10 Best Practices for Safe and Eco-Friendly Aviation Operations

As the winter season approaches, ground handling personnel in the aviation industry gear up for a challenging period. The winter aviation season demands heightened vigilance, close collaboration, and adherence to specific guidelines and procedures. Ten essential aspects of preparing for winter aviation operations are explained by Anders H. Søreide, Head of De-Ice and Safety Advisor for Aviator Airport Alliance, a full-range provider of aviation services at 15 airports across the Nordics.

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Ensuring Safe Operations During Winter Aviation Season

Winter operations require our staff to be more vigilant. Colder temperatures, weather, and wind all affect how we operate. Close collaboration with airport authorities and airlines is important. Most airlines and airports have specific winter operations guidelines and procedures. Ground handling personnel. need to observe weather forecasts and conditions throughout the day and consider this when planning operations. With winter comes slippery surfaces and poor visibility. Our staff must drive and act accordingly. Warmer clothing is advisable as well (preferably wool).

Maintaining Ground Support Equipment (GSE) in Cold Weather

Second, maintaining ground support equipment (GSE) in cold weather is the key to preventing breakdowns of ground support equipment. GSE should ideally be stored inside a heated hangar when not in use. The winter season can lead to increased wear and tear due to temperature fluctuations, humidity, frost, and ice. If indoor storage is not an option, frequent inspections and proper outdoor storage in sheltered areas are essential. Equipping GSE with covers to protect control panels and ensuring appropriate tires can also enhance operability. Tools like brooms, ice scrapers, and snow blowers are handy for removing snow and ice from GSE. This is important to another aspect-ensuring ground staff well-being in icy and snowy conditions.

Ensuring Ground Staff Well-being in Icy and Snowy Conditions