Fire Cover

[llondel]

Interesting article on the local news site (http://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/More-firefighting-Resources-Assigned-to-SJC-but-Critics-Say-its-Still-not-Enough-364708231.html) about the number of fire fighters on duty at San Jose Airport (SJC). It seems that until recently there were only four on-site and that has recently been raised to six. Management claims that the plan would be to haul in a bunch of others from the surrounding area if needed, but that clearly involves more of a time delay (they quote about ten minutes) to get them deployed. It looks like they get three trucks, two people per truck. Is this really enough if something goes wrong? BA are starting a 787 service to the airport in May, so fairly big aircraft are going to be using the airport regularly.

Also interesting to note that Delta paid the airport to have extra crews on duty when they were flying some 747s to SJC so clearly there are concerns. How many is reasonable to have as a first response, given that time is sometimes very much of the essence?

[confused atco]

How many is reasonable to have as a first response,

ICAO Annex 14 has the rules pertaining to how its worked out.
The level of protection provided at an aerodrome for rescue and fire fighting shall be appropriate to the aerodrome category determined using the principles in 9.2.5 and 9.2.6, except that, where the number of movements of the aeroplanes in the highest category normally using the aerodrome is less than 700 in the busiest consecutive three months, the level of protection provided shall be not less than one category below the determined category.

There are rules on the amount of extinguishing agents carried and minimum deployment time.

Typically 4 Fire crew on station with 2 per tender gives an availability of 2 tenders. 6 is 3 tenders.

Depending on the type and size this may be sufficient to meet the required category for the typical user.

If an aircraft beyond the typical is expected then it is possible to bring in extra fire cover prior to the scheduled arrival.

This cost's extra.

Delta paid the airport to have extra crews on duty when they were flying some 747s

Many airports have arrangements where they will accept a higher category with prior notice.