Near Diversions.

	Natalya Karnauhova, GAC representative at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky airport (PKC/UHPP).

During the past six month Global Aviation handled three of what we call “Near Diversions” and one actual diversion.

“Near Diversion” happens when airline contacts and notifies us of diversion, but does not actually divert. Usually this happens due to medical or technical problem. In either case, when the reason for diversion no longer threatens airline ability to continue its flight, usually the captain makes a decision that it is safe to operate and flight carries on.
When we are contacted in regard to possible diversion, as per our procedures, we call our local airport representative and dispatch him to the airport as soon as possible. In turn, our representative contacted all of the airport ground services and, if necessary, such government agencies as customs and imigration. At this time, our airport representative would wait for the E.T.A. from the airline to make sure all of the services are ready to receive aircraft, crew, and passengers. After we hear back from the airline that the aircraft will carry on its flight, we will notify our representative that diversion did not occur and airport services will not be needed.
For us, these near diversions serve as valuable training experience and training tools that help us to verify our readiness and make sure our procedures and communication chain are working. I would like to thank all of the Global Aviation associates involved in these near diversions who make sure our diversion support services are always ready.

Edgar Vaynshteyn,
President
Global Aviation Consulting