How an Airport Ground Crew Can Prepare for Serious Storms

The aviation industry is heavily reliant on the weather. While aircraft can function in most environments and situations, some weather conditions pose a real threat to the safety of passengers, airport ground crew and aircraft ground support equipment (GSE). Thunderstorms, in particular, are some of the most dangerous situations in aviation. From powerful wind gusts to lightning accidents, serious storms can have a severe weather impact on air transport operations. Here's what to watch out for and how to prepare when hazardous storms roll in.

Note that you should always consult FAA airport operations for additional guidance to prevent accidents and damage caused by thunderstorms.

The Dangers of a Severe Thunderstorm

The hazards of a thunderstorm can often lead to runway contamination, poor visibility, bad turbulence, handling difficulties and an inability to brake properly. This can result in costly damage and unsafe conditions for both passengers and airport ground crews. The following are some things to brace for (ideally) before or when an airport weather warning goes into effect.

Wind

Strong winds are typically the biggest danger when a strong storm rolls in. In addition to causing heavy turbulence during a flight, severe winds can impact hangars in a major way. If the winds are strong enough, they have the potential to lift light aircraft and GSE into the air or even flip them over while on the ramp or airport tarmac. And, hurricane winds can come with trees, billboards, car parts and anything else they may have picked up along the way. This can result in serious damage and a potentially deadly situation for staff if the proper precautions aren't taken.

Lightning

While it's extremely rare for lightning strikes at airports to occur, it does happen from time to time and can be extremely dangerous for personnel and ground operation crews standing around the plane. Any metal that is touching the aircraft, such as wires, equipment or boarding stairs, can carry the electric current, resulting in critical injuries or even death.

An aluminum aircraft is relatively safe from lightning. If there is a strike, it will usually result in issues like compass deviations and electronic failures. A composite aircraft is more vulnerable to lightning, as is an electrically charged airplane. Because of this, it's crucial to electrically discharge an aircraft to reduce risk and radio interference. If a storm is really aggressive, a lightning delay may need to go into effect until ground control receives the proper clearance to continue normal operations.

Heavy Rain

Strong thunderstorms produce large water droplets and heavy rainfall. In the air, this can cause reduced cockpit visibility as well as engine flameouts. But usually, heavy rainfall can be mastered to the point of not having much of an impact on the airport ground crew.

Hail

Hailstones that are a half-inch or larger in size can cause catastrophic damage to any aircraft and GSE exposed on an airport tarmac. From dents to broken windows, if vehicles aren't stored properly prior to a storm, it could result in thousands of dollars in damages.

How to Prepare When Bad Weather Strikes

When a storm comes knocking, it's good to have a clear plan in place. The following are some ways to prepare a hangar to keep your airport ground crew, aircraft and equipment safe.

1. Have Insurance

In an ideal situation, there'll be plenty of warning and time to prepare a hangar before a big storm. But this isn't always the case, which is why insurance is necessary for every person, piece of equipment and aircraft that could possibly be threatened by a natural disaster.

2. Check for Updates to the Airport Weather Warning

If a storm system arises, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with forecasts and severe weather alerts. If prepared and informed, there's a lower risk for damage to aircraft, electric aircraft tugs and other ground support equipment.

3. Ensure The Hangar Is Safe

Make sure the hangar is stormproof and all gates are closed properly. If the hangar is on the large side, be careful opening more than one gate at a time. When serious storms kick up, there's always the potential for extreme cross ventilation, which can move aircraft and GSE unexpectedly.

4. Relocate Aircraft And GSE

When armed with enough advance warning, attempt to relocate all aircraft and GSE into a stormproof hangar. If a spontaneous storm appears, try to move as many as possible. But remember that if the hangar is on the smaller side, never attempt to relocate more than one aircraft at a time; this can lead to serious accidents. If the planes need to