Appendix B

CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR [STATE AIRSPACE]

PART I: LEVEL 2 CONTINGENCY PLAN (REQUIRING INTERVENTION OF ADJACENT FIR)

- OBJECTIVES
This contingency plan contains procedures to ensure the provision of air navigation services in the event of partial or total disruption of Air Traffic Services (ATS) within [STATE AIRSPACE] and is in accordance with ICAO Annex 11 - Air Traffic Services Chapter 2, paragraph 2.30, and Attachment C and [STATE RULES] document 4444 ATM- PANS (Chapter 15.8 and chapter 16.6).

This Contingency Plan is designed to accommodate the flow of international air traffic with a minimum of disturbance for aircraft transiting the airspace under the responsibility of  [STATE ATS UNIT]. Routes and flight levels are limited.

STATES AND FIRS AFFECTED

In the event that [STATE AUTHORITY] activates this Contingency Plan, the adjacent [ATS UNITs], will be notified in accordance with the Letter of Agreement (LOA) or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established between them. The adjacent [ATS UNITs] directly affected by this Contingency Plan are as follows:
[STATE-ATS UNIT]

[STATE ATS UNIT]

The contact details of the civil aviation authorities and organizations concerned are contained in Paragraph 15 below.

MANAGEMENT OF THE CONTINGENCY PLAN

The contingency measures set out in the first part of this Plan are applicable in cases of foreseeable events is for level 2.

The following procedures have been put in place to ensure that the management of the Contingency Plan provides for international flights to proceed in a safe and orderly fashion through [STATE AIRSPACE].

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CENTRAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE

The Central Coordinating Committee (CCC) function shall be to oversee the of the Contingency Plan and in the event that the Air Traffic Services (ATS) [STATE AIRSPACE] is disrupted for an extended period, make arrangements for and facilitate the temporary relocation of the Air Traffic Services to [ OTHER STATE UNIT] and the restoration of Air Traffic Services in [STATE AIRSPACE].
The Central Coordinating Committee comprises representation from the following:
[STATE] CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY
[STATE] ANSP
OTHER RELEVANT AUTHORITIES.
Contact details of its members are provided in paragraph 15 below.

ATM OPERATIONAL CONTINGENCY GROUP

The ATM Operational Contingency Group (AOCG) will be convened by the CCC with a primary responsibility to oversee the day to day operations under the contingency arrangements, and coordinate operational ATS activities, 24 hours a day, throughout the contingency period in coordination with the WACAF Contingency Coordination Team and adjacent FIRs. The AOCG will include any necessary specialist personnel from the following disciplines:

Air Traffic Control Services (ATS)
Aeronautical Telecommunication (COM)
Aeronautical Meteorology (MET)
Aeronautical Information Services (AIS)
ATS equipment maintenance service provider
Contact details of its members are provided in paragraph 15 below.

AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND CONTINGENCY PROCEDURES

Air Traffic Services Responsibilities
Tactical ATC considerations during periods of over-loading may require re-assignment of routes or portions thereof.
Alternative routes are designed to maximize the use of existing ATS route structures and communications, navigation and surveillance services.
In the event that ATS cannot be provided within [ STATE AIRSPACE] , [OTHER STATE or ICAO] shall publish not less than 48 hours before, if practicable, the corresponding NOTAM indicating the following :
Time and date of the beginning of the contingency measure;

Airspace available for landing and over flying traffic and airspace to be avoided;

Details of the facilities and services available or not available and any limits on ATS provision (e.g. ACC, APP, TWR and FIS), including an expected date of restoration of services if available;

Information on the provisions made for alternative services;

ATS contingency routes;

2

Procedures to be followed by neighboring ATS units;

Procedures to be followed by pilots; and

Any other details with respect to the disruption and actions being taken that aircraft operators may find useful.

4.1.4. In the event that the [STATE AUTHORITY] is unable to issue the NOTAM, [ OTHER STATE AUTHORITY or ICAO] will take action to issue the NOTAM of contingency measures upon notification by [STATE AUTHORITY].

4.2 Separation

Separation criteria shall be applied in accordance with the Procedures for Air Navigation Services- Air Traffic Management (Doc 4444) and the Regional Supplementary Procedures (Doc 7030).

Longitudinal separation of fifteen (15) minutes for aircraft maintaining the same cruising flight level shall be applied or 20NM Radar separation where Radar services are available or 10 min if Mach Number Technique is used.

4.3. Level restriction

Where possible, aircraft on long haul international flights shall be given priority with respect to cruising levels.

