Commerce Div

Proairshow, LLC

Air Show Narration & Sound Services

307 West Fredericks Street

Anderson, South Carolina 29625

864-226-3489

hugh@proairshow.com

Thanks to the generous contribution of Capt. Kevin Collins of the Vidalia, Georgia Police Department, the following example of an Emergency Response Plan written for the airshow environment is presented.

 

A copy of this document is available in easily modified/edited MS Word format. 

 

To download the MS Word file Left Click here: Emergency Response Plan

Or request the file be e-mailed to by contacting  Mail to Hugh

 

Thank you Capt. Collins for allowing us to share this valuable contribution to the airshow industry.

_______________________

 

 

An Example of a

Airshow

 

SAFETY, SECURITY, &  EMERGENCY  RESPONSE  PLAN

Developed by

Capt. Kevin Collins of the Vidalia, Georgia Police Department

&

Jim Richardson
Table of Contents

 

INTRODUCTION.. 4

EMERGENCY  PLAN.. 4

GROUND SAFETY PROCEDURES.. 5

GROUND  SAFETY  EQUIPMENT. 5

FLIGHTLINE  DISCIPLINE.. 6

FLIGHTLINE  CONSIDERATIONS.. 6

Flightline Driving: 6

Smoking: 7

Foreign Objects: 7

DISASTER  PLAN.. 7

CRITICAL  INCIDENT  STRESS  MANAGEMENT  TEAM (CISM) 7

DIRECTION & CONTROL. 8

Airshow Site Plan. 9

Crowd Line & Distance Chart 10

BASIC  PLAN.. 11

STANDARD  OPERATING PROCEDURES.. 12

I.      PURPOSE.. 12

Incident Commander 12

Operations Officer 12

Air Boss. 12

Airshow Announcer 12

Airshow Chair (ASC) 12

Airshow Director (ASD) 12

Public Information Officer 12

Law Enforcement Agencies. 13

Security (Parking Area) 13

Concessions. 13

Mgr of Airport Maintenance. 13

RESPONSIBILITIES.. 14

SECURITY & TRAFFIC CONTROL. 15

Emergency Entry (Restricted Areas) 16

Unauthorized Aircraft Entry into Controlled / Restricted Area. 16

Unauthorized movement of aircraft / attempted Hijack. 17

Overt attack on a restricted area. 17

Bomb Threats to Resources. 18

OVERNIGHT RV PARKING and CAMPING: 19

Crowd Control: 20

RESPONSE TO SUPICIOUS PACKAGES: 20

RESPONSE TO SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: 21

Area Ground Traffic Map. 22

Staging Area Map. 22

FIRE & RESCUE.. 23

EMS  AMBULANCE.. 24

MEDICAL DIVISION.. 24

MEDICAL CONTROL. 24

MEDICAL  SUPPORT / CONTACT  LIST. 25

EMS DISPATCHER  RESPONSE CONTACTS: 25

EMS  STAFFING  AND  EQUIPMENT  CONTACTS: 25

HELICOPTER  AMBULANCE  SERVICE.. 26

HOSPITAL  EMERGENCY  SERVICE  CLASSIFICATION  ASSIGNMENTS.. 27

HEALTH, MEDICAL, & MORTUARY. 28

AIRPORT  AIRCRAFT  CONTROL. 29

MILITARY  AIRCRAFT  CRASH.. 30

Media/Public Relations. 31

DEBRIS  CLEARANCE.. 32

NATURAL DISASTERS.. 33

BOMB  OR  TERRORIST THREAT. 34

A.    Inspections of Items being brought in. 34

B.    Restrictions on Items being brought in. 34

Individuals that will be restricted. 34

Bomb Threats to Resources. 35

RESPONSE TO SUPICIOUS PACKAGES: 36

RESPONSE TO SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: 36

OZONE  ALERT. 37

TELEPHONE  LIST. 38

 

INTRODUCTION

Planning, communication, and readiness are essential to an effective Safety, Security, and Emergency Response program for the (insert name of)Airshow.   The Airshow operations staff must discipline itself to meet this critical challenge based upon prevention and preparation for the variety of ground or air incidents which might occur, especially in these days of heightened security. 

 

Our objective is to maintain the highest level of public and aircrew safety.

