Section 3, Chapter 4 - Winter Operations Flashcards
What are the key responsibilities and decision-making roles during snow and ice conditions at the aerodrome?
Notification of Snow and Ice Conditions:
* Aircraft Commander: Has the sole authority to decide whether to operate or delay movements due to snow and ice conditions.
* BIAL ADM (Aerodrome Manual): Responsible for the decision to commence snow/ice clearance.
* SCOD (Snow Clearance Operations Director): Must maintain direct liaison with the ADM via telephone or R/T at regular intervals to ensure awareness of current/forecast conditions.
* Aerodrome Controller: Needs to coordinate closely with the Watch Manager, GMC (Ground Movement Controller), and APR (Airfield Planning and Response) to effectively integrate aircraft movements with snow clearance or de-icing operations.
What are the procedures for frost/ice prevention at the aerodrome when air and ground temperatures approach freezing?
ADM’s Role: The Aerodrome Manager (ADM) assesses the situation and decides when to initiate an anti-icing program.
Runway 25/07 in Use:
- Runway
- Associated taxiways
- Delta-Charlie link taxiway
- Aprons and service roads
Runway 17/35 in Use:
- Runway
- Taxiway Foxtrot
- Taxiway Charlie
- Aprons and service roads
Military De-Icing/Snow Clearing Operations:
- BIA: Clears snow and treats with chemicals from the runway intersection to the Foxtrot 1 hold on the military’s request.
- Military: Clears snow and treats Heli central to the F1 or Echo hold.
- 19A Pans: Military may need to clear snow or treat, requiring crossing of runway 17-35 Foxtrot to Juliet (subject to ATC clearance).
- Military Vehicle Drivers: Do not have Airside Driving Permits and need a BIAL escort vehicle to access the manoeuvring area.
What are the snow clearance procedures at the aerodrome, including the handling of runway and taxiway lights?
Anti-Icing Treatment:
- Initiated by the ADM before or during snowfall to minimize snow adhesion and deter surface freezing.
- Areas Treated:
- Runway in use
- Associated taxiways
- Aprons
Snow Clearance Program:
- Runway Lights:
- Runway edge lights are raised and require RFFS to clear snow if obscured.
- High-intensity lights (threshold, TDZ, centerline, Stop end) burn through snow/ice.
- ATC selects lights to 30% during no aircraft movements to avoid dazzling drivers and assist in melting snow/ice. Adjusted during aircraft movements.
Taxiways:
* High-intensity lighting and Stopbars burn through snow.
* Raised runway designator signage and guard lights at all holding positions (except Alpha 2 hold).
* ATC handles lights similarly to runway lights during snow clearance.
* If pushback spots on the apron or Lima taxiway are obscured, ATCOs consult the latest pushback procedures.
What are the procedures for the closure and re-opening of runways and taxiways during heavy snow or ice conditions at the aerodrome?
Closure of Runways:
- Procedure: Use “Deactivation of Runways” as per Section 3, 5.3.3.1.
Re-Opening of Runways:
- Procedure: Use “Activation of Runways” as per Section 3, 5.3.3.2.
- Confirmation: ADM must declare the runway open via RTF or recorded telephone line.
Closure of Taxiways:
- Notification: ADM informs ATC when a taxiway is withdrawn from service.
- Communication: ATC notifies crew via ATIS and RTF.
- Restriction: ATC must not use the taxiway for vehicles or aircraft, as obscured lighting/signage could lead to a runway incursion.
What are the responsibilities of ADC regarding vehicle combines and CSD during snow clearance or runway closure?
Vehicle Combines:
- Close Control: ADC must maintain close control of vehicles entering and exiting the runway.
- Challenge Discrepancies: ADC should challenge any difference between the number of vehicles reported by the convoy lead vehicle and the number visually observed.
CSD (Clearance/Closure Standard Procedure):
- Strict Adherence: Strict adherence to the CSD is required during periods of clearance/closure.
- Vehicle Count: ADC must ensure the correct number of vehicles is shown on the runways and taxiways at all times.
What are the priorities for snow clearance during snowfalls and Low Visibility Procedures (LVPs) at the aerodrome?
Runway Priority:
- Runway 25: Given priority to ensure availability and maximize use of the Cat IIIB ILS.
Taxiway Priority:
- Taxiways associated with LVPs: Alpha, Bravo, Lima, Charlie, and Delta.
Back Tracking:
- Permitted only under certain circumstances (refer to Section 1, Chapter 16).
What are the R/T contact procedures during snow sweeping on the manoeuvring area at the aerodrome?
ADM’s Role:
- Maintains direct R/T contact with ATC during sweeping.
Communication Technique:
- Shepherding Technique: Used to avoid excessive R/T exchanges on aircraft frequencies; snow clearing vehicles communicate on a BIAL domestic channel.
- Individual Operations: Once major snow deposits are cleared, vehicles operate as single units with individual callsigns, maintaining contact with ATC.
- Notification: ATC is informed before any change in communication takes place.
What are the procedures for the control of the airfield and inspection of AGL and signage during snow clearance?
Control of Airfield:
- ATC retains control of runways and taxiways during snow clearance.
- ADM is not given control of the airfield to prevent confusion during aircraft movements and ensure close R/T contact.
AGL and Signage Inspection:
- Risk of Incursion: Major risk of runway incursion around signage or AGL covered with snow or ice.
- Regular Inspections: ADM conducts regular inspections of AGL and signage during snow/ice periods.
