Like many others, I enjoy watching racing. However, I am more interested in watching the pits crews rather than the racers.
I find it fascinating how the crews, each charged with a particular task, so quickly go about their business to ensure as little downtime as possible.
Ever wonder about the “pit crew” that “turns” passenger planes? These ground crews are outstanding, even those these pit stops take considerable longer than those that occur during a NASCAR or Indy race.
Anatomy of a ground crew operation
Here, according to a recent article by Bob Root in Ground Support Worldwide (GSW), is what takes place. GSW, like Fleet Maintenance, is a part of Southcomm Business Media.
Once a plane pulls up to the gate:
- The jet bridge or passenger stairs, including ADA compliant accessories, moves to the plane to safely allow the passengers to unload and load.
- The lift truck carrying the cabin service crew moves to the plane and lifts up to gain access so the cleaning crew can then do its work.
- The air conditioning units on the ground start working to provide heated or cooled air for the cabin.
- The catering truck moves to the plane and lifts up to gain access to the galleys so the crew can do its work.
- The baggage tractors pull the baggage carts up to the plane to be loaded with baggage.
- The belt loader pulls up to the plane to be positioned to unload the plane of its baggage and cargo.
- The valet cart is positioned to collect carry-ons that won’t fit in the overhead compartments.
- Bags from the cart are put on the belt loader too.
- The water cart/truck pulls up to the plane to allow for water service of the plane.
- The lavatory service cart/truck pulls up to the plane to allow for lavatory service of the plane.
- The fuel truck/cart approaches the plane to begin the refueling process.
- A different set of baggage carts are loaded under the airport with the bags headed to this plane.
- Different baggage tractors move through the airport and collect all of the baggage that needs to be on this particular plane.
- The jet bridge or stairs is moved away from the plane.
- Using a Ground Power Unit, the pilot restarts the engines in preparation for departure.
- A push back tractor then pushes the plane away from the gate area and out to the taxiway.
Impressed?
