GM1 ADR.OPS.B.026(e) Authorisation of vehicles

ESCORTING OF VEHICLES

(a) Occasional operation of authorised vehicles without radio, transponder or other means supporting surveillance

The aerodrome operator may decide to permit the occasional operation of vehicles, which have been authorised to be operated on the aerodrome but which are not equipped with a radio, in areas where vehicles are required, by ADR.OPS.B.026 (a)(3), to be equipped with a radio allowing two-way communication with the air traffic services or other aerodrome units, if necessary. The same applies with regard to authorised vehicles, which are not equipped with a transponder or other equipment supporting surveillance as foreseen in ADR.OPS.B.026 (a)(4).

In this way, occasional unforeseen operational needs that may arise in the context of the operation of the aerodrome may be satisfied, given that such vehicles are not intended to be operated in such areas. However, if such need becomes more frequent, the aerodrome operator may need to consider the equipage of such vehicles with the necessary radio, transponder or other equipment supporting surveillance, considering, amongst others, the benefits that direct communication offers in terms of runway safety, as well as the fact that vehicle surveillance data facilitates the situational awareness of the air traffic services personnel.

(b) Temporarily permitting vehicle operation

Vehicles used on the movement area and other operational areas of the aerodrome need to be authorised as per ADR.OPS.B.026 (a). Vehicles may be authorised only if they are used in activities related to the operation of the aerodrome. However, from time to time, and for various reasons, it may be necessary to allow a vehicle to enter the aerodrome area and to be operated on the movement area or other operational areas, for a limited period of time (e.g. transportation of supplies, maintenance activities, transportation of patients, etc.). In such cases, the aerodrome operator may issue a temporary permit for the entry of the vehicle into the aerodrome and its operation in the area necessary.

In such situations, a visual inspection of the vehicle is necessary, for obvious damages or malfunctions of the vehicle (e.g. leakages, braking system, condition of tyres, lights, etc.) to determine the serviceability of the vehicle.

(c) Characteristics of escorting vehicles

A vehicle mentioned in points (a) or (b) above, needs to be escorted by a vehicle equipped with a radio, in accordance with ADR.OPS.B.026 (e)(1)(i) or ADR.OPS.B.026 (e)(2)(b), if it is to be operated:

(1) on the manoeuvring area; or

(2) in other areas where vehicles are required to be equipped with a radio (see also point (b) of AMC1 ADR.OPS.B.026(a)(1);(3)).

In addition, If the escorted vehicle is to be operated on the manoeuvring area, the escorting vehicle would also need to be fitted with a transponder or other equipment supporting surveillance, if so required for the operation of the SMGCS of the aerodrome (see ADR.OPS.B.026(a)(4)).

Moreover, the escorting vehicle needs to meet at all times the respective marking and lighting requirements for the area(s) where the escorted vehicle will be operating (see ADR.OPS.B.080).

(d) Operational considerations

If the vehicle(s) mentioned in points (a) and (b) above is (are) intended to be operated on the manoeuvring area, care is taken to ensure that this is done in compliance with ADR.OPS.B.026 (e)(1)(iii) or ADR.OPS.B.026 (e)(2)(c), as the case may be, as well as the relevant procedures.

Particular attention needs to be paid to the cases where two or more vehicles are temporarily entering the aerodrome, and especially the manoeuvring area, forming a convoy. In such cases, the escorting vehicles are in positions that allow the monitoring of all escorted vehicles at all times, to ensure that all vehicles comply with the instructions of the air traffic services unit. In addition, attention is necessary to the way and means that the communication between the escorting and the escorted vehicle will be taking place.

In any case, temporarily permitting the use of the vehicle in accordance with ADR.OPS.B.026 (e)(2), or permitting the operation of an already authorised vehicle in accordance with ADR.OPS.B.026 (e)(1) does not waive the obligation of the aerodrome operator to ensure that the driver of the vehicle holds a permit to temporarily drive into the aerodrome area, or a driving authorisation as the case may be, in accordance with ADR.OPS.B.024.