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UK Civil Aviation Regulations

These are published by the CAA on our UK Regulations pages. EU Regulations and EASA Access Guides published by EASA no longer apply in the UK. Our website and publications are being reviewed to update all references. Any references to EU law and EASA Access guides should be disregarded and where applicable the equivalent UK versions referred to instead.

Rescue and Firefighting services overview

The requirements and training for RFFS



EASA aerodromes

Commission regulation (EU) no. 139/2014 requires aerodrome operators to have an emergency plan in place. This must:

  1. Be proportionate to the aircraft operations and other activities taking place at the aerodrome;
  2. Provide for the coordination of appropriate organisations to respond to an emergency at the aerodrome or in its surroundings;
  3. Contain procedures for testing the adequacy of the plan, and for reviewing the results in order to improve its effectiveness.

One of the major parts of this plan is the provision of airport rescue and fire fighting services (RFFS) with adequate equipment, fire-extinguishing agents and properly trained personnel to respond to emergencies efficiently.

National aerodromes

Chapter 8 of CAP168 sets out the minimum requirements to be met in the provision of RFFS at UK licensed aerodromes. Guidance is also given on the equipment, extinguishing agents, personnel, training and emergency procedures.

Chapter 9 of CAP168 sets out the requirements for the establishment of an emergency plan. This must:

  1. Be proportionate to the aircraft operations and other activities taking place at the aerodrome;
  2. Provide for the coordination of appropriate organisations to respond to an emergency at the aerodrome or in its surroundings;
  3. Contain procedures for testing th adequacy of the plan, and for reviewing the results in order to improve its effectiveness.

Training

Training and competence of RFFS personnel is a requirement for both EASA and national aerodromes. Guidance set out in CAP699 will help you to ensure all RFFS personnel are properly trained to perform their duties in a safe, effective and efficient manner.

Contact us

Principal Aerodrome Inspector (RFF)
Aerodrome and Air Traffic Standards Division
Civil Aviation Authority
Aviation House
Beehive Ring Road
Crawley
West Sussex
RH6 0YR

Email: aerodromes@caa.co.uk

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