Reduced fire cover at aerodrome
 

Hello,

I cant seem to find the answer to the question and would appreciate if someone can shed some light.

My company OMA says the following :

The minimum Rescue and Firefighting Services (RFFS) requirements in
accordance with ICAO Annex 14/UK, AIP/UK ANO 101, CAP 168 Chapter 8
RFFS, FODCOM 24/2009 and FODCOM 25/2009 are as follows:

B737-800 Passenger/Instructional Flying requirement
is Category 7.

1. RFFS may be reduced as follows:

a. By 1, subject to individual aerodrome approval.

b. By 2, at the discretion of the appropriate aerodrome fire
service, when a part of the facility is temporarily unavailable
due to unforeseen circumstances. This is a temporary
reduction only.


So my question is, is that for planning purposes or does it include inflight? If the Atis announces the category has dropped to cat 6 can you still used that airport?

Any aerodrome has a Declared RFFS.If the RFFS is notam'd It must be taken into account before dispatch .How ever an in flight reduction or an un planned diversion is allowed to Required - 1 level.

Thats my OM-A

Thanks Bucks, my manual just mentions the above. My question came about when i was flying a long and thought to myself if I diverted to XXX for a disruptive pax or medical and it was Category 5 can I use it?

Not sure if it's relevant but CAA recently issued Information Notice IN-2016/052 which covers fire cover remission.

"At planning stage, restriction due to fire capability may be considered for
departure and arrival airports only. The ETOPS ERA require a minimum of
ICAO Category 4 or equivalent, with 30min notice.
Note 2. During anticipated periods of reduced activity, the aerodrome category may
be reduced as per ICAO annex 14. The fire fighting and rescue services
may be downgraded temporarily or for given operating hours by not more
than one Category."

From our O.M. airplane category 6 .

Thanks guys, but what about dropping by 2? It is legal but how do you know the criteria has been met?