THE RISK OF AND SLOVENIA’S PREPAREDNESS FOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS

Abstract

In 2009, the Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (ACPDR), in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and the Slovenian Air Navigation Services, Ltd., elaborated a National Threat Assessment in the Event of an Aircraft Accident in Slovenia. The threat assessment shows that only minor accidents can be expected in the Slovenian territory. Nevertheless, there is a possibility of a major aircraft accident, which could claim up to 800 lives among passengers and the crew. Local inhabitants may also be among the victims of such an accident. Based on the assessment, a new version of the National Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in the Event of an Aircraft Accident (Version 4.0) was elaborated in 2009, which was updated in 2010 (Version 4.1). Both plans include a new name of the plan, updated statistical data of the added mixed Cerklje of Krki airfield with a control zone, identification of municipalities to elaborate the PR plan, transportation of hazardous materials, new response concept and the role of individual units in search and rescue and accident investigation. The elaboration of both documents will ensure a higher level of Slovenia’s preparedness and coordinated implementation of protection, rescue and relief activities with all important subjects helping in the event of an aircraft accident.