- Closure Decision: If snow/ice deposits cause AGL or signage to fail meeting standards, ADM will close the affected part of the airfield to all movements, including aircraft and vehicles.
What are the procedures for SNOCLO (Snow Closure) and the control of the airfield during this period?
Closure Responsibility:
- Primary Responsibility: BIAL Operations Manager closes the airfield for snow clearance.
- In Absence: ADM can instruct ATC to declare the airfield closed.
SNOCLO Message:
- Issuance: ATC issues a SNOCLO message via AFTN.
- Duration: Specifies the period from initial closure until expected reopening.
- Communication: Information relayed to aircrew via RT/ATIS.
- Surface Condition Updates: Revised at two-hour intervals with further estimates if snow continues.
Control of Airfield During SNOCLO:
- ATC retains control of runways and taxiways to avoid confusion during reopening.
- ADM performs an airfield inspection and briefs ATC on the vehicle situation prior to reopening.
What is the methodology and key components of the Runway Condition Report (RCR) used for reporting runway surface conditions?
Methodology: ICAO’s Global Reporting Format (GRF) is used to assess and disseminate runway surface conditions.
Runway Condition Report (RCR):
- Purpose: Informs pilots for aircraft performance calculations and situational awareness.
- Key Data Included:
- Runway Condition Code (RWYCC)
- Type of contaminant
- Depth of contaminant
- Percentage coverage of contaminant
- Any other relevant information
Reporting Procedure:
- Surface Condition Reporting: Done over each third of the runway.
- Significant Changes: Reporting starts when a significant change in surface condition occurs due to water, snow, slush, ice, or frost.
- Re-issuance: RCR is re-issued whenever a significant change occurs.
- SNOWTAM Issuance: Required when the runway is contaminated by standing water, snow, slush, ice, or frost, or is wet due to clearing/treatment.
Runway Condition Code (RWYCC):
- Numerical Value: Ranges from 0 (lowest braking capability) to 6 (highest braking capability).
- Reporting Format: A three-character group representing each third of the runway.
- Special Cases: RWYCC 6 can also indicate a contaminant presence greater than 10% but less than 25% coverage.
What are the standardized reporting terms for types of contaminants used in RTF, ATIS, and SNOWTAM, and what terms are not to be used?
Reporting Terms:
- DRY
- WET
- STANDING WATER
- SLUSH
- ICE
- WET ICE
- FROST
- DRY SNOW
- WET SNOW
- WET SNOW ON TOP OF COMPACTED SNOW
- WET SNOW ON TOP OF ICE
- COMPACTED SNOW
- DRY SNOW ON TOP OF COMPACTED SNOW
- DRY SNOW ON TOP OF ICE
- WATER ON TOP OF COMPACTED SNOW
- CHEMICALLY TREATED
Terms Not to be Used:
- CONTAMINATED
- SLIPPERY WET
- SPECIALLY PREPARED WINTER RUNWAY
Special Note:
- If “Slippery Wet” is reported, it should be communicated as RWYCC 3 and “Wet.”
- Friction measurements are not to be reported.
What are the guidelines for reporting contaminant depths on runways in RTF, ATIS, and SNOWTAM?
- Measurement Units: Depths are measured in millimeters for each third of the runway.
- Minimum Reportable Depth: Depths less than 3mm are not reported.
- Non-Reported Depths: If a depth is not measured or provided, it is transmitted as “Not Reported” or “NR” on SNOWTAM.
- Wet Runway Reporting:
- A “Wet” runway third does not have a depth reported.
- If the depth exceeds 3mm, it is reported as “Standing Water” with a minimum depth of 4mm or the measured amount.
- Specific Contaminants:
- For “Slush,” “Wet Snow,” and “Dry Snow,” 3mm is the minimum reportable depth.
- Depth Reporting: “Millimeters” must follow all reported depths on the RTF/ATIS.
How is contaminant coverage reported in Runway Condition Reports (RCRs)?
Coverage Categories:
- 25%: Used when coverage is 10-25%
- 50%: Used when coverage is 26-50%
- 75%: Used when coverage is 51-75%
- 100%: Used when coverage is 76-100%
- Not Reported: Used when coverage is less than 10% or not reportable.
Special Notes:
- For 25% coverage, RWYCC 6 will be reported along with the observed contaminant type.
- If contaminant coverage is less than 10%, it is reported as a dry runway third.
What additional information can be appended to the Runway Condition Report (RCR)?
Additional Information:
* Runway de-icing activity: Details of chemical treatment or sanding (use the term “chemically treated” instead of “wet with de-icing fluid”).
* Reduced runway length.
* Drifting snow.
* Snowbanks on the runway: Include distance from the runway centerline (left/right).
* Frozen ruts and ridges.
How does BIAL notify ATC of Runway Condition Reports (RCRs), and what is the reporting sequence?
Notification Method: BIAL notifies ATC by telephone via the Control Centre.
Runway Reported: Report is for the runway with the lowest numerical designator (e.g., Runway 07 or 17), not necessarily the runway in use.
Reporting Sequence:
- Lowest Runway Designator
- RWYCC (Runway Condition Code)
- Coverage
- Depth
- Type of contaminant
- Any other information
Example Message Format:
- Example: “Runway 07 Surface Condition Code 5/5/2 - 100/100/50 - Not Reported/Not Reported/04 - Wet/Wet/Slush - Chemically Treated”
- Note: Words like “millimetres,” “depth,” “percent,” and “coverage” are not included.
- ATC Recording: ATC uses form NSL-GRF001-RCR to record the RCR received from BIAL Ops.
