Tec Sistemas

Airside Management and Safety — AHM 631

AHM 631 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR AIRCRAFT MOVEMENT OPERATIONS
1. INTRODUCTION
Aircraft movement operations must be performed with extreme caution to prevent injuries to personnel as well as to avoid damage to aircraft, equipment and facilities. Independently of the minimum safety requirements incorporated into the design of ground support equipment,(see AHM 913), safety factors should be incorporated into the Standard Operating Procedures.

2. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this AHM the following definitions will apply: “PUSHBACK” Moving of aircraft from parking position to taxi position by use of specialised ground support equipment. “POWERBACK” Moving of aircraft from parking position to taxi position by use of the aircraft's engines.“TOWING” Moving of aircraft, other than pushback operations, with/without load on board by use of specialised ground support equipment.

3. RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that members instruct their staff and their handling agents involved in aircraft movement operations that the following safety factors be taken into consideration.

4. GENERAL
4.1 Prior to performing any aspect of aircraftmovement operations an assessment, will be made. considering infrastructure, number of persons involved, aircraft and equipment used to ensure a safe operation. 4.2 Only those personnel trained and qualified should perform aircraft movement operations functions. Assign a person to be “in charge” of the operation. The person “in charge” of the operation should brief all other personnel involved inthe operation of their responsibilities. 4.3 Personnel should be instructed on the hazards associated with aircraft movement operations, e.g. engine ingestion, nose wheel movement, aircraft track, visibility. 4.4 Prior to aircraft movement the following activities shall take place: 1. an inspection be made of the surface conditions to determine if it is safe to conduct the operation, (e.g. ice,snow etc.) 2. a visual inspection be made of the aircraft to ensure all service doors/panels are closed and locked. 3. all equipment, except that necessary for the departure, is to be positioned behind the equipment restraint line before the aircraft pushback is commenced. 4. ensure that all ground support equipment is removed from the aircraft and there are adequate clearances between the aircraftand facilities/equipment.

31ST EDITION, JANUARY 2011

513

Airport Handling Manual
a visual inspection be made of the area of the operation to ensure it is clear of FOD. 6. a verification be made that power cables, loading bridges etc. are detached from the aircraft. 7. a visual inspection be made to ensure chocks are removed from all wheels. 8. a general check of landing gear shock strutextension. 4.5 Personnel performing the functions required by the operation should be positioned away from hazard zones. 4.6 Only those persons required to perform operating functions should be in the operating area. 4.7 During aircraft movement the maximum nose-gear turn limits shall not be exceeded in accordance with airframe manufacturers' instructions. 4.8 Communication with the flight deckshould if possible be achieved in a manner that eliminates the need for personnel to walk in close proximity to the aircraft nose gear or the tow tractor during the operation; e.g. use of flexible cord to the tractor driver, or cordless system. 4.9 Agreed phraseology should be used for all verbal communication between the flight deck and ground personnel. 4.10 When communication between the flightdeck and tractor driver is relayed by a third person it is important that this person either uses a flexible cord between their headset and the connection to the aircraft or a cordless system to be able to maintain a safe distance from both the aircraft and tractor in motion. 4.11 Provision should be made for a back-up communication system in the event of a failure of the primary system. 4.12...