My Airport Operations

Airport and airline administrators, supervisors and managers all know that as a result of "Murphy's Law" an aviation accident or incident involving their facility, equipment and personnel is nearly inevitable.  An effective response depends in a large degree to the adequacy and operational readiness of the airport emergency plan, the airport emergency operations center, and its mobile counterpart – the MCC (Mobile Command Center).

As we all know, to be effective, regardless of airport size, traffic or geographic location, each individual airport emergency plan must:

a.    in detail, define the responsibilities of each participating agency, municipal support organization, airline and the local CAA

b.    establish effective and operational lines of communication between departments, outside agencies and government

c.    provide for the establishment of a  fixed emergency operations center and mobile command post at the airport for use during emergency situations

d.    detail the means, coordination, contact, role and participation of local (outside) agencies, organizations or stakeholders in the event of an aviation incident/accident either on or off airport property

e.    describe in detail the function of air traffic services or flight information services during an emergency situation

f.    provide detailed instructions on response activities.

In today's world of economic recession, many States, Counties and Municipal governments have enacted restricted spending policies.  Airport administrators far too often find themselves faced with an inability to purchase modern emergency response equipment.  Too many airports, especially among Developing States, find themselves faced with a complete lack of proper communications, firefighting and rescue capabilities.  Missing items can range from radios for communication, to fire truck transmissions, to fire hose couplers and even a proper Emergency Operations Center and Mobile Command Post.

Savvy airport planners and administrators are turning to "thinking outside the box" when it comes to procuring the items mandated by ICAO Doc 9137 to ensure adequate Emergency Response.


Getting what you need

The first step in the acquisition process is to assess what your airport needs.  Is there an appropriately stocked EOC?  Does the airport have a Mobile Command Post and adequate vehicle for towing?  Are medical supplies sufficient to address the minimum requirements set forth by ICAO Standards?  Has the fire chief been polled as to the state of his/her equipment, missing or inoperative items?  Once a thorough Needs Assessment has been conducted, you are ready to begin your quest.


Federal and State Levels

A quick search of the Internet will reveal a number of sources for grant monies and funding available for aviation projects.  Many airport planners, where time is not a critical factor turn to the web for assistance.  Government agencies such as the FAA and TSA often have pools of monies available for special needs projects, though it should be noted that the Grant process, whether public or private is often a time-consuming and tedious endeavor.  Many airport administrators have found it beneficial to turn to private entities such as Ford Aviation Consultants or the AVSEC- Center to locate, prepare and follow up Grant activities.

Many States offer Grant monies to individual airports within their jurisdictions for assistance with basic compliance needs. A prime example is the WSDOT website.  Working from site information, email contacts and a bit of telephone jockeying, administrators can, with some perseverance, locate government and even private funding sources applicable to their specific needs.


State Airports Councils

Most airports, whether large or small hold a membership in their respective State's Airports Council.  Generally, an individual within the airport administration is a contact point for dealings with the Council as a whole.  These organizations can prove a treasure trove of contacts

and information in acquiring surplus of needed items to stock either the EOC or MCC.  With a bit of time invested in emails, phone calls and perhaps even a personal visit or two to attend Council proceedings, administrators can often construct a database of equipment, services or suppliers willing to either donate critical items or supply them at hugely discounted prices.


Websites, Networking Sites and More

When searching for surplus or salvage items that can be, with a little bit of homegrown elbow grease, made usable, there are several websites which can prove themselves invaluable in your quest.  Begin by visiting My Airport Operations. A simple click on the Surplus link will access a variety of posts offering equipment ranging from aircraft slides to fencing, radars and much more. 

Not to be overlooked, airport planners and administrators would be well advised to utilize their contacts, groups and postings on such networking sites as Linkedin, Facebook and Biznik to seek out those individuals with either direct access to, or familiar with non-cost acquisitions of airport and airline equipment in the field of civil aviation.

Administrators should not overlook local sources when it comes to equipment and services.  Airport Stakeholders and agencies within the local community can be a cornucopia of serviceable surplus equipment.  Police cars, fire trucks and confiscated vehicles – with just a little volunteer work -- can be turned into adequate response units.  Soliciting the community, through the Airport Security Committee and its respective stakeholders can provide a wealth of knowledge, contacts and direction.

Often time's airports and government agencies are desperate to divest themselves of their old, but serviceable equipment.  Contacts made through local airport councils and online networking sites can provide those in need with valuable items for little more than the cost of transit.

 
Conclusion

Lack of appropriated funding should never be an excuse for missing or inadequate emergency response equipment.  Administrators today, have at their disposal a wealth of resources, techniques and experts available to assist in their success

Many times these overlooked opportunities for asset acquisition can mean the difference between properly responding to emergency situations and the needless loss of life.


Rules for success

1.    Don't get discouraged

2.    Creativity is the key

3.    Never overlook the local airport stakeholders

4.    Networking is key to success

5.    Don't limit yourself- use the web to search locally, nationally and internationally

6.    If overwhelmed, seek professional assistance from experts