Safety and Emergency Services

Abstract

With particular reference to the seven airports administered by the British Airports Authority (BAA), the high standard of safety and operational efficiency is maintained wherever possible by monitoring and annual inspections conducted throughout the organisation. A typical example concerns the detailed ground inspections augmented by those undertaken from the air of each airport's visual aids to navigation. A specially equipped Turbo Commander aircraft with a nose mounted camera is used for these which enables photographic inspections to be made of the runway and approach lighting. Another demanding area is the provision of equipment to deal with the most severe weather conditions envisaged. Widespread disruption of services will result unless rapid action is forthcoming. Ice warning and detection system are therefore installed at all the airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Glasgow, Edingburgh, Prestwick and Aberdeen) with the most severe conditions being experienced at Aberdeen where a high standard of equipment and planning has ensured that periods of closure for snow clearance are the shortest possible.