Contingency Plan for Lengthy Tarmac Delays


 

This contingency plan applies to flights operated by Pivot Airlines (“Pivot”) that encounter a tarmac delay at a U.S. airport (including diversions.) It is meant to comply with regulations published by the U.S. Department of Transportation addressing airline services during conditions that result in long tarmac delays.

Lengthy ground delays can take place during taxi-out before departure, during taxi-in after landing, or as a result of a diversion. In any of these situations before it spends four (4) hours on the tarmac Pivot will return the aircraft to the gate, or to a remote parking position away from the gate to allow passengers to deplane.

Delays longer than the above time limit may be necessary if:

  • The pilot-in-command determines there is a safety-related or security-related reason why the aircraft cannot leave its position on the tarmac to deplane passengers; or

  • Air traffic control advises the pilot-in-command that returning to the gate or another disembarkation point elsewhere in order to deplane passengers would significantly disrupt airport operations

The aircraft crew will keep passengers advised of the status of the tarmac delay every fifteen (15) minutes while the aircraft is delayed, including the reason for the delay, if known.

If the aircraft remains on the tarmac more than two (2) hours after the aircraft has left the gate (in the case of departure) or touches down (in the case of arrival, including diversions), Pivot will provide passengers with adequate food and potable water, unless the pilot-in-command determines that safety or security considerations preclude such service.

Pivot will ensure sufficient resources are available to implement this contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays when required. The aircraft crew will monitor passenger and cabin conditions, and notify the Systems Operations Control Centre to change the course of action when necessary. For all flights, Pivot will ensure that the operable lavatory facilities will remain available while the aircraft remains on the tarmac. Pivot will also ensure adequate medical attention is available, if needed. Passengers will be allowed to use cell phones and laptop computers and move freely about the cabin, in accordance with safety guidelines and applicable laws.