Emergency procedures cannot always be prescribed for every situation. An emergency
includes any situation where an aircraft is in danger, lost, or in distress. When an
emergency exists or is believed to be imminent, you as an air traffic controller must
select and pursue a course of action that appears to be most appropriate under the
existing circumstances. Base your decision on what course of action is needed
according to pilot s requests and the information they provide. Pilots determine what
course of action to take. This training manual (TRAMAN) covers only general
emergency procedures.
Crash/Search and Rescue Bill
All air stations maintain a current crash bill that details the duties of personnel handling
emergencies. The Crash/Search and Rescue Bill is normally contained in the station's
Air Operations Manual. Some air stations have standalone bills.
Primary Crash-Phone Circuit
The primary crash-phone circuit is a direct-wired intercommunications system that is
installed between stations involved in emergency responses. The system s purpose is
to provide an immediate means of communication to primary emergency activities so
they may notify all essential supporting activities. The primary crash-phone circuit must
be installed at the following locations:
Air traffic control tower (initiating agency)
Each Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) station
Structural fire and rescue dispatch center
Air operations duty office
Station hospital or dispensary
SAR organization (if applicable)
NOTE
For U.S. Navy airfield fire stations the Primary Aircraft
Emergency Alarm shall be wired to provide simultaneous
alarm to the Dispatcher and voice notification over the
airfield fire station PA system.
When activating the crash-phone system, you should give at a minimum the following
information, if available:
Location
Type of aircraft
Nature of emergency
Fuel state
Number of personnel aboard
Ordnance stores or other dangerous cargo
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