Airtanker Base Risk Assessments
Facilities | Hot Loading | Operations | Simultaneous Fueling and Loading
SYSTEM: Airtanker Base, Facilities
| Sub-System | Hazards | Pre-Mitigation | Mitigation | Post-Mitigation | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Probability |
Severity |
Risk Level |
Probability |
Severity |
Risk Level |
|||
| Communications | Lack of adequate radio equipment, computers and IT support |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
Provide airtanker bases with adequate phone lines, fax lines, internet and Wi-Fi. Recognize that many bases are in rural areas and may not have locally provided communication infrastructure. Utilize cell phones and Wi-Fi-enabled devices for gathering of flight planning information. Ensure all FWPTs have radios and headsets (noise canceling if able) available to them. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
| Unreliable flight following frequencies |
Likely |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Utilize National Flight Following if available. Local units should develop a local flight following frequency for their area of operations in the event the national frequency is not available. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
|
| Lack of standardized aircraft dispatch form |
Likely |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Implement utilization of national standardized aircraft dispatch form at all dispatch centers and airbases. Refer to the SABO for the minimum dispatch information. |
Unlikely |
Moderate |
Medium |
|
| Design Standards | Inadequate ramp space |
Likely |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Move to a different location on the airport or utilize a different airtanker base. Do not utilize a base that does not offer the minimum ramp space needed for the operating aircraft. Refer to the SABO. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
| Congestion on ramp |
Likely |
Critical |
High |
Verify that ramp area is large enough for expected operations (type/number of equipment and aircraft). Ensure communication is provided between FWPTs, RAMP, and ATIM in coordination with the ATBM, to allow for better decision making and ramp congestion mitigation. Utilize wing walkers as necessary. Ensure all are familiar with FWPT hand signals and have radio communication. Ensure adequate spacing between different sizes/types of aircraft. If able utilize additional space on the airport to expand operations. Consider sending some aircraft to adjacent airtanker bases to alleviate congestion. |
Possible |
Moderate |
Medium |
|
| Inadequate runway minimums |
Likely |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Ensure that length, width and surface conditions of runways and taxiways are adequate for expected aircraft. Adequate time should be given for flight planning for expected operations/airports. Pilots have the ultimate authority to utilize or decline a specific airport for safety of flight operations. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
|
| Collision with other aircraft/vehicles |
Possible |
Catastrophic |
Extremely High |
Utilize RAMP and FWPTs/wing walkers at all times when aircraft are moving on ramp. Ensure communication between pits. Aircraft have right-of-way over vehicles. Fuel/service vehicles should have a person nearby to prevent collision with aircraft. Be aware of any construction activity on the airport and plan for aircraft movement away from construction vehicles and workers. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
|
| Ramp/taxi operations and communications |
Almost Certain |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Establish local ramp/taxi protocols in cooperation with local airport operations. Ensure thorough in-briefing and monitor assigned ramp frequency. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
|
| Security | General threat of theft or vandalism of aircraft |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
Ensure ramp area is secured from general public, with controlled access points. Comply with contract requirements for securing aircraft. Address any security issues during in-briefing. Consider bringing in security personnel after hours if needed. Provide adequate revenue time for pre- and post-flight inspections. |
Unlikely |
Moderate |
Medium |
| Motor vehicle traffic interfering with base/ramp areas |
Likely |
Critical |
Extremely High |
Limit the access of the ramp/base areas to designated routes only. Aircraft has right-of-way over vehicles on ramp. Establish parking areas for vehicles. Identify any critical areas where vehicles will need an escort. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
|
| Public access to ramp/base areas |
Possible |
Critical |
High |
Limit access to authorized personnel only. Flag off areas if necessary. Establish a staging area for public viewing of operations, outside of the operations area. Address potential VIP visits in ABOP; consider providing separate area away from active operations. |
Unlikely |
Critical |
Medium |
|
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