Airspace Classifications

Airspace classification will not be changed. {Depending on the degree of disruption, airspace classifications may be changed to reflect the reduced level of services. Changes to airspace classification will be notified by the same NOTAM which will activate this plan}.

Aircraft position reporting

The primary means of communication will be by VHF or HF radio. {except for aircraft operating Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Contract (ADS-C) and Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) systems. When CPDLC has been authorized for use by the relevant ATC authority this will become the primary means of communication, with HF as secondary. ADS-C shall replace any requirement for voice position reporting to ATC for aircraft so equipped, and in this case, SSR will be the secondary means of surveillance}.

Traffic Information Broadcast by Aircraft (TIBA) procedures shall apply in [STATE AIRSPACE] during periods of contingency.

TIBA frequencies shall be as follows: AFI REGION – 126.9 MHz.
Other measures

Other measures related to the disruption of air traffic services and the implementation of the contingency scheme within the [STATE AIRSPACE] may be taken as follows:

Suspension of all VFR Operations;
Delay or suspension of general aviation IFR operations; and;

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Delay or suspension of commercial IFR operations

Procedures for ATS Units
The ATS units providing Air traffic control services will follow their unit emergency operating procedures and activate the appropriate level of contingency procedures in line with this plan.
ATC will inform pilots of the emergency condition and advise if it is likely that the ATS will be suspended and transmit on the radio frequency in use providing pilots with alternate means of communication;
during the period the contingency procedures are in effect, flight plan and other aircraft movement messages must continue to be transmitted by operators to [STATE ATS UNIT] via the AFTN using normal procedures;
on notification by [STATE AUTHORITY], the ATS authorities operating the [ OTHER STATE ATS UNIT] will activate the contingency procedures in accordance with THIS PLAN, or any existing LOA or MOU.
prior to entry to the [STATE AIRSPACE] during contingency operations prior authorization must be obtained from [STATE AUTHORITY], and flights must comply with the ATC [CLEARANCE/ROUTE, FLIGHT LEVEL] and communications instructions issued by the [ ATS UNIT] responsible for the airspace immediately adjacent to the [ STATE ATS UNIT] contingency airspace.
Coordination of aircraft boundary estimates and flight levels by the adjacent [ATS UNIT] responsible for aircraft entering the [STATE AIRSPACE] shall be in accordance with [THIS PLAN (where it also serves as the formal LOA).
the [ATS UNIT] responsible for aircraft entering the [STATE AIRSPACE will instruct pilots to maintain the last flight level assigned and speed (MACH number if applicable) while operating in the [STATE AIRSPACE;
the [ATS UNIT] responsible for aircraft entering the [STATE AIRSPACE will not authorize any change in route, flight level or speed unless specifically authorized by the ATS unit normally responsible for the affected airspace, or under [THIS PLAN (where it also serves as the formal LOA);
the [ATS UNIT] responsible prior to aircraft entering the [STATE AIRSPACE] will inform aircraft that they must establish contact with the first [ATS UNIT] after transiting the [STATE AIRSPACE] not less than 10 minutes before   the estimated time of entry to the [STATE AIRSPACE];

- TRANSITION TO CONTINGENCY SCHEME
During times of uncertainty when disruption of air traffic services seems possible, aircraft operators should be prepared for a possible change in routing while en-route, familiarization of the alternative routes outlined in the contingency scheme as well as what may be promulgated by [STATE AUTHORITY] via NOTAM.

In the event of a disruption of air traffic services that has not been promulgated, [STATE ATS UNIT] will, if possible, broadcast to all aircraft in the [STATE AIRSPACE] , airspace that is affected by the disruption and any further instructions.
It is recognized that when a disruption of air traffic services or airport closure occurs and is promulgated, operators may have different requirements as to their alternative routings. [STATE ATS UNIT] will evaluate all requests to ensure safety is maintained.

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TRANSFER OF CONTROL, COORDINATION AND DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY IN THE PROVISION OF AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES WITHIN THE [ STATE AIRSPACE]

6.1 The transfer of control and communication will be at the common [STATE ATS UNIT] boundaries or as previously agreed upon between:

[STATE-ADJACENT ATS UNIT 1];
[STATE-ADJACENT ATS UNIT 2];
[STATE-ADJACENT ATS UNIT 3];
[STATE- ADJACENT ATS UNIT 4]; e) …………………….

