Tarmac Delay Plan

Plan to Provide for the Deplanement of Passengers Following Excessive Tarmac Delays

University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) personnel cannot operate any of the equipment needed to safely deplane passengers from air carrier aircraft and is, therefore, unable on its own to provide for the deplanement of passengers. Additionally, airport personnel are not trained to assist in the deplanement of passengers using equipment owned or operated by air carriers or contract service providers.

However, we have requested that each airline and FBO operation on the airport provide us with a list of the equipment and resources they have for deplaning passengers and contact information. We will provide this inventory and contact information to airlines as soon as practicable after receiving requests from such airlines experiencing excessive tarmac delays at the contact number listed above.

When a diversion is made to CMI, the airport management must be notified via ARFF. Upon notification and evaluation of the situation the Executive Director, or designee, will monitor/coordinate resources based on need and establish a command center in the Airport Administration Office located in the terminal, if required. The command center will be manned by airport staff and representatives of the airline, FBO, FAA, Police, CBP, etc. as needed/required. The command center will be the clearing house and decision-making location for dealing with issues that arise from the diversions.

Short term diversion: History at Willard Airport has shown that diversion over the last 15 years are usually short term, only deal with 2-3 aircraft and do not require deplaning the passengers to meet the imposed time restriction. In the event the pilot decides to deplane the aircraft, the passengers will be accommodated in the departure lounge. American Airlines (AA) flights are handled by their representatives. All other flights are handled by Flightstar.

Excessive Tarmac Delays Plan: When diverted aircraft arrive, AA aircraft will be directed to the terminal and all other aircraft directed to the Flightstar apron. Upon shut down, the flight handler will ask the pilot for information as to the status of the flight and relay this information to airport management. If the flight is “international,” CBP will be notified. Periodic checks will be made with the pilot to obtain the flight status and that information will be shared with airport management.

If it appears the tarmac delay will exceed the time limit:

• The passengers on board the aircraft will be offered a deplaning opportunity. Willard Airport will coordinate the use of jet bridges and facilities as necessary.
• Aircraft at the Flightstar apron will be towed by Flightstar to the terminal for deplaning. If Flightstar is unable to tow due to equipment limitations, the aircraft may be taxied by the flight crew.
• TSA will be notified. If after hours, staff will be recalled if needed. University Police (UIPD) will be contacted.
• In the event international passengers are present, UIPD will guard the sterile area. Domestic and International passengers will be kept separate if required to deplane together. The primary sterile area is the departure lounge. Alternates include the Institute of Aviation building or Flightstar hangar.
• The terminal has limited vending machines for snacks and beverages. There is one concession in the departure lounge that is normally open for breakfast and lunch, no guarantees of service can be provided by the concessionaire.
  o   If required, AA will provide food and refreshments to their passengers.
  o   The Airport will help facilitate obtaining food and refreshments for other passengers.
  o   Local vendors have been identified. If food service is required, they will be notified as far in advance as possible.
• If the delay evolves into an overnight stay, the Airport will help facilitate transportation to local hotels.
• If required, the Airport can assist with arrangements with local hotels. Hotel shuttles will provide a means of transportation to their location.

Plan to Provide for the Sharing of Facilities and Make Gates Available in an Emergency

The Airport has three jet bridges that can accommodate regional and narrow-body aircraft. Due to the limited number of jet bridges, their use will be coordinated with AA and Flightstar in order to deplane passengers based on which aircraft is closest to the maximum tarmac delay authorized. In the event jet bridge access is not available, Flightstar has two portable steps for use and passengers will be transported to the terminal or designated area.

The gates at University of Illinois Willard Airport are under common use gate lease permits, or agreements to air carriers, and are controlled by the airport. We direct our common use air carrier users to make gates and other facilities available to an air carrier seeking to deplane at a gate.

Plan to Provide a Sterile Area for Passengers Who Have Not Cleared United States Customs and Border Protection

University of Illinois Willard Airport does not have international passenger processing facilities. The Airport will coordinate with CBP and law enforcement officials to identify suitable areas and procedures for establishing a temporary sterile area into which international passengers on diverted aircraft who have not yet cleared United States Customs and Border Protection can be deplaned. Once these efforts are complete, we will coordinate with CBP officials to develop procedures that will allow international passengers who have not yet cleared United States Customs and Border Protection to be deplaned into these sterile areas to the extent practicable.

The nearest CBP capable of processing a commercial flight is over two hours away. As soon as the airport is notified of an arriving international flight, the CBP will be contacted.

Tarmac Delay Time Limits
Domestic: 3 hours
International: 4 hours

Public Access to the Emergency Contingency Plan
University of Illinois Willard Airport will post its emergency contingency plan to the airport website.