Airport Safety needs the magnifying glass of SMS not a list of 16
An anonymous airports staffer has issued the below list of 16 best practices for airport drivers. Unlike the prior issuance of a SAFO (Review and/or Revision of Aircraft Towing/Ground Handling Procedures for the Safety of the Wing and/or Tail Walkers), this notice was issued at the appropriate level. The recommendations made below are intuitive, obvious, superficial, and maybe even supercilious. For example, does an airport worker with authority to operate a vehicle on the service roads, taxiways, and runways need to be reminded to “(r)eview the airport diagram prior to moving the vehicle. Have the airport diagram out and available for immediate reference while driving in the operational area.”
As the above graphic of seven airports grid of roads on which surface vehicles may traverse shows airfield configurations are unique. Blind spots, highly trafficked intersections, crossing with difficult sightlines to the departing/arriving flights, confusing designations, deteriorated/ing visibility conditions, obstructions, less-than-intuitive procedures, changing processes and a myriad of other local characteristics require that these arrays of safety risks be reviewed AIRPORT-BY-AIRPORT. The list of 16 cannot reach this level of airport granularity needed to analyze potential problems and design preventative resolutions.
The above paragraph points out the need for Airports to rely on Safety Management Systems to manage their risks. As a well-defined, comprehensive management tool, SMS is designed to capture relevant data, to prioritize items flagged and to design precise, effective, and prophylactic responses to THOSE UNIQUE RISKS. One of the strengths of this state-of-the-art regimen is that the perspectives of ALL INVOLVED IN THE AIRPORT’S OPERATIONS are considered. Wing walkers from contractors, drivers of outside food suppliers, ATC staff, airline pilots, GA users, people knowledgeable about lighting/signage, carrier dispatch managers, women/men who load and remove baggage, the proprietors’ senior staff (even indirect expertise like purchasing and personnel), wildlife management—ALL contribute to the constructive dialogue about what are the top risks and what must/can/should be fixed and in what order.
SMS’ implementation must be top-down-back-up and 3600 . The indoctrination of this zealous approach can best be led by SMEs with experiences with other airports. Having worked through similar exercises reduces wasted time, helps focus the congregation on the critical points and carries credibility of having been-there-done that.
Airfield Drivers Best Practices for Safety
- Review and understand airfield signage and markings.
- Review the airport diagram prior to moving the vehicle. Have the airport diagram out and available for immediate reference while driving in the operational area.
- Review current airfield information for any taxiway closures, runway closures, construction activity, or other surface risks.
- Ensure appropriate vehicle lights (high beams, flashers, beacons, and strobes) are operational prior to driving in the operational area. Flashers and beacons help ATC, aircrew and other vehicle operators see vehicles in the operational area, especially during periods of reduced visibility and at night. Use caution with strobes and high-beams if you are in close proximity to operating aircraft at night.
- Use service roads whenever possible to minimize time spent on taxiways and runways.
- During radio transmissions, use correct terminology and proper voice cadence.
- Copy your clearance and review the assigned route. Read back all clearances.
- Eliminate distractions while driving in the operational area. Do not use cell phones while driving in the operational area.
- Focus attention and have your “eyes out” of the vehicle.
- Maintain appropriate speed.
- Be alert to similar aircraft and vehicle call signs operating on the field.
- Stop the vehicle on the taxiway and REQUEST ATC CLARIFICATION IF THERE IS CONFUSION REGARDING YOUR POSITION OR YOUR CLEARANCE.
- When cleared to cross any runway or taxiway, first visually check to ensure there is no conflicting traffic. If there is any doubt that the runway is clear, reconfirm crossing clearance with ATC
- Note that if you see an aircraft in take-off position on a runway with take-off/landing lights on, that aircraft has most likely received its take-off clearance and will be departing immediately.
- If your radio fails while you’re in the operational area and the tower is open, alert the controllers by flashing your high/low beams towards the tower. They will respond using the light gun: solid red means stop where you are; solid green means cleared to cross, proceed or go. If the tower is closed, visually clear your route and exit the operational area as quickly as possible.
- If the tower is closed, broadcast your location and intent on the CTAF.
Last updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2022
