Equipment vehicles and areas at the airport.
The machines the equipment and the zones you work with — and why they must be treated with respect
An airport is a workplace with large machines heavy traffic and aircraft that are many times more expensive and dangerous than any truck. That's why knowledge of the equipment and where you may and may not be is a big part of the profession.
§Vehicles on the ramp
Around the plane many specialized vehicles are used: tractors and towing equipment for baggage carts, conveyor belts for luggage, high lifts for cargo, stairs and bridges for passengers, and vehicles for refueling and de-icing. A special vehicle pushes the plane backwards away from the stand. Being able to operate the equipment safely and park it so that it is never in the way of a plane is a basic skill.
§Zones and access
An airport is divided into zones with different requirements. There is the public area where everyone may move about and the secure areas where only employees with access cards and screening enter. The apron itself — the area around the aircraft — is one of the most regulated workplaces in existence because an error can hit an aircraft. Knowing the boundaries between zones and respecting them is not negotiable.
Typical equipment and what it is used for
| Equipment / vehicle | Used for |
|---|---|
| Baggage Tractor and Wagons | Transport baggage between terminal and plane |
| Læssebånd | Hoist baggage in and out of the aircraft cargo hold |
| High lifter | Load heavy goods and supplies in the plane |
| Passenger stairs / bridge | Get passengers safely to and from the aircraft |
| Pushback tractor | Push the aircraft backward away from the parking position |
| De-icing vehicle | Remove ice and snow from the plane before departure |
§Visibility and being seen
On the ramp, there is constant movement, often in darkness, rain, or snow, and always with noise from engines. Therefore, everyone wears visible work clothing and a large part of safety is about making sure you are seen before you move. Eye contact with a colleague and clear signals are just as important as the physical equipment.
§Equipment care
Equipment that does not work slows down the whole chain. Therefore vehicles and machines are checked before use failures are reported immediately and equipment is parked in the right places so it is ready next time. A well-maintained equipment fleet is a prerequisite for a busy airport to function at all.
“The most expensive and dangerous thing on the ramp is the aircraft — therefore all equipment and all driving is about never getting too close to it at the wrong time.”