 

To succeed, the most important element of the Safety, Security, and Emergency Response policies is to communicate those policies clearly to all persons and agencies involved.

 

EMERGENCY  PLAN

In the event of an accident or disaster, the Airport’s Emergency Operations Plan will automatically be activated.  

 

Reaction to an aircraft incident during an Airshow should be identical to that which would take place at the airport at any other time and, at the moment      of the incident; the on-scene control authority reverts from the Airshow staff    to the Incident Commander as provided for in the Airport’s Emergency Operations Plan.  The Incident Commander will direct and coordinate the overall incident response to include coordination of mutual assistance support, including Fire / Rescue / EMS, security, and response to the media.

 

Absolutely the most critical aspect of the emergency plan is communicating it to all involved.   This will generally be the Airshow staff, Incident Commander, Airport Director, Air Traffic Manager, and ground emergency units.   This is true for both aircraft and ground emergencies.

 

Dialogue will be initiated with the above individuals and agencies well              in advance of the Airshow.  Procedures, equipment, staffing levels, and other important information will be exchanged.

 

Emergency vehicle access routes to display and participant aircraft will be thoroughly planned in advance.

 

GROUND SAFETY PROCEDURES

 

Ground safety procedures are designed to focus on both protection of aircraft and the general safety of visitors who are unaccustomed to being around aircraft, but who are anxious and curious to see the aircraft up close.

 

The following safety regulations will be strictly enforced:

    1)   Every individual going on the flightline will be checked and must display credentials.   NO EXCEPTIONS!

    2)   Periodic ramp checks should take place to assure that there are no fuel leaks or other safety hazards which present themselves.

    3)   Aircraft engines/propellers/rotors will not be started in spectator areas.

    4)   No hover taxi operations by helicopters should be permitted near the spectator area.

    5)   Protruding antennas and objects on all aircraft that could be broken or could cause injury if contacted should be marked with red flags.

    6)   Intake covers should also be utilized, if available, to provide an extra protection level so that objects cannot easily be left in or placed in intakes.

    7)   A FOD (Foreign Object Damage) walk-down should be conducted each morning of the Airshow in the area of each aircraft before it departs.

    8)   NO SMOKING SIGNS should be posted at entry gates and near/in the display aircraft areas.

    9)   Each display/vendor is responsible for safety requirements around their exhibit/booth.

 

Again, most of the guests who attend Airshows are unfamiliar with the “do’s and don’ts” of being around aircraft.

 

A sufficient number of fire extinguishers should be placed on the aircraft parking ramps.  Portable fire extinguishers should also be kept in the flightline and ramp vehicles.

 

Ground safety procedures are a matter of common sense.  Think them through and establish a checklist that fits your particular activity.  Attached, you will find a set of basic ground rules.  It is the responsibility of all Airshow members    to make sure all safety rules are followed.

 

 

GROUND  SAFETY  EQUIPMENT

 

It is recommended that fire bottles be kept in flightline and ramp vehicles       for general use and specifically when aircraft are operating.   It is a good idea to have spare NO SMOKING signs with the ramp crew to put up in places previously overlooked or to replace those blown away or pulled down.  Oil-dry or a similar absorbent product is good to have available for the occasional leak or spill. Also a roll of police/fire tape kept in a ramp vehicle will find a variety    of security and safety uses throughout the weekend.  An important aspect      of ground safety equipment planning is to develop a list of items you might need and avoid having to chase them down after the need occurs.

 

FLIGHTLINE  DISCIPLINE

 

Flightline discipline is essential, but it is also among the most frustrating areas to control at an Airshow.  The reason is that the enemy is yourself.  The number of persons on the flightline will be minimized.  Flightline access will be restricted to only Essential Personnel displaying proper credentials.  NO violations either by participants or our own staff can be tolerated.  The highest level of security must be maintained at all times.

 

Other areas which are absolutely restricted to Essential Personnel displaying proper credentials include the actual emergency operations area, announcers’ stand, and command post.   NO EXCEPTIONS

 

While there were few airshows before September 11th where there were not vehicles parked near Show Center, blocking the view of spectators, that is all in the past.  Most of these vehicles are unnecessary and many are left there by non-essential visitors. Our policy has been determined and will be strictly enforced. This will not be allowed to occur this year.  NO unauthorized vehicles will be allowed to park on or near the flightline.   Instead, we will have a nearby staging area for vehicles with a shuttle for necessary personnel operating to the flightline.  We must keep a close vigilance on flightline          to prevent unnecessary traffic up and down the flightline. All movement will be restricted to essential personnel only and strict speed control must be maintained.  We have many reasons to establish and maintain a disciplined atmosphere and to provide appropriate courtesy to spectators; your cooperation is required.

