Runway Crossings at Brisbane International Airport

Runway Crossings at Brisbane International Airport

All instructions to cross runways will be issued by Ground on 121.7 MHz All runway crossings require a specific CROSSING clearance.

Runway Crossing Requirements It is fundamental to aerodrome safety that all Vehicle Operators and personnel using the manoeuvring areas are fully conversant with current communication procedures, their application and safety basis. Crossing runways is a well identified safety risk requiring rigorous procedures and situational awareness by all concerned. Drivers must secure all loose items on vehicles so that these do not become potential FOD; Tow bars must be checked for serviceability before towing aircraft; Before requesting permission from Ground Frequency all Drivers must listen to the Aerodrome Terminal Information Service (ATIS) 125.50MHz for information on possible Taxiway or Runway closures; Consideration must be given to ATC workloads in peak hour Runway movement conditions in requests for Runway crossings; Be under the control of a Category 3 RWY ADA holder; Even when cleared to cross, Drivers must conduct visual checks for aircraft on or approaching the Runway before crossing.

Radio Procedures Communicating with ATC Before transmitting on ATC frequencies be sure the channel is clear; If you are intending to access a runway for the purposes of entering or crossing it, you communicate with ATC on GROUND frequency 121.7; Read back the instructions exactly as you receive them to ensure that you have understood the ATC clearance/instruction; The instruction to enter or cross the runway will be given by GROUND frequency 121.7; All runway crossings require a specific crossing clearance; Drivers must here the words CROSS RUNWAY in the instruction before entering the Runway; Unless observed vacated the Runway by ATC, all Drivers must report vacated Runway; If any doubt, seek clarification from ATC.

Radio Etiquette After monitoring Ground 121.7MHz, drivers should transmit their request and refrain from further radio transmissions until directed; Before transmitting on ATC frequencies be sure the channel is clear; Use standard words and phrases for efficient two-way radio communication;

Runway Occupancy Gold Coast Tower All Runway Crossings shall be by via the shortest possible route, ie. straight across to minimise Runway occupancy. o Example - Tug 160 at Alpha 4 cross Runway19 to Hotel 4. However, due to, but not limited to, aircraft traffic management or pavement works you may be directed to take an alternate route. o Example 1 - Tug 160 at Hotel 4 cross Runway 19 vacate via Alpha 5. o Example 2 - Tug 35 at Mike cross Runway 01 vacate via Alpha 5 Sierra.

Responsibilities If compliance guaranteed safety, then we would only need one rule: Don t crash. Obviously, it takes a lot more than that! Irrespective of any clearance or instruction issued by ATC, drivers of vehicles, and of vehicles towing aircraft, are responsible for ensuring that their vehicle (and any part under tow) does not collide with any other vehicle, aircraft, building or obstruction. Aviation Safety is every airside workers responsibility!

Lost/Unsure of Position A vehicle driver in doubt as to the position of their vehicle with respect to the manoeuvring area shall immediately: Notify Air Traffic Control (GROUND or TOWER) of the circumstances (including the last known position); Simultaneously, unless otherwise instructed by TOWER or GROUND, vacate the landing area, taxiway, or other part of the manoeuvring area, to a safe distance as quickly as possible; and then Stop the vehicle You will need to know the designations of ALL the Runways and Taxiways so that you can advise ATC of your whereabouts at any time. The instruction given by ATC will vary from time to time depending upon Airside works or aircraft traffic for example, The instructions to travel via the Taxiway system they will require your movement to best facilitate usage of the Taxiway system for ALL users. Ensure your knowledge of the Taxiway designations is high.

