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

010-09-07Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-03-271 min

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.