 

Consumption of alcoholic beverages of any kind is forbidden during the hours of the Airshow by any person on the flightline as well as by any Airshow staff member on the flightline.

 

Smoking on the flightline or within 50 feet of any aircraft is prohibited.

 

Flightline discipline is critical to the safe and orderly conduct of our Airshow. Our approach must be strong; we must be forceful and yet polite with a no-nonsense demeanor.

 

 

FLIGHTLINE  CONSIDERATIONS

 

Flightline Driving:

 

        Q   Only authorized and marked vehicles will be allowed.

        Q   Speed limit on ramp is 15 mph, and only 5 mph when in close proximity to aircraft.

        Q   Be alert for persons throwing objects into aircraft inlets, especially engine intakes.

        Q   Always keep the driver’s side of vehicles facing the aircraft.

        Q   Do not leave vehicles unattended with the engine running.

        Q   Do not park vehicles pointing toward aircraft.

        Q   Never drive underneath any part of an aircraft.

        Q   Do not drive between parked aircraft.

Q     Always set the parking brake before leaving vehicle.

Q     Leave Ignition Key in autos and trucks to permit movement if necessary.

Q     Take Keys to Golf Carts with you to maintain control of your assigned cart.  Golf Carts can be manually pushed if necessary.

 

 

Smoking:

 

        Q   Smoke only in designated smoking areas.

        Q   NO smoking is allowed on the flightline.

        Q   Do not throw smoking materials into trash cans.

        Q   If you must put a cigarette out somewhere other than an ash receptacle, ensure that the cigarette is completely out before disposing of it.

 

Foreign Objects:

 

        Q   Foreign objects can cause extensive damage to aircraft engines.

        Q   Be especially alert for personnel throwing a foreign object into a jet engine.

        Q   If you see someone or think you saw someone throw an object into a jet engine, notify an Airshow staff member at once.  They will check it out.

        Q   Be sure to pick it up any loose trash or litter whenever you see it and dispose of it properly.  Your help and example is essential.

        Q   Be aware of any rocks or stones that you may pick up on your vehicle. Check the wheels/tires daily & before driving in any aircraft operating areas.

 

 

DISASTER  PLAN

 

In the event of a multi-casualty accident or disaster, the Airport Emergency Plan will be activated immediately. The senior airport fire department representative, in consultation with counterparts in city/county fire, police, and EMS, will be responsible for making recommendations to the Director of Airports or the designee.

 

 

CRITICAL  INCIDENT  STRESS  MANAGEMENT  TEAM (CISM)

A member of this team will be on call for the Airshow to provide support and counseling for participants and dependents, as needed.   The CISM Team can be reached through the Central Dispatch 911 Operator for emergencies and 555-1212 for 24-hr non-emergencies. 

 

Our Airshow Chaplain is Rev. John Doe. He may be contacted at by pager at: 555-1212.

 

DIRECTION & CONTROL

 

 

         I.   PURPOSE

 

To describe how Direction and Control during an Airshow

emergency will take place.

 

        II.   RESPONSIBILITIES

 

  A.   In accordance with the Airport Emergency Operations Plan,    the senior Airport Fire Officer will serve as the initial Incident Commander.  The Incident Commander will coordinate and control all aspects of emergency response and recovery.

 

  B.   The Command Post will be on scene for the duration of the Airshow and will serve as the Incident Command Post.  If the emergency is beyond the capability of the on-scene resources, additional emergency resources will be requested.  If these vehicles and staff are not adequate to cope with the emergency, pre-existing mutual aid agreements will be activated to call up adequate response equipment.

 

  C.   In the event of an aircraft accident, the Incident Commander will designate someone to be the Operations Officer.

 

  D.   Our Command Post shall have the capability of communicating with all Fire Departments, Police, EMS, the Air Boss, Airshow Announcer, and security units.

