Optimizing Passenger Safety on the Ramp

-
By any standard, the aviation industry is incredibly important. According to research, from driving aircraft tugs to selling duty-free gifts, the aviation industry generates well over 10 million jobs directly and supports many more indirectly. The world’s airlines transport more than 4 billion people and 62 million tons of cargo and freight every year. And altogether, it produces and contributes over $2.7 trillion to the global gross domestic product. That’s 3.6% of the entire planet’s GDP. A considerable percentage of the rest of the world’s industries and economies rely on the quick and efficient transport of people, goods, and technology.

https://www.aerospecialties.com/product-category/tow-tugs-pushback-tractors/

And when tourism and tourism-supported jobs are included, how much of the global economy peripherally relies on air travel is anyone’s guess. There’s no question about how undeniably crucial the aviation industry is for the health and growth of our economic, technological, social, and recreational pursuits. However, there’s a feature of the airline industry that’s far more important than any financial consideration: The safety of passengers. And one of the potential chokepoints of possible passenger injury is on the ramp, in and out of aircraft.

 Keeping Passengers Safe Outside of Aircraft
   
Optimizing Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and Vehicle Use

For the most part, passengers are only going to be on the ramp outside of an aircraft when they are walking to or from the terminal to or from an aircraft. It’s generally easy enough for someone operating an aircraft tug, or taxiing in an aircraft, but with over 4 billion human beings a year (and counting) traveling by air, there is simply going to be more GSE and passengers in the same space. This makes it all the more important for GSE use to be scheduled, organized with telematics, coordinated with the airport and all the airlines to optimize GSE and vehicle use efficiency and safety.

 Avoiding Passenger Injury From Aircraft

Unfortunately, aircraft present a passenger-injury risk beyond collisions. Injuries can be caused by propellers, jet blast or efflux, and even excessive noise. Jet efflux in particular can knock people over, into each other and objects, and blast objects and foreign object debris (FOD) in the direction of passengers. That risk can be mitigated with well-marked paths between terminal and aircraft, one that obviously doesn’t pass closely to running engines or propellers. If the route is too long or too circuitous, consider shuttling passengers to and from terminals and aircraft. Of course, remove any path-markers after use and any other FOD or obstructions. 

 Keeping Passengers Safe Inside of Aircraft

The most serious risk to passengers inside aircraft still on the apron is the risk of fire. The risk of fire is particularly pronounced during refueling. Refueling errors resulting in spills, striking sparks, and static charges igniting fumes are all risks. Ensure that all refueling technology and GSE is up to date, appropriately maintained, and used cautiously by trained crew. And make sure that the flight crew is familiar with every aircraft’s exits and that they’re aware of any passengers with mobility issues.

 Minimizing Passenger Risk From Collisions

Ensure that passengers remain seated whenever an aircraft is moving. Good communication and cooperation between airlines, flight crews, and ground crews operating GSE and otherwise is critical to avoid collisions between aircraft and other aircraft or GSE. In unusual circumstances, like an unplanned evacuation of terminals or aircraft onto the ramp, establish training protocols and make sure all flight and ground crew are familiar with them.

 About AERO Specialties

AERO Specialties is well-established in the aviation industry as standard-setting innovators and thought leaders. Due to their commitment to leading-edge research and technological advancement, their ground support equipment (GSE) and associated aviation equipment is recognized throughout the industry as meeting and exceeding the highest standards of quality and reliability. That same dedication is responsible for their ensuring that the whole AERO Specialties staff—from sales and support to the mechanics—are given thorough training on all of their GSE and the roles and responsibility of airside ground crews. From their aircraft tow tractor line to GSE manuals, AERO Specialties can meet every one of your aviation business’s needs.

Discover everything you need to help your aviation business take flight with AERO Specialties, at Aerospecialties.com

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Alarming Threat of Diesel Exhaust Fluid Fuel Contamination

-
Image
There are good reasons to be especially cautious airside when handling diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Over the last 20 months, at least three incidents involving DEF fuel contamination have occurred. Two of which included Cessna Citation 550 twinjets carrying out air ambulance flights. Though all aircraft landed safely and there were no injuries, the occurrences speak to the importance of taking steps to mitigate or remove the risk of DEF contamination in fuel. The cause of these near-tragedies was the introduction of DEF into the fuel supply. The threat of DEF contamination of a fuel supply is a harrowing one, but, whether it’s by cautious loading of an aircraft tug or an update to ground crew training, with some basic precautions even near-tragedies can be averted. What is DEF? DEF is a non-hazardous fluid that, to meet federal environmental regulations, is added to the exhaust systems of diesel vehicles to break polluting emissions into water and nitrogen. While i...
Read more

When Cold Air Hits the Airside: Ground Crew and GSE Winter Preparation

-
Image
Airside ground crew coordination and managing every aircraft tug in a ground support equipment (GSE) fleet is a momentous daily responsibility. Preparing for future, and future conditions, is an easy task to overlook during the daily routine. With the approach of winter weather, however, taking extra time to plan can significantly improve operations when poor conditions arrive. Preparing for those conditions is going to work out far more successfully than scrambling to react when they arrive. In short, the best time to prepare for winter is before it hits. Communication Networks for Emergencies There’s no question that establishing, reinforcing, and checking up on intra-airport communication networks is crucial in case of emergencies. When well-planned and maintained, these networks also serve to improve daily operation. The lack of dedicated communication protocols and infrastructure is unfortunately common in a surprising number of aerodromes. There is often ...
Read more

Aviation Ground Support Equipment Requirements for Smaller Airports

-
Image
Supplying essential ground support equipment for aircraft at a smaller airport is important for safety and scheduling purposes. Deciding which equipment to use depends on the volume of aircraft on a daily basis, as well as the resources for energy and staff on hand. When choosing GSE to have on hand, here are a few things to take into consideration during a search. Ground Power Having an aircraft ground power unit with easy mobility and efficient power can be a game changer in a small airport operation. This equipment is used to service aircraft between flights or for maintenance by supplying power. These units can be stationary or mobile, but are often more useful when designed to travel on the jetway from aircraft to aircraft. Baggage Loaders & Lifts Having a few baggage loaders and lifts as part of your aviation GSE fleet can make turnaround times faster and increase accuracy depending on crew size and traffic volume. Belt loaders are the most common vehicles for loadin...
Read more