UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN PRINTED Regulatory Article 3313

RA 3313 - Air System Diversions

Rationale Diversions may be required in the event that an Air System is unable to reach its
intended destination or an Aerodrome is unable to accept an Air System.

Contents 3313(1): Air System Diversions

Regulation Air System Diversions

3313(1) 3313(1) Air System diversions shall only be initiated by authorized
personnel.

Acceptable Air System Diversions

Means of 1. Diversions should only be originated by:
Compliance a. The Air System Operating Authority.
3313(1) b. Air Traffic Control (ATC).
c. The Air System Commander.
2. Diversion Grades. The person ordering a diversion should ensure that the
Commander is informed of the grade of, and the reason for, the diversion.
3. Grade 1 Diversion. A Grade 1 diversion is mandatory and should only be
originated by the Air System Operating Authority. It can be passed to the Commander
either through ATC or on the channels of communication of the Air System operating
authority. If the Commander considers that ►they◄ cannot comply with the
instructions originated, ►they◄ should inform the appropriate authority of ►their◄
reasons and indicate ►their◄ intentions or request other instructions.
4. Grade 2 Diversion. A Grade 2 diversion is advisory and should be originated
by the Air System Operating Authority or by ATC. When originated by ATC personnel
they should, where possible, obtain the approval of the Air System Operating
Authority. Where it is not possible to obtain authority from the Operating Authority,
ATC should inform the Air System operating authority at the earliest opportunity. A
Commander who decides to continue to ►their◄ original destination after receiving a
Grade 2 diversion should inform the Air System Operating Authority, through ATC, of
►their◄ intentions.

Guidance Air System Diversions

Material 5. Diverting Officers. In deciding whether a diversion Aerodrome is suitable, the
3313(1) officer ordering the diversion may consider the following:
a. The range and endurance of the Air System.
b. The experience and qualifications of the crew.
c. The weather.
d. Radio and radar aids serviceable in the Air System and at the diversion
Aerodrome.
e. The Air System requirements, eg the landing distance and servicing
facilities.
f. The administrative facilities at the diversion Aerodrome.
6. Commander. Air System Commanders requesting assistance in seeking a
diversion are required to pass the following:
a. Own callsign and identity.
b. Position.

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Regulatory Article 3313 UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN PRINTED

Guidance c. Original destination.

Material d. Reason for request.
3313(1) e. Endurance.
f. Load Classification Group of the Air System.
7. In the event of a Grade 2 diversion, a Commander will only continue to ►their◄
original destination if, in the event of ►their◄ attempt to land at the Aerodrome being
unsuccessful, ►they◄ will subsequently be able to reach the diversion Aerodrome
with enough fuel to ensure a safe landing in the event of a missed instrument
approach.
8. Procedures at an Air Traffic Control Radar Unit (ATCRU) or Control and
Reporting Centre (CRC). When Air System diversion action is necessary the
controller at an ATCRU or CRC ►will◄:
a. Pass the appropriate type of diversion message to the Commander of the
Air System.
b. Inform Distress & Diversion (D&D).
c. Pass any necessary instructions or appropriate advice to the Air System
Commander.
d. Inform the Air System operating authority of action taken.
9. Procedures at an Aerodrome. Procedures at Aerodromes are as follows:
a. When the need for diversion is likely to arise for any other reason, an
ATC officer at an aerodrome ►will◄ maintain the closest possible liaison with:
(1) The Air System operating authority.
(2) Pre-selected local diversion aerodrome.
(3) D&D.
(4) The ATCRU controller, if appropriate.
(5) Relevant CRC if appropriate.
b. ►They could◄ pass as often as ►they◄ consider necessary the latest
information on aerodrome conditions in order that diversions from and to
►their◄ airfield may be anticipated. ►They are◄ also to ensure that D&D is
informed whenever ►their◄ aerodrome is active outside the opening hours
promulgated in FLIPs. When an Air System diversion is necessary the
Supervisor or DATCO (RN) / ATCO IC (RAF) ►will◄ take the following action:
(1) Inform D&D.
(2) Obtain all necessary instructions for the Commander of the Air
System, which will include the obtaining of clearance from controlled
airspace authorities, if required.
(3) Pass the appropriate type of diversion message to the Commander
of the Air System.
(4) Inform the Air System operating authority of action taken.

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