 

  E.   Our Command Post will be staffed with the most senior staff person, or a designee, from each emergency response agency and a staff person from the Airport and the Airshow Chair.  Each staff person will coordinate the operations of their department or work unit with the Incident Commander.

 

   F.   If additional communications ability is needed, the Civil Defense mobile communications van will be requested.

 

       III.   ATTACHMENTS

 

6. Airshow Site Plan

7. Crowd Line and Distance Chart

 

Airshow Site Plan

 

(Insert Airshow Site Plan Here)

 

Crowd Line & Distance Chart

 

(Insert Crowd Line & Distant Chart Here)
 

BASIC  PLAN

 

 

         I.   PURPOSE

 

  A.   To provide an overview of responsibilities and procedures whereby emergency responders and Airshow patrons can be warned of an Airshow emergency.

 

  B.   To effectively direct Airshow patrons to safe areas in the event of an Airshow emergency.

 

 

        II.   RESPONSIBILITIES

 

  A.   In accordance with the Airport Emergency Operations Plan,    the Airport Police Unit has overall responsibility for notifying all other emergency response agencies of an emergency on the Airport.

 

  B.   The Airshow Announcer has primary responsibility for notifying Airshow spectators of an Airshow emergency.  This will be done via the Public Address (P.A.) System.  If the P.A. System fails, then the P.A. System on the police vehicles will be used  to notify and direct the Airshow patrons.  The Airshow Announcer is responsible for directing Airshow spectators to a safe area.

 

  C.   The Airshow Announcer will advise the spectators that, in the event of an Airshow emergency, to go to the opposite end of the airport from the accident and not to leave the airport until authorized to do so.

 

  D.   In the event of an aircraft emergency, the Director of the Airport, or designated representative, will determine if there is a need to close the airport.  The Control Tower will contact the FAA Regional Communications Center.   The onsite FAA Advisor will share communications with the Incident Commander.

 

       III.   COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

 

The mobile Command Post must have the capability to talk with Fire, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Medical personnel in the metro area.  In addition, an (insert name of)Airshow management net portable radio will be located in the mobile Command Post.

 

Airshow staff will arrange for and provide a radio transceiver to the Command Post for communications with the Air Boss and Airshow Announcer.


 

STANDARD  OPERATING PROCEDURES

 

 

            I.          PURPOSE

 

To outline the role each Airshow staff person has during an Airshow emergency.

 

 

        II.   POLICIES  AND  PROCEDURES

 

Incident Commander             

   The Director of Airports, designee, or the senior fire officer, with the assistance of all emergency agencies, is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies to over-come the incident.  

 

     The Incident Commander manages the Command Post.

 

  * NOTE:        Incident command authority may be transferred to a member of the Department of Airports staff after the emergency response phase has been terminated.

 

Operations Officer                   

The Operations Officer is responsible for all fire and rescue staff operations necessary to control, stabilize, and terminate the incident; acts under the direction of the Incident Commander in the execution  of the emergency plan.

 

Air Boss                                     

This individual is in charge of the airspace as well as the ground and air traffic.  During an emergency, the Air Boss will coordinate efforts with the Tower and the Command Post.

 

Airshow Announcer               

In the event of an Airshow emergency, the Airshow Announcer will advise the spectators to proceed to a separate safe area away from the emergency.   The Announcer    will instruct spectators to follow the instructions of the Airshow personnel.  The Announcer will have direct communications with the Incident Commander.  All authorized announcements     to the spectators will be coordinated with the Incident Commander.

 

Airshow Chair (ASC)              

Our Airshow Chair will report to the Command Post and assist the Incident Commander with the coordination of emergency efforts.

 

Airshow Director (ASD)         

Our Airshow Director will proceed to the Announcer’s stand to coordinate           and assist the law enforcement and security personnel in crowd control activities.

 

Public Information Officer (PIO)

Our Airshow PIO will immediately proceed to the Command Post to coordinate media and spectator announcements with the Incident Commander.

 

Law Enforcement Agencies 

These agencies will handle crowd control and provide security around the site                 of the incident, Announcer’s Stand, and the Command Post. They will also assist with the entrance and/or egress of emergency vehicles and personnel.

 

Security (Parking Area)         

Security will remain with the parked cars in the parking areas and not release them until authorized by the Incident Commander.

