Policy Text
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ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
AIRPORT OPERATIONS DIVISION
Reference Guide
Captain Mark Gonzales
Division Commander
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INTRODUCTION
This Reference Guide has been prepared to assist Airport Operations Division personnel in
performing their duties. It is intended to be used to supplement and not replace or modify
information contained within the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Policy Manual, Field
Operations Manual, and Department Training Bulletins.
Table Of Contents
Section 1: Aircraft Incidents / Accidents
Section 2: Aircraft Incident / Accident Report
Section 3: Airport Identification
Section 4 : Aircraft Parking
Section 5 : Vehicle Identification Decals / Hangtags
Section 6 : Fuel Spills
Section 7 : Security / Safety Violations
Section 8 : Ground Transportation Enforcement
Section 9 : Alarms
Section 10 : Fire Alarms
Section 11 : Lost & Found Property
Section 12 : Medical Aid Response
Section 13 : Airport Specific Report Forms
Section 14 : Glossary of Acronyms
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SECTION 1
AIRCRAFT INCIDENTS / ACCIDENTS
I. Definitions:
A. Aircraft Incident :
1. “An incident is defined as an occurrence other than an accident , associated with the
operation of an aircraft, which affects the safety or operation ” (FAA Order
8020.16A, Appendix F, Page F-2). Damage to an aircraft or personal injury is not
required to be considered an incident. Incidents not involving damage are generally reported by Air Traffic Control and in many cases not reported to Airport Police
Services.
B. Aircraft Accident :
1. “An aircraft accident is an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft
which takes place between the time any person boards an aircraf t with the intention
of flight and all persons have disembarked, and in which any person suffers death or
serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial damage. All aspects of the exceptions to substantial damage (see "Substantial Damage") are to be considered before making a final substantial damage determination that would classify the occurrence as an accident” (FAA Order 8020.16A, Appendix F, Page F-1).
a. “Substantial Damage - damage or failure which adversely affects the
structural stre ngth, performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and
which would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected
component. Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine
fails or is damaged, bent fairings or co wling, dented skin, small punctured
holes in the skin or fabric, ground damage to rotor or propeller blades, and damage to landing gear, wheels, tires, flaps, engine accessories, brakes, or wing tips are not considered substantial damage for the purpose of this order”
(FAA Order 8020.16A, Appendix F, Page F-3).
II. Roles and Responsibilities:
A. Introduction:
1. Aircraft incidents and accidents are similar in that they involve an aircraft, which is experiencing some problem requiring action by Airport Police, Airport Operations,
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and/or Fire Personnel. Most aircraft incidents do not require fire or rescue
operations; however all reported incidents and accidents require a response by
Airport Police for potential reporting purposes.
2. An incident / accident may be as minor as an equipment failure causing minor damage or as major as a crash causing injuries and/or fatalities. The more serious and complex an incident or acc ident; the greater the impact it has on airport
operations and public safety. It is important for the various responding units to work in a coordinated effort, to minimize problems, facilitate rescue, first aid and fire suppression. This coordinated effort will also facilitate scene security, communications, information gathering, obtaining support services, and clearing runways for normal flight operations.
3. The following procedures are intended to inform personnel about not only their role
in handling aircraft incidents and accidents, but also the roles of Airport Operations and Fire Authority personnel. Understanding the various roles will better educate
personnel at the scene.
B. Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) :
1. ARFF units will typically respond to all Aircraft incidents / accidents.
2. Responsibilities:
a. Operational control of fire suppression, rescue and medical treatment.
b. Coordination of other activities at the scene where fire unit operations are in progress.
C. JWA Airport Operations:
1. Responds to all incidents and accidents.
2. Responsibilities:
a. Assist Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) with arranging for needed equipment to remove air craft from runways and taxiways.
b. Coordinate with A irport entities regarding support services.
c. Provide assistance to flight personnel and passengers as needed.
d. Inspection of runways prior to reopening.
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e. Provide other liaison services and situational updates to JWA .
D. Airport Police Services (APS) :
1. Respond to all accidents and incidents involving damage.
a. Sheriff personnel will not be required to respond or make pilot contact on
categories where an aircraft lands and taxis without incident.
2. Responsibilities:
a. Security of the scene.
b. Crowd control.
c. Obtain pertinent information for potential report purposes.
d. Liaison for responding police agencies.
e. Write applicable incident or accident report s and forward to the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) after being reviewed by JWA Operations.
f. Control Ce nter personnel make proper notifications, including