The primary objective of an Aerodrome Rescue & Fire Fighting Service (AR&FFS) is to save lives, and the secondary objective is to protect property from damage or total destruction caused by fire.
The primary task of an AR&FFS is to create a safe environment for rescue operations to commence.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) issues international standards and recommended practices for Civil Aviation and South Africa, as a member of the Chicago Convention, is required to comply with these recommendations.
The legislative requirements for AR&FFS in South Africa are in accordance with the Civil Aviation Regulations and technical standards as contained in Part 139 of the SA-CATS-AH.
The SACAA is responsible for implementing these standards and regulating them within the boundaries of South Africa.
The standards are applicable to all licensed aerodromes, and non-compliance can result in an aerodrome license not being issued, suspended or revoked.
The level of service provided at unlicensed aerodromes is not regulated, but commercial activities can take place at an unlicensed aerodrome under certain conditions.