   They will take direction from the (insert name of)Police Department in coordination with the Incident Commander.

 

Concessions                            

Concessions staff will remain with the concession stands, if possible, to secure them.  All non-essential staff will then proceed to the safe spectators area.

 

Mgr of Airport Maintenance  

Manager of Airport Maintenance will report to the Command Post to coordinate the use of the airport’s debris clearing resources with the Incident Commander.           

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

         I.   REASON FOR THE PLAN

 

Inherent with any Airshow is the possibility of an aircraft accident.  An emergency plan is needed to ensure the protection of the public, pilots, and airport from the effects of an aircraft accident.

 

        II.   PURPOSE OF THE  PLAN

 

            The City of (insert name of)has many capabilities and resources which could be used in response to an (insert name of)Airshow disaster.   These include the facilities, equipment, plus personnel and skills of both government and non-government professions and groups in the (insert name of)metro area.   The purpose of this plan is to ensure the effective, coordinated use of these resources so as to maximize the protection of life and property during an Airshow.

 

       III.   EMERGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES ASSIGNMENTS

 

CODE:      P = PRIMARY        S = SUPPORT        C = COORDINATION

 

                 Function                              Responsible Agencies                  Remarks

 

        1.   Notification                    Airshow Announcer (P)                        Airshow Director

              & Warning                     Police & Fire Unit PA systems (S)

 

        2.   Direction                       Director of Airports (P)                         Incident Commander

              & Control                      (insert name of)Fire Department (P)          Operations Officer

                                                  (insert name of)Police Department (C)       Airshow Chair

                                                  Department of Airports (C)                             

 

        3.   Emergency                   Airshow Chair (C)                               in conjunction

              Public Information          Director of Airports (S)                         with Fire &

                                                  (insert name of)Airshow                               Law Enforcement

                                                  Media Representative (Director) (P)

 

        4.   Health                           (insert name of) County EMS (P)             ALS / Triage

              & Medical                     (insert name of) EMA / VFD (S)               First Responders

 

        5.   Security                        (insert name of) Police Department (P)(C) Mutual Aid

              & Traffic Control             (insert name of) County Sheriff  (S)           as needed

                                                  (insert name of) Highway Patrol  (S)

                                                  (insert name of) Police Department(s) (S)

 

        6.   Fire (Crash)                   (insert name of) VFD  (P/C)                   Mutual Aid

                                                  (insert name of) Fire Department  (P)        as needed

                                                  (insert name of) EMS  (S)

                                                  (insert name of) Rural Fire (S)

 

        7.   Fire (Structure)              City of (insert name of) Fire-Rescue (P/C)  Mutual Aid

                                                  (insert name of) Fire Department (P)         as needed

                                                  (insert name of) Rural Fire (S)

 

        8.   Debris Clearance          (insert name of) Airport Maintenance (P)     NTSB  

                                                  FAA / (insert name of) (C)                    

 

SECURITY & TRAFFIC CONTROL

         I.   PURPOSE

To provide an overview of how security and traffic control          will be handled during an Airshow emergency.

 

        II.   POLICIES  

 

        A.   All vehicles and people that enter for (insert name of)Airshow will pass through security at each entrance.  Random searches of vehicles will occur, along with thorough searches of any vehicle which is deemed “suspicious”   by the security staff working the entrances. 

 

               Added security personnel will be stationed at ticket gates and other pedestrian entrances.  Searches of parcels, purses, backpacks, briefcases, baby strollers, or other suspicious containers will be conducted at the gates.   Ice chests or other       large items will not be permitted.

 

               Random personal searches of individuals may be conducted as needed.

               Except for law enforcement or military personnel on duty, persons carrying handguns, knives, explosive or flammable materials will not be admitted even though they may have a permit to carry a concealed weapon.   According to state statue, signage will be prominently posted at entrances to show that no weapons, concealed or otherwise, are allowed on the premises.

 

               In the case of certain Airshow performers who may carry weapons as a part of their costumes,  these persons must pre-advise Airshow management and then they and their weapons will be inspected and authorized through established locations and within prescribed procedures.

