Airside Operational Instruction 21 Low Visibility Procedures
Low Visibility Procedures
Airside Operational Instruction 21
1. Introduction
2. Movement area safety
3. Airfield Operations Follow Me
4. Works in Progress
5. Rescue and Fire Fighting Service
6. Physical characteristics of the runway environment, including pre-threshold, approach and
departure areas
7. Obstacle limitation surfaces
8. Surveillance and maintenance of visual aids
9. Safeguarding of non-visual aids essential to low visibility procedures
10. Secondary power supplies
AOI Owner – Airfield Operations
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1. Introduction
a. To ensure the safety of personnel, aircraft and vehicle operations during periods of low
visibility and/or low cloud, procedures will be implemented that protect and control aircraft
operations. These procedures also provide additional control measures to prevent the
inadvertent incursion by aircraft on to the runway restricted area and by vehicles on to the
aircraft manoeuvring area.
b. In Low Visibility Procedures (LVPs) all non-essential activities on the airfield shall be suspended
and vehicles and personnel recalled.
c. As weather conditions deteriorate, the airfield is readied for LVPs. The procedures required
to maintain a safe operation are referenced in:
i. Aerodrome Manual / Airside Operational Instruction 21
ii. Aerodrome Emergency Plan
iii. Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 2
iv. Airside Driver Training Courses
v. Departmental Procedures
d. ATC procedures are contained within MATS Part 2, ATC have additional Reduced Aerodrome
Viability Procedures (RAVPs) for aircraft movements only, for use in situations where LVPs
cannot be achieved, these are detailed in MATS Part 2.
2. Movement Area Safety.
All personnel operating airside as a pedestrian or driver must be aware of the following
procedures.
2.1 Communication of Weather Warnings:
a. The Met Office issues a weather warning whenever inclement weather/periods of low
visibility are expected. The Airport promulgates this information to operators via:
a. A message on Chroma Fusion visible in a banner at the top of the screen display.
b. Illuminated warning signs and lights at airfield entry points.
c. Radio Transmission (RT) by ATC.
d. Airfield Operations Email Notification.
2.2 Reporting the status of aerodrome facilities:
ATC are responsible for the instigation and cessation of LVPs. When Met or IRVR visibility falls to
1500m and/or the cloud ceiling lowers to 300ft and either is expected to fall further safeguarding of
the aerodrome commences.
1. Commencement
a. ATC broadcast a message by way of RT, add a message to Chroma Fusion and notify
the Operations Control Room by way of telephone.
b. Operations Control Room notify the Airport Duty Manager (ADM), Airfield Operations
and Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS).
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c. Airfield Operations activate the illuminated warning lights and all signs, confirming
when fully completed via RT to ATC.
d. Airfield Operations complete a perimeter track check between the Eastern and
Western entry points to confirm all vehicles and personnel have vacated, confirming
when completed via RT to ATC.
e. RFFS record the status of specific technology utilised by ATC and RFFS with ATC, by
way of RT. This includes:
i. Confirmation that the RFFS are on LVP standby.
ii. A check of the RFFS vehicle handheld thermal image cameras (TIC).
iii. Ascertain if the Surface Movement Radar (SMR) is serviceable.
These actions must be taken to ensure that LVPs as appropriate can be implemented by the
time that the weather conditions deteriorate.
2. Cessation
a. ATC broadcast a message by way of RT, remove the message from Chroma Fusion and
notify the Control Room by way of telephone.
b. Operations Control Room notify the ADM, Airfield Operations and RFFS.
c. Airfield Operations deactivate the warning lights and sign at the access points.
d. RFFS confirm with ATC, by way of RT of standdown.
2.3 Aircraft Towing
a. During Low Visibility Procedures, essential tow movements are permitted in exceptional
circumstances which is at the discretion of the Airfield Operations Duty Manager.
Essential aircraft tow movements are classified as:
i. Where an aircraft has become immobilised and requires urgent assistance from
the ground crew.
ii. Where an aircraft has become AOG and stand capacity may have a detrimental
impact to the operation.
iii. Aircraft has become operational and has a departure time within 4-hours or less
of the requested tow.
b. All towed aircraft movements in LVPs are to be requested via the Operations Control
Room (OCR) following the standard aircraft towing notification process. The OCR will liaise
with the Airfield Operations Duty Manager and Airfield Operations Supervisor passing on
the requested aircraft ground movement details of the tow. The AODM and AOS has the
overall responsibility of approving tows during LVPs. Aircraft tows may be declined based
on operational restrictions such as works in progress, air traffic movements and follow me
vehicle availability.
c. All aircraft tows during LVPs require the use of a follow me vehicle. Aircraft must display
exterior navigation lights and anti-collision lights. Aircraft unable to conform to these
lighting requirements will be declined an aircraft tow movement number.
d. Where the AODM or AOS determine that a towed movement is essential, they will be
responsible for coordinating a suitable time with ATC for when the towed movement will
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cause the least disruption to the airport and ATC operation. This time window will be
passed back to the OCR who will liaise with the towing operator.
e. Aircraft tows on the runway during Low Visibility Procedures are strictly forbidden unless
in line with point i.) or in line with the Airport Emergency Plan.