Example 1 Virgin Blue Hangar to Domestic Apron Gold Coast Tower

Driver: Brisbane Ground Tug72 with 737 under tow, at the Virgin Blue Hangar, request tow to Bay 41 GROUND: Tug 72 Brisbane Ground, Tow approved via Hotel 4, HOLD SHORT Runway 19 Driver: Tow approved via Hotel 4, HOLD SHORT Runway 19, Tug 72 Driver: Tug72, Holding short Runway 19 at Hotel 4 GROUND: Tug 72 at Hotel 4 CROSS Runway 19, HOLD SHORT of Bravo, report vacated Driver: At Hotel 4 CROSS Runway 19, HOLD SHORT of Bravo, report vacated, Tug72 Driver: Ground Tug 72 vacated RWY 19 GROUND: Tug 72 proceed via Bravo, Charlie 4 to Bay 41 Driver: Proceed via Bravo, Charlie 4 to Bay 41, Tug72 Example 1 Monitoring Ground frequency 121.7 MHz Listen for radio traffic In a suitable gap transmit request Look for aircraft lined up and on short final checking the Runway is clear before entering

Example 2 Domestic Apron to Qantas Hangar 2 Gold Coast Tower

Driver: Brisbane Ground Tug 35 with Dash 8 under tow, at Bay 4 request tow to Hangar 2 GROUND: Tug 35 Brisbane Ground, tow approved via Charlie 1 and Bravo, at Alpha 7 HOLD SHORT of Runway 01 Driver: Tow approved via Charlie 1, Bravo at Alpha 7 HOLD SHORT Runway 01, Tug35 Driver: Brisbane Ground, Tug 35 at Alpha 7 HOLDING SHORT Runway 01 GROUND: Tug 35 at Alpha 7 CROSS Runway 01, report vacated Driver: At Alpha 7, CROSS Runway 01, report vacated, Tug35 Driver: Ground Tug 35 vacated Runway 01 GROUND: Tug 35 Ground proceed to Hangar 2 Driver: Proceed to Hangar 2 Tug 35 Example 2 Monitoring Ground frequency 121.7 MHz Listen for radio traffic In a suitable gap transmit request Look for aircraft lined up and on short final checking the Runway is clear before entering

Example 3 General Aviation Apron to Toll Hangar Gold Coast Tower

Driver: Brisbane Ground Tug 42 at the General Aviation Apron 2 request clearance to Toll Hangar GROUND: Tug 42 Brisbane Ground proceed Foxtrot 2, Bravo, Alpha 3 HOLD SHORT Runway 19 Driver: Proceed Foxtrot 2, Bravo, Alpha 3 HOLD SHORT Runway 19, Tug 42 Driver: Tug 42 at Alpha 3 HOLDING SHORT Runway 19 GROUND: Tug 42 at Alpha 3 CROSS Runway 19, report vacated Driver: At Alpha 3 CROSS Runway 19 report vacated Tug 42 Driver: Ground, Tug 42 vacated Runway 19 GROUND: Tug 42 Ground, proceed via Hotel 3 to Toll Hangar Driver: Proceed via Hotel 3, to Toll Hangar Tug 42 Example 3 Monitoring Ground frequency 121.7 MHz Listen for radio traffic In a suitable gap transmit request Look for aircraft lined up and on short final checking the Runway is clear before entering

Important Points Listen and Look out before transmitting Ensure correct read-back Do NOT cross any runway without a specific clearance Look for aircraft lined up and on short final checking the Runway is clear before entering If in doubt, seek confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions? Gold Coast Tower Q. If ground instructs me to cross the Runway, why should I have to check as well? A. Aviation Safety is every airside drivers responsibility. Prior to crossing the holding point check the runway for aircraft departing or arriving. If unsure about any other traffic on the runway do not move and ask GROUND about the traffic. Q. Why am I not instructed to cross when I can t see an aircraft on the Runway? A. What you see on the Runway does not necessarily reflect the workload of the controller; this controller is not only talking to ground aircraft traffic, but also the Tower and Clearance Delivery Controllers. It requires large amounts of coordination. Please be patient. Q. If I am a little confused by the instruction provided by ATC and they are really busy, should I still ask for clarification? A. Yes. If in doubt, seek clarification from ATC. It s better to be safe than sorry. A BAC Follow Me escort is always available for those in need. For more information please refer to BAC s Airside Drivers Handbook.