 

        B.   Additional security staff will be posted around the flightline area.   ONLY authorized   vehicles which display the proper credentials will be allowed to drive onto the flightline.  NO EXCEPTIONS   Likewise, the ONLY people allowed on the flightline will be those who have been authorized and have their credentials with them.    The same rules apply to critical areas such as the Command Post area and the Announcer’s Stand.

 

        C.   In the event of an airshow emergency, Airshow security staff and all Law Enforcement Agencies assigned will provide security and traffic control.   Airshow security will remain with parked cars in the parking area and NOT release them until directed by the Incident Commander.      

 

        D.   Communications between airshow personnel will be via portable radios.

 

E.      Security for the airshow will be provided by the following agencies:

 

 

         F.   All additional emergency response vehicles will be directed to the staging area (insert location), or as directed by the Incident Commander.

 

G.    Area Law Enforcement will establish a traffic control points at the following intersections: (insert location(s))

 

          I.  If an incident occurs outside of the spectator area, (the assigned agency) will provide personnel to strengthen the crowd line and assist with the movement of emergency vehicles through the crowd line at this point.    If an incident occurs inside the spectator area, (insert assigned agency) personnel will immediately report to the established triage area to provide perimeter control and medical support personnel.

 

          III. PROCEDURES 

Emergency Entry (Restricted Areas)

·        Prior notification must be received on all vehicles requesting emergency entry into any restricted area:

         -   Ensure number of vehicles and personnel needing emergency entry is passed on to the appropriate posts and patrols.

   -   Security Forces will monitor the activities of these personnel.

-      Escort them out of the area upon termination of the situation.

·        Unknown and Unannounced Emergency:

-      Notify Airshow’s Security Operations Center of the situation.

         -   Detain the emergency response vehicles and personnel.

         -   Airshow’s Security Operations Center will contact the appropriate agency and validate the emergency.

Exception:  If there is a known emergency within the area, entry will be allowed without delay.

 

Unauthorized Aircraft Entry into Controlled / Restricted Area

Occasionally, an aircraft will enter a restricted area without notification from Airshow Operations.  If an aircraft attempts to enter a restricted area without prior notification, the following actions will be taken:

 

n   The Security Operations Center will:

·        Dispatch the appropriate patrols.

·        Contact Airshow Operations/Director of Airport to verify the status of the aircraft.

·        If the aircraft was authorized entry into the area, notify all patrols to return to normal operations.

·        If the status of the aircraft is unknown:

-   Inform security personnel of situation.

                           -   Initiate checklist.

 

      n   Patrols or a Security Response Team (SRT) will:

·        Respond to the aircraft if a situation is declared.

·        Secure the aircraft and have occupants removed

      from the restricted area.

·        Have all occupants detained and identified.

·        Request K-9 (explosive) for sweep of aircraft.

 

      n   Aircraft Parking Area (APA) Patrol or Area Response Team (ART) will:

·        Notify Airshow’s Security Operations Center of aircraft entry.

·        Position vehicle between Aircraft and Resources.

·        Challenge the aircraft and establish secure area.

·        Not allow anyone to deplane or approach the aircraft until advised by Airshow’s Security Operations Center of status.

·        If situation dictates, make contact and advise individuals to shut down the aircraft.

·        Have occupants deplane and escort them from the restricted area.

·        Have all occupants detained and identified.

 

Unauthorized movement of aircraft / attempted Hijack. 

The intent of this section is to implement measures and procedures that will prevent or deter unauthorized movement, theft, or hijacking of aircraft arriving or departing (insert name of) Airport.  In-bound aircraft indicating a  hi-jacking in progress will not be permitted to enter any restricted area   unless directed by the Airfield Manager or higher authority.

 

 n  The Security Operations Center will:

·        Dispatch patrols.

·        Implement checklist(s) upon notification of situation. (NOTE:  Notification may come from any source.)

·        Relay all follow-on instructions to the on-scene commander.

 

n  Patrols or Security Response Team (SRT) will:

·        Respond to the incident to block aircraft.

·        Act as on-scene commander until relieved by the Chief/Senior Law Enforcement Official (SLEO) or his designated representative.

 

        n  Aircraft Parking Area (APA) Patrol or Area Response Team (ART) will:

·        Be alert for possible hi-jacking attempts within their area. 

      (Note: Flaps on aircraft fully lowered.)

·        Notify Security Operations Center.

·