2.4 Pedestrians
Signage is in place at pedestrian access points to the apron to advise when LVPs are in force. These
signs are accompanied by a red flashing warning light.
When operating in LVPs all pedestrians must:
a. Only undertake essential journeys.
b. Utilise walkways, where a walkway is not available pedestrians should walk along the head of
the aircraft stands.
c. Ensure hi visibility garments are worn as required and are securely fastened at all times.
2.5 Driving
Signage is in place at all vehicle access points to the apron to advise when LVPs are in force, repeater
signs can also be found in around the airfield. These signs are accompanied by a red flashing warning
light.
All drivers should:
a. Only undertake essential journeys on the apron.
b. Proceed with extreme caution operating with dipped headlights, and where fitted, fog lights.
c. Be alert to the sudden appearance of an aircraft entering a stand and be prepared to give way
accordingly.
2.5.1 A Permit Holder
a. The commencement of LVPs will be notified on Chroma and by the illuminated red warning
lights and a sign at all vehicle access points to airside and repeater signs located on the
aprons.
b. Uncontrolled Crossings
i. Drivers must have sufficient visibility to ensure that their vehicle can safely complete a
full crossing without endangering themselves, other vehicles or aircraft that may be
manoeuvring or about to manoeuvre.
ii. Drivers must be able to visually confirm there is no aircraft taxiing / pushing in the
vicinity of the uncontrolled crossing.
iii. In conditions where the driver cannot clearly see the exit of the uncontrolled crossing,
drivers must not enter, and the uncontrolled crossing should be treated as closed to
apron traffic. In this situation, drivers must contact Airfield Operations for an escort and
may only use the uncontrolled crossing under the control of a member of Airfield
Operations who will be in radio contact with ATC.
c. Vehicle Breakdown
i. If the vehicle is drivable, move the vehicle to a safe location.
ii. If the vehicle is immobile, leave the lights on where possible and proceed to the nearest
Emergency Contact point to inform Airfield Operations.
2.5.2 M and R Permit Holder
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a. All vehicle and personnel engaged in non-essential activities must cease operations and
request ATC permission to vacate the airfield if on the manoeuvring area.
b. All drivers undertaking essential activities, as detailed within the AOI, must contact ATC
for onward clearance i.e. Airfield Operations, Airfield Ground Lighting and RFFS.
c. Own look out approvals are suspended, vehicles operating on own look out are to inform
ATC of their location and intention.
d. The Perimeter Track red guard lights are set to solid red, clearance from ATC must be
obtained before proceeding beyond the lights.
e. Controlled Crossing
i. The controlled crossings that links the Central and West Aprons, crossing the November,
Mike and Kilo taxiway are closed to all traffic.
ii. Vehicles should take an alternative route via the gatehouses and landside roads.
iii. Airfield Operations will only provide an escort for essential activities, vehicles must wait
to be escorted at either ‘West Link November’ or ‘West Link Kilo 2’. No vehicle should
proceed past these holding points without escort.
f. In the event a driver is unsure of thier position during low visibility operations, you should
report to ATC by RT that you are unsure of your current location and await instructions.
g. In the event of a radio failure whilst operating in the manoeuvring area drivers must:
i. Establish a safe position and where able, leave the vehicle lights on.
ii. If communication is lost while within the runway strip, aircraft movement area or ILS
critical or sensitive area you should continue to the last position for which you have ATC
clearance, then wait for assistance. Do not move any further than the position for which
you have ATC clearance.
iii. If on the perimeter track, outside the runway strip, aircraft movement area or the ILS
critical or sensitive area, the vehicle is to remain outside of these areas and proceed by
the safest route off the manoeuvring area and directly to the nearest Emergency
Contact Point and report clear of the manoeuvring area to ATC.
iv. If in possession of a mobile phone contact the Operations Control Room to inform them
of radio failure and your location. This will be relayed to ATC and a vehicle will be
dispatched to escort you to a safe position.
h. In the event of a vehicle breakdown drivers must report the location and the nature of the
breakdown to ATC and await instructions.
i. The driver must, where able leave the vehicle lights on.
ii. If the breakdown results in radio failure and the driver is in possession of a mobile
phone, contact the Control Room to inform them of the breakdown. The Control
Room will liaise with ATC and Airfield Operations to provide instruction.
iii. If no alternative means of communication are available, remain with the vehicle and
await assistance.
