When an emergency occurs on the airport proper, ___.

• A. control other air and ground traffic to avoid conflicts in the area where the emergency is being handled
• B. call the appropriate ARTCC and have traffic metered so as to relieve traffic congestion in the emergency area
• C. issue a NOTAM to restrict arrivals and departures
• D. advise rescue units to stand by

Answer: (A)

When an emergency happens at the airport, the priority is to maintain safe, orderly movement by controlling both air and ground traffic in and around the emergency area. This immediate, local control prevents aircraft and ground vehicles from entering the scene and risking collisions or interference with rescue and firefighting efforts. By issuing clear, coordinated instructions to pilots and ground crews, the controller creates a safe corridor for emergency responders and keeps traffic flowing away from the incident.

Relying on a higher-facility controller to meter en route traffic doesn’t address the immediate safety needs on the field. Publishing a NOTAM is a longer-term notice to the flying public and won’t provide the rapid, on-scene guidance required during the emergency. Telling rescue units to stand by implies a passive approach; they should be actively deployed and coordinated to support the response, not kept waiting.