05-F-2398doc31

I I J = • F'llga101,_, TALKING PAPER ON lllJMANlTARIAN AID FLIGHT PROCEDURES Pursuant to a discussion between Mr. Frank Hatfield, Senior Advisor to Civil Aviation and Major General Elder, Deputy Coalition Forces, Air Component Commander (CFACC) on 16 Jul, Major General Elder has detennined that the current threat assessment is such that flight check operations can be allowed along with a limited number of commercial operations at Basra International Airport; however, if threat assessment changes, the Deputy CF ACC may revisit this decision. Humanitarian Aid International Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations follow procedures set forth by the Iraqi Assistance Center (lAC) to obtain approval for movement of personnel and cargo into Iraq. The lAC coordinates air operations with the Regional Air Movement Coordination Center (RAMCC) for flight slot times to prevent conflicta with military air operations. The RAMCC operates under CF ACC'a authority. Procedures for obtaining ffi.pt authorization and infonnation about .flying into Iraq are posted on the ~CC web site (www.centaf.a£mil/ramcc). An extract of the current published procedures appears below: BAGHDAD PUGHT INFORMATION REGION (FIR,) CONTROL AlJTIIORlTY 1he Combined Forces Air Component Commander (CFACC) is the Afrspace Control Authori~ (ACA) for Iraq and the BAGHDAD FIR e1fectlve 19 March 2003 until further notice. 'lbe procedures for flfght operations detailed here are mandatOiy for an alrcraft operators authorJzed to· fly to/from destinations or 1n or through the BAGHDAD FIR. They are destgn.ed for the safety of mWtazy flJghts, humanitarian aid (HA) flfghts canied out by the United Nations, Non-Government Organization (NGOs), other International Organimtions (lOs). and other authorized flights. Operators of aircraft intending to land at an Iraqi airport shall contact the Regional Air Movement Control Center (RAMCC) for prior approval (contact details below). All aircraft shall have CFACC approval for flights in the BAGHDAD FIR and for landing In Iraq. RISKS TO IUGBT AND COMPLI.ANCE WlTB TBESE PROCBD'ORES All operators are warned that there are ongoirig m111tary operations In Iraq and non-mllttaty fltght operations could be at sJgnlflcant risk. 1bere are continuing reports of indJscrJ.mJnate mfss.tle and small arms attacks on aircraft operating in Iraq. Operators undertake 111ghts within the BAGHDAD FIR. at their own dsk. Compliance With these procedures is mandatory and It is imperative for safety that the procedures below are strictly adhered to. Aircraft movenients tn the BAGHDAD FIR to designated airports are controlled by a slot time aDocatton scheme. In order to obtain a slot time, all c1vJl 6Jul03 Pege 102 operators shall sign a Release of Liability (Hold Harmless Agreement) provld by RAMCC. 'Ihe AIP. Release of Liability Form and Slot Request Form can be found on the RAMCC web site ofwww.centaf.af.mll/ramcc. The Release f Llabllity form 1s good for one year. 1ul03