# Aerodrome Operational Services: RFF Response, Apron Management, and Refuelling Safety

> Study aerodrome operational services, including rescue and firefighting response targets, apron management functions, and refuelling safety with passengers on board.

- **Subject:** 010 — Air Law
- **Section:** 010-09 — Aerodromes
- **Topic code:** 010-09-07
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-03-27
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/air-law/aerodromes/aerodrome-ad-operational-services-equipment-and-installations/

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## Rescue and Firefighting (RFF)
*   **Main Objective:** Save human lives.
*   **Response Time:**
    *   Operational objective: Not exceeding **3 minutes** to any point of each operational runway (in optimum visibility and surface conditions).
    *   Recommendation: Not exceeding **2 minutes**.
    *   To any other part of the movement area: Not exceeding 3 minutes.

> **Response Time Definition:** From the initial call until the first vehicle receives notification is in position to apply foam at a rate of at least 50% of the specified discharge rate.

## Apron Management Service
Provided to regulate the activities and movement of aircraft and vehicles on the apron.
*   Objectives: Prevent collisions, regulate entry/exit, and ensure safe movement.

## Refuelling
If refueling with passengers on board, embarking, or disembarking:
1.  Ground equipment must be positioned to allow the use of a sufficient number of exits for rapid evacuation.
2.  A ready escape route from each of the required exits must be available.
3.  Two-way communication must be established between the crew and ground personnel.
4.  Means must be available to quickly alert the RFF service.

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Free study notes from pilotsyllabus.com. Not a substitute for training at an approved ATO.