Chapter 7: Contingency Plans

Section 7.1: General

7.1.1 Introduction

7.1.1.1 This Chapter sets out the standards for contingency plans in the provision of air traffic services.

7.1.1.2 A contingency plan must describe in detail the actions that operational staff are to follow to maintain safety in the event of the failure or non-availability of staff, facilities or equipment which affects the provision of air traffic services. The plan must also cover procedures for the safe and orderly transition back to full service provision.

7.1.2 Minimum Contents

7.1.2.1 A contingency plan must include to the extent of the particular services authorised on the provider’s certificate, but is not limited to, arrangements for the following:

(a) airspace management:

(i) transfer of responsibility;

(ii) redesignation;

(iii) emergency traffic;

(b) air traffic flow management;

(c) air traffic separation;

(d) alternatives for the continuing provision of the services (e.g. alternative operating positions or ATS units);

(e) alternative services (e.g. traffic information);

(f) SAR alerting;

(g) information transfer/coordination;

(h) notifications to affected parties;

(i) letters of agreement with other providers on any of the above matters;

(j) restoration of staff, facility or equipment to normal levels;

(k) measures to test the suitability of the plan;

(l) staff training requirements to ensure the plan can be safely implemented.