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II SÉRIE — NÚMERO 64

the appropriate air traffic control services and shall use entry and exit procedures published by the Portuguese Air Traffic Control Service.

2 — Aircraft operationally assigned to Lajes Air Base under this Agreement may proceed to and depart from that airdrome on the basis of general air traffic or operational flight plans, as appropriate.

ARTICLE II Santa Maria Airport

1—The United States aircraft operationally assigned to Lajes Air Base may from time to time make approaches and landings, to include touch and go or full stop and taxi back, at the Santa Maria Airport in order to keep their crews acquainted with local flying conditions, subject to filing a flight plan approved by the appropriate air traffic control service.

2 — Whenever the Command of the United States Forces considers a landing at the Santa Maria Airport to be necessary for purposes other than those stated in paragraph 1, it shall seek prior authorization from the Azores Air Command, which shall take appropriate action.

ARTICLE III Ponta Delgada Airport

The United States aircraft operationally assigned to Lajes Air Base may land at Ponta Delgada Airport for the purpose of training, and providing mail, personnel and logistic support for the United States activities to include United States vessels utilizing the São Miguel harbor, subject to filing a flight plan approved by the appropriate air traffic control service.

ARTICLE IV Faial, São Jorge and Graciosa Airports

The United States aircraft operationally assigned to Lajes Air Base may from time to time make approaches and landings, to include touch and go or full stop and taxi back, at the airports of Faial, São forge and Graciosa in order to keep their crews acquainted with local flying conditions, subject to filing a flight plan approved by the appropriate air traffic control service.

ARTICLE V

Overflight and landing In other parts of Portuguese territory

1 — Except as otherwise provided in this Annex, the normal procedures in force between the two countries for aircraft overflight and landing shall apply.

2 — In the event of a flight emergency the aircraft of the United States Forces may use any Portuguese civilian or military airdrome.

ARTICLE VI Coordination of operational activity

The Commander of the United States Forces will provide the Commander of the Azores Air Command

with information for the purpose of general coordination of operational flight activity and for the purpose of ensuring that the latter Commander has knowledge of the nature of the missions being carried out.

ARTICLE VII Search and rescue

1 — The Azores Air Command's Rescue Coordination Center at Lajes Air Base is responsible for search and rescue operations in the Santa Maria Flight Information Region.

2 — United States Forces when so requested will cooperate in and, to the maximum extent feasible, provide assistance to search and rescue operations.

ARTICLE VIII Flight safety

1 — The Azores Air Comand is responsible for safe ground and flight operations on the Lajes Airdrome, and in the airport traffic and the approach control areas. The Azores Air Command and the United States Forces are mutually responsible for ensuring general flight safety.

2 — In case of accidents or incidents on Portuguese territory relating to flight safety and involving United States military personnel or aircraft; the investigation shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of NATO STANAG no. 3531 regarding Investigation of Aircraft/Missile Accidents Incidents.

3 — In the event of an accident involving a United States aircraft, perimeter security of the damaged aircraft shall be the responsibility of die Portuguese authorities, who shall guarantee access to the accident scene by United States personnel. However, United States Forces, if first on the scene of the accident, may establish perimeter security of the aircraft pending arrival of Portuguese Forces. Removal of the aircraft concerned shall be the responsibility of the United States.

Annex D Air traffic and Ah- Base services

ARTICLE ' Air traffic services

1 — Portuguese authorities are responsible for providing air traffic services in the Santa Maria Flight Information Region (FIR/UIR).

2 — The Azores Air Command has the overall authority for air traffic control services at Lajes Air Base, and is responsible for coordination with the Santa Maria Air Traffic Control Center. Facilities for air traffic control will be operated jointly by Portuguese and United States Forces.

ARTICLE II Airdrome services

Both Commands will make all efforts to have jointly operated base operations, ground, and meteorological