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9.3 DISABLED AIRCRAFT REMOVAL

Introductory Note - The Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board Act provides for protection of an aviation accident site, the aircraft, components, and contents. Where a disabled aircraft has been involved in an accident, permission to disturb the accident site must first be obtained from a Transportation Safety Board Inspector. Notwithstanding this rule, the aircraft may be moved where necessary to preserve life or to prevent additional hazard to persons or property.

9.3.1 Disabled Aircraft Removal Plan

Note - Guidance on removal of a disabled aircraft, including recovery equipment, is given in the ICAO Airport Services Manual, Part5 and Part8, chapter14.

Application

9.3.1.1 Recommendation - A plan for the removal of an aircraft disabled on, or adjacent to, the movement area should be established for an aerodrome, and a coordinator designated to implement the plan, when necessary.

Note - In determining the requirement for, and extent of a Disabled Aircraft Removal Plan factors to be considered include but are not limited to:

  1. frequency of air traffic at the aerodrome;
  2. size and weight of aircraft using the aerodrome; and
  3. the physical characteristics of the aerodrome.

Characteristics

9.3.1.2 Recommendation - The disabled aircraft removal plan should be developed by the aerodrome operator in consultation with aircraft owners and operators.

9.3.1.3 Recommendation - The disabled aircraft removal plan should be based on the characteristics of the aircraft that may normally be expected to operate at the aerodrome, and include among other things:

  1. a list of equipment and personnel on, or in the vicinity of, the aerodrome which would be available for such purpose;
  2. arrangements for the rapid receipt of aircraft recovery equipment kits available from other aerodromes;
  3. a list of nominated agents acting on behalf of each aircraft operator at the aerodrome;
  4. a statement of the aircraft operator arrangements for the use of pooled specialist equipment; and
  5. a list of local contractors (with contacts and telephone numbers) with suitable removal equipment for hire.

9.3.1.4 Recommendation - All major users of the aerodrome should be informed of the preparations and capabilities contained within the disabled aircraft removal plan. The designated coordinator should be made known to all aircraft owners and operators.

9.3.2 Removal of Disabled Aircraft from Operational Areas

Note - See introductory note at the beginning of this section.

9.3.2.1 Standard - Where a disabled aircraft is on a part of an aerodrome that interferes with the movement of other aircraft, the disabled aircraft shall be moved as quickly as is consistent with the safety of life and property.

Note - A claim for damages could follow an attempt to move a crashed or disabled aircraft if it was proven the act of moving worsened the damage. It is important therefore, to allow only the aircraft owner, operator, or his appointed representative to control the aircraft removal operation.

Date modified:
2011-07-20