOTAM.
• When the Engineering Equipment Room is unmanned, the Watch Manager/Deputy Watch Manager is responsible for any relevant NOTAM action.