6.2. The responsibility for ensuring the provision of air traffic services within [STATE AIRSPACE] is transferred to [OTHER(ADJACENT) ATS UNIT] according to the following considerations: [OTHER ADJACENT ATS UNIT] will ensure the provision of air traffic services for traffic operating along contingency [ NUMBER OF CONTINGENCY ROUTE] between [ENTRY POINT-EXIT POINT].
HF frequencies of [OTHER(ADJACENT) ATS UNIT] (or other means) will be used.

CONTINGENCY ATS ROUTES NETWORK
In the event of disruption of air traffic services within [STATE AIRSPACE], aircraft operators should file flight plans using alternative contingency routes listed in the scheme below:

Note: ATS routes not included in the table below are temporarily unavailable.

Contingency routes	FIR
involved	Flight Levels Assignment	Entry/Exit point	Communications means	
		Northbound: Southbound:			

					

					

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PILOT AND OPERATOR PROCEDURES

8.1 Filing of flight plans
Flight planning requirements detailed in [STATE] AIP continue to apply during
contingency operations, except where modified by the contingency ATS routes and FLAS specified by ATC and/or in NOTAM.

Overflight approval
Aircraft operators must obtain over-flight approval from the [STATE AUTHORITY] prior to operating flights through the [STATE AIRSPACE AFFECTED]. During the period of activation of this Contingency Plan the adjacent [ ATS UNIT] will provide normal ATC clearances for aircraft to enter the [STATE AIRSPACE]. The adjacent [ ATS UNIT] is not responsible for coordination or provision of overflight clearances for the [STATE AIRSPACE]. The operator must ensure any required overflight approval has been obtained.

Pilots operating procedures
All aircraft transiting through [STATE AIRSPACE] shall strictly comply with the following:
Maintain contact with [ADJACENT ATS UNIT DESIGNATED] according to the paragraph 4 of this contingency plan.
Operate along or as close as possible to the centerline of the assigned contingency air traffic route.
Reach the flight level assigned by [ATS UNIT DESIGNATED] for the transit of [STATE AIRSPACE] at least ten (10) minutes before entering [STATE AIRSPACE].
Maintain the flight level assigned by the last adjacent ACC while operating within [STATE AIRSPACE], unless an emergency or flight safety reason exists.
Maintain a continuous listening watch on the VHF frequency 126.9 MHz, and transmit blind in English on 126.9 MHz position reports five (5) minutes before and overhead each compulsory reporting point established along the respective air traffic route.
Include in the last position report to the competent adjacent ACC the estimated time of arrival over the entry and exit points of [STATE AIRSPACE].
Whenever emergencies and/or flight safety reasons make it impossible to maintain the flight level assigned for the transit of [STATE AIRSPACE ], climb or descend well to the right of the centerline of the air traffic route being flown but remaining within [STATE AIRSPACE ], and to inform immediately, by blind broadcast on the VHF frequency 126.9 MHz, all other aircraft likely to be affected by transmitting a relevant emergency level change message (comprising the aircraft call-sign, the aircraft position, the flight levels being left and crossed, etc.).
Contact the competent adjacent ACC as soon as possible and at least ten (10) minutes before the estimated time of arrival over the relevant exit point of [ STATE AIRSPACE] to obtain clearance for entering the adjacent airspace concerned.
Display navigation and anti-collision lights always during the transit of contingency airspace.
The application of SLOP is strongly encouraged
Transponders should be set on a discrete code assigned by ATC or select code A2000 if ATC has not assigned a code

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COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES
Degradation of Communication - Pilot Radio Procedures
When operating within the contingency airspace, pilots should use normal radio communication procedures (where ATS services are available) [ EACH STATE MUST CHOSE]. {Where limited or no ATS is available communications will be conducted in accordance with the procedures in this Plan, or as otherwise notified by NOTAM}.
In the absence of communication with ATC, the pilot should continue to make routine position reports on the assigned frequency and also broadcast positions in accordance with the TIBA procedures.

