AERO Specialties

Any member of an airside ground crew, which certainly includes the management, will tell you that the work can be pretty high-stress. They are operating under two mandates which are not only often in competition, they can seem fairly contradictory. Those mandates are: “Do the job as quickly as possible!” And, “Be thorough, complete checklists, double-check, make no mistakes, be careful, and be safe.” Although both of those priorities make sense from the perspective of the airlines and those airside serving at the pleasure of those airlines, delays on the ground can cost millions—literally. Not even just big delays. According to an industry report, a large airline loses as much as $35 million (USD) annually for every additional five minutes of ground time. According to the same report, it’s also pointed out that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that the aviation industry would save $4 billion annually by taking preventative safety meas...

The ground support industry is a particularly complex, often stressful, fast-moving, and extremely important industry. No one in the industry has to be told that the stakes are huge. The airlines need their planes fueled, checked, deiced, powered, loaded, unloaded, etc. Every extra minute on the ground is costing them money. Ground crew, meanwhile, need to remain safe, careful, vigilant, and be thorough. The consequences of mistakes range from lost luggage and furious passengers to those better not mentioned. So how does an industry with so much at stake strike a balance between speed and thorough safety? According to an increasing number of airports large and small, the answer is real-time digital fleet telematics and tracking. Telematics and Tracking Fleet telematics and tracking is the use of a digital system to monitor and track the location, use status, maintenance status, and similar information. So a member of the ground crew could use a digital devi...

Keeping your ground support equipment in the best working condition is critical for aircraft turnaround, ramp safety, and repairing aircraft. Using GSE correctly is also hugely important for the safety of the ramp team and protecting the aircraft parts that need maintenance or replacement. When utilizing GSE for airport operations, be intentional about staying informed about the right ways to use tools and up-to-date on progressive technology that’s being introduced to the ramp. Here are a few tips on how to maintain aircraft GSE to keep it running smoothly throughout the year. Aircraft Jacks A reliable aircraft jack is essential for any aircraft ground support team. There are several different kinds of jacks, and each one needs a different type of maintenance. These tips apply to most aircraft jacks. Aircraft jacks need inspection every 90 days or so, depending on how often they are used. Inspect the pump before using it. Check the relief valve setting and o...

Ramp operations can be complex, from aircraft arrivals and departures to onsite maintenance. Communication is imperative to running a successful airport on the runway. Technology has made it easier for airport ground support teams to communicate clearly, have safer experiences, and get a better visual of tasks. Wireless communication is one of the benefits of airport operations in the 21st century. Having a wide range of communication through wireless means makes it easier to stay ahead of schedule and deliver services as needed. When driving an aircraft tow tractor to transfer an aircraft to a hangar, communicating with the hangar team where the aircraft should be delivered before arriving streamlines the process and cuts the time down. While these off-hand communications might seem like they don’t save a lot of time at the moment, overall these interactions establish clarity and greater mobility for ramp operations. When conducting maintenance on aircraft, clea...

The importance of reliability when it comes to the ground service equipment (GSE) you need to keep your aircraft running smoothly cannot be overstated. When you’re operating on the tight timetables associated with flights, a delay can leave customers and aviation staff frustrated. The backbone of aviation operations, ground service staff and the equipment they use keep planes, people, and bags moving around the world. The Inform blog points out that, “Every minute an aircraft is on the ground decreases the aircraft utilization rate and automatically reduces an airline’s revenue. Therefore, the aircraft’s ground time needs to be minimized.” Due to the nature of the aviation business, time is a constant factor in performance. The ground service equipment you purchase needs to perform day in and day out without faltering. No airline wants to leave 300 people stranded because their aircraft tow tractor malfunctioned. So, what do you look for in a ground service equip...

Running an airport operation can be overwhelming with scheduling, maintenance, cargo, passengers, and everything else that goes into air transportation. Having ground support equipment (GSE) on hand that supports a busy operation is essential to keep everything running smoothly. When deciding to replace a piece of equipment or increase your GSE fleet, buying used could be the best option. Professional operations need high-performance equipment. Used GSE is an available option that should be considered seriously before purchasing a brand-new aircraft tug or tractor.  Choosing to purchase from a well-reviewed and leading GSE provider should be where you start. Trustworthy used GSE providers ensure that the equipment you purchase is relevant, durable, and reliable. Contact their customer service to find out if the GSE you’re interested in can handle the aircraft you deal with on a regular basis. They should know the product, understand its mechanics, and its funct...

Protect the investment of your ground support equipment with inspections that are vital to the productivity and safety of your employees. Inspections and routine maintenance will aid in extending the life of your equipment. It will also aid in reducing the time lost to unscheduled maintenance and wait times. Don’t wait until you need a plane out of its hangar to discover a problem with your aircraft pushback . Below are some inspection tips to help you keep your equipment running smoothly.  Aircraft Towbar When utilizing a towbar, you should routinely verify that no bolts or pins are missing and that they are securely attached to the towbar. Ensure that the towbar is straight and the head is securely attached. Inspect the shear pin bushings and the shear pin to ensure neither is cracked or broken; these components take the brunt of the load when the aircraft is being pushed or towed. You should also remove the pins and inspect for any crookedness, cracks, or dents. R...