What determines the selection of designated isolation areas at airports?

The selection of designated isolation areas at airports is primarily determined by the severity of the aircraft incident. When responding to an aircraft incident, emergency responders need to mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials, potential fires, or other dangerous situations. The severity of the incident dictates how far away these isolation areas should be situated to ensure the safety of personnel and minimize the impact on airport operations.

For instance, in a severe incident that involves a significant fire or hazardous materials, the isolation area must be extensive enough to protect emergency responders, airport personnel, and the public from potential dangers such as toxic fumes or explosions. On the other hand, less severe incidents may require less distance for isolation. This dynamic approach allows for effective management of resources and safety protocols based on the scale and nature of the threat presented by the incident.

In contrast, while other factors like availability of space, type of aircraft, and cost of management do play roles in overall airport operations, they are not primary determinants in the critical context of creating safe isolation areas in response to aircraft incidents.