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES

9.1 The [STATE ATS UNIT], upon receipt of information from a pilot or another ATS unit, regarding suspected case(s) of communicable disease, or other public health risk, on board the aircraft, shall forward a message as soon as possible to the ATS unit serving the destination / departure, unless procedures exist to notify the appropriate authority designated by the State and the aircraft operator or its designated representative.
9.2 To avoid misunderstanding that may result in inappropriate reaction from the stakeholders including air operators, information provided by the Health Sanitary Board (HSB) should be obtained in written form and relayed to air operators in written form. Where communication means do not enable relay of written text, the information shall be read verbatim.
VOLCANIC ASH CONTINGENCY PLAN (VACP)

If a volcanic ash cloud is reported or anticipated in [STATE AIRSPACE], [STATE ATS UNIT] should take the following actions:
Immediately transmit relevant information to the flight crews of potentially affected aircraft to ensure that they are aware of the current position and expected position of the cloud and the concerned flight levels;
Respond to requests for a course change or a level change as far as possible;
Propose a route change to avoid or leave the reported or predicted areas of presence of the volcanic ash cloud when requested by the pilot or as the controller deems it necessary; and
Where possible, request a special flight report when the flight route enters or anticipates the planned volcanic ash cloud and transmit the report to the appropriate agencies.
When a flight crew informs [STATE ATS UNIT] that they have inadvertently entered a cloud of volcanic ash, [ STATE ATS UNIT] should:
Respect measures applicable to an aircraft in an emergency, and;
Alter the assigned route or level only if the pilot requests so or if the airspace or traffic conditions require it.

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Interception of civil aircraft

Pilots need to be aware that in light of current international circumstances, a contingency routing requiring aircraft to operate off of normal traffic flows, could result in an intercept by military aircraft. Aircraft operators must therefore be familiar with international intercept procedures contained in ICAO Annex 2- Rules of the Air Paragraph 3.8 and Appendix 2, Sections 2 and 3.

Pilots need to continuously listen out on the VHF emergency frequency 121.5MHz and should operate their transponders always during flight, regardless of whether the aircraft is within or outside airspace where secondary surveillance radar (SSR) is used for ATS purposes. Transponders should be set on a discreet code assigned by ATC or select code A2000 if ATC has not assigned a code.

If an aircraft is intercepted by another aircraft, the pilot shall immediately:
Follow the instructions given by the intercepting aircraft, interpreting and responding to visual signals in accordance with international procedures;
If possible, notify appropriate ATS Unit;
Set transponder code to 7700, unless otherwise instructed by the appropriate ATS unit;
Attempt to establish radio communication with the intercepting aircraft by making a general call		on	the	emergency	frequency	121.5MHz;	and

If instructions are received by radio from any source that conflict with those given by the intercepting aircraft, the intercepted aircraft, shall request immediate clarification while continuing to comply with the instructions given by the intercepting aircraft.

SEARCH AND RESCUE
12.1 [ ATS UNITS] involved in this contingency plan are required to assist any distressed aircraft of which they are aware and which flies over a contingency space.
The center that receives a distress message from an aircraft shall send the necessary messages (INCERFA, ALERFA or DETRESFA) to all authorities in the SAR service involved in this plan including the SAR authority of the center which is in contingency situation.
Each SAR authority shall assist as necessary its neighbor as requested in their LoA. Contact details of its SAR Authority are provided in paragraph 15 below.
PLAN TESTING AND REVIEW
The plan shall be tested by ATC simulation at least once per year.

A full review shall be conducted at least once per three years.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN

The provisions of this contingency plan shall be promulgated by NOTAM to be issued by [STATE] in coordination with ICAO and the concerned States

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ALL CONTINGENCIES UNITS

CENTRAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE

N°	Members	Title	Tél	Email/Fax	

					

					

ATM OPERATIONAL CONTINGENCY GROUP

N°	Members	Title	Tél	Email/Fax	

					

					

SEARCH AND RESCUE POINT OF CONTACT

CENTER	POINT OF CONTACT	

		

PART II: LEVEL 3 CONTINGENCY (REQUIRING AVOIDANCE OF AFFECTED AIRSPACE)

UNAVAILABILITY OF [STATE AIRSPACE]

OBJECTIVES

In the event that the total disruption of Air Traffic Services (ATS) within [STATE AIRSPACE] does not allow to fly in the airspace affected, users are invited to circumvent the airspace.

Users may also choose to avoid the [STATE AIRSPACE] by flight planning via any alternative ATS routes provided by adjacent ATS unit of [STATE ATS UNIT].

Users are advised to circumnavigate [STATE AIRSPACE] and try to establish contact with the ATS unit responsible for the provision of air traffic service as soon as possible according to the route structure below.

EXAMPLE:

Flights from North to South : Join the point (5LNC) on ATS Route xxx till point (5LNC) and follow instructions from [ ATS UNIT(ADJACENT)].

Flights from East to West: Join the point (5LNC) on ATS route xxx till point (5LNC) and follow instructions from [ATS UNIT(ADJACENT)]

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