3.0 Airfield Operations Follow Me
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Where visibility falls below 300m, only if considered necessary by ATC or on request of the Pilot,
departing and arriving aircraft may be led by vehicle between the runway or allocated stand. Only
Airfield Operations are permitted to provide a ‘Follow Me’.
a. For arrivals on Runway 27, the Follow Me vehicle will position at Alpha 10 or Alpha 9.
b. For Runway 09, the vehicle will position at A3.
4.0 Works in Progress
In LVPs all non-essential activities on the airfield shall be suspended and vehicles and personnel
recalled, therefore all works in progress shall cease. The workforce of established WIP sites should
closedown, make the area safe and request permission from ATC to return to the Apron.
Where closedown is expected to take a prolong period or is not possible ATC must be informed.
5.0 Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS)
All Crew Managers will monitor radio channels and RFFS personnel will be restricted to the Fire
Station.
a. The response to a Domestic (such as AFA and Medical) and Utility (such as spillages) request
during LVPs will be assessed by the Officer in Charge (OIC) to determine if a response can be
made pending aircraft movements.
b. RFFS specific procedures are contained within the RFFS Standard Operating Guidance (SOGs).
c. The Aerodrome Emergency Plan details the procedures for responding to an emergency in
LVP’s.
6.0 Physical characteristics of the runway environment, including pre-threshold, approach
and departure areas
6.1 Runway 27 is the preferred runway in weather conditions which are close to or below CAT 1
minima. Runway 09 will therefore only be used in conditions which preclude the use of runway
27.
6.2 LVPs are established to support the following aircraft flight operations:
a. Departure operations in Runway Visual Range conditions less than a value of 400m but not
less than 75m
b. CAT II and III approach and landing operations;
c. Lower Than Standard (LTS) CAT I approach and landing operations.
6.3 Whenever CAT II/III approaches are available on Runway 27 or LTS CAT I approaches are
available on Runway 09, the term LVPs shall be used to describe the procedures in use to
safeguard aircraft and vehicle movements.
6.4 While CAT II or III landing operations are taking place no vehicles or personnel are allowed to
enter or remain within the Runway Strip, Runway End Safety Areas, clearways or ILS
Critical/Sensitive areas, as delineated with red topped marker pegs.
6.5 The runway is protected by a ring of red, which is a series of illuminated stopbars located at
the CAT II or III holding points controlled by ATC.
6.6 As the perimeter road passes through the localiser sensitive areas and DME safeguarded area,
red guard lights are activated by ATC in LVPs, and vehicles may only be permitted to proceed
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around the perimeter road under ATC Control during periods when neither the localiser or
DME are in use.
6.7 At the Maintenance area / Alpha taxiway intersection (“Mike 3”) and also Mike Alpha/Mike
taxiway intersection, additional control is provided by a red stop bar and illuminated signs.
7.0 Obstacle limitation surfaces (OLS)
Details regarding the OLS can be found in the Aerodrome Manual, Part D, Section 2.
8.0 Surveillance and maintenance of visual aids;
8.1 Surveillance of visual aids is conducted via an AGL Control and Monitoring System which
covers light fittings and signage, the system activates and alerts if a fault is identified.
8.2 In LVPs all non-essential activities on the airfield shall be suspended, this includes the
suspension of all routine maintenance.
8.3 Maintenance or repairs required to visual aids essential to the safe operation of the
aerodrome will be permitted on the approval of ATC in conjunction with the relevant
department.
9.0 Safeguarding of non-visual aids essential to low visibility procedures.
Only activities determined by ATC in consultation with Air Traffic Engineering and Airfield Operations
to be essential to the safe operation of the airport will be permitted. They include but are not
restricted to:
i. Safety critical repairs/maintenance to navigational aids, radar and equipment
required for provision of LVPs.
ii. Runway / Taxiway surface inspections
iii. Wildlife Control
iv. RFFS in an emergency
v. 'Follow me' vehicles.
vi. Essential activities to ensure the Security of the Critical Part
10.0 Secondary Power Supplies
Upon initiation of LVPs diesel standby generators will provide power in the event of a mains failure,
as detailed in MATS Part 2.
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