Emergency Response Plan

Purpose. This plan sets out how SkyBridge responds to an aircraft accident or serious incident, a ground emergency, a security incident or a dangerous goods event, and how the business supports passengers, families and staff.

1.Scope

This plan applies to all SkyBridge aircraft, ports and the training academy. It works alongside the aerodrome emergency plans at each port, which are activated by the aerodrome operator, and the emergency services response. It is exercised at least once a year.

2.Activation

Any staff member who becomes aware of an accident, a missing aircraft, a serious incident or a security emergency must call the duty manager immediately. The duty manager confirms the facts, activates the plan and notifies the chief executive, the head of flying operations and the safety and compliance manager. The chief executive appoints the emergency coordinator.

3.Emergency response team

The emergency response team assembles in the operations room at Tamworth or by phone conference. Each member has a checklist for their role and a deputy.

• Emergency coordinator: chief executive or delegate
• Operations: head of flying operations
• Safety and regulator liaison: safety and compliance manager
• Passenger and family support: passenger services manager
• Ground and site response: ground operations manager
• Media and communication: chief executive's office

4.Ground emergencies

For a fire, fuel spill, dangerous goods leak, medical emergency or vehicle collision airside, the ramp team leader raises the alarm, calls emergency services through the aerodrome operator, stops all movements on the affected bay and isolates the area. Staff must not fight a fuel or aircraft fire beyond the first extinguisher.

5.Passenger and family support

The passenger services manager establishes a passenger and family enquiry line and a support area at the port, using the manifest to confirm who was on board. Information is released to families before the media. Trained staff and the employee assistance provider support affected people.

6.Regulator and investigation

The safety and compliance manager notifies the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, preserves records including flight, load, training and maintenance documents, and coordinates with investigators. Staff must not speculate about causes publicly.

7.Exercises and review

A desktop exercise is held every year and a full exercise with the aerodrome operator every two years. The plan is reviewed after every exercise and every activation.