Resource Retain/Release Procedure

Scope

This Operational Guideline provides guidance on the retention and/or release of resources undertaken by the State Air Desk (SAD).

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all RFS members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• Any aircraft/aviation equipment dispatched to an incident/event will need to be regularly evaluated by the Incident Controller (IC) to determine if such resources should be retained and/or released.
• The retention and/or release of aviation resources will be undertaken by a person performing SAD duties in accordance with RFS OPG - Functions of the SAD and in consultation with the State Air Operations Manager (SAOM).
• The SAD and SAD personnel hold no authority to approve the retention or release of a resource. This can only be done through the appropriate personnel and processes outlined in RFS OPG - Aircraft/Aviation Equipment Request and RFS OPG - Aircraft/Aviation Equipment Retain or Release Process.
• All aircraft/aviation retention and release requests will be coordinated through ARENA in accordance with SAD procedures.
• The Aircraft/Aviation Equipment Retain or Release Form should be received daily or as end dates are reached for any aircraft/aviation equipment dispatched to an incident.
• For aircraft that are being released, an end date and time, for that day, should be entered into ARENA.
• For aircraft/aviation equipment that is being retained, a revised end date and time should be entered into ARENA unless Section 44 (s44) arrangements are in place under a planned dispatch.
• Where multiple aircraft are being retained on the same incident/event, the Aircraft/Aviation Equipment Retain or Release Form must be approved by a person who holds the required authority as outlined in RFS OPG - Aircraft/Aviation Equipment Request and RFS OPG - Aircraft/Aviation Equipment Retain or Release Process.
• Where there are multiple of the same resources and some will be released whilst others retained, the decision on which resources will be released will be determined by an analysis of the most cost-effective solution undertaken in ARENA.

Special Considerations

• The release of aviation personnel is not considered in this procedure. Aviation personnel requirements are typically managed  through the SAD and form part of standard Incident Operational Resource Requests (formerly State Assistance Procedures).
• The retention and release of aviation resources must always be supported by an appropriately approved Aircraft /Aviation Equipment Retain or Release Form.

Related Information

• Aircraft/Aviation Equipment Retain or Release Form
• RFS OPG - Aircraft/Aviation Equipment Request
• RFS OPG - Aircraft/Aviation Equipment Retain or Release Process
• RFS OPG - Functions of the SAD
• RFS OPG - Incident Operational Resource Requests (formerly State Assistance Procedures)