Section 1, Chapter 6 - Aircraft Diversion Procedures

Question 1

What are the procedures for handling aircraft diversions at Aldergrove (EGAA)?

Answer 1

The procedures for handling aircraft diversions at Aldergrove (EGAA) are:

Diversion Out:

• When information is received that an aircraft has diverted out from Aldergrove (by R/T or ARR message):
• Inform the Aerodrome ATCO.
• Enter the information into the ATC Watch Log and diversion log.
• Mark the strip DIV OUT in the Remarks Field.
• Make an entry in the diversion folder (AA/MANUAL/019), including the reason for the diversion.

Diversion In:

• When information is received that an aircraft wishes to divert to EGAA:
• Raise a FPS with DIV IN and annotate the reason in the Remarks Field.
• Enter the information into the ATC Watch Log as soon as possible.
• Send the FPS to the ADC ATCO if created by OSS.
• Send an ARR message after the aircraft lands in accordance with MATS Pt 1.

Military Aircraft:

• In addition to the above procedures, inform D&D when a military aircraft announces its intention to divert.

Weekly Diversion Log:

• The weekly diversion log from AA/MAN/019 should be forwarded to Admin each Monday morning by OSS.

Question 2

What is Plan 39 and what should staff at EGAA be aware of when it is invoked?

Answer 2

Plan 39 is a mass diversion procedure developed for handling multiple diversions due to an event at an airport within the London Terminal Manoeuvring Area (LTMA). Key points include:

Initial Response:

• GS Airports (Swanwick TC) establishes availability at other airports for receiving diversions.

Purpose:

• Expedite the process, reduce confusion, and minimize the chance of multiple PAN/MAY DAY declarations.

Pre-Authorized Capacity:

• Provides Swanwick TC with immediate, pre-authorized additional capacity at specified airports.

EGAA’s Role:

• EGAA is not part of Plan 39.
• Staff should be aware that invoking Plan 39 indicates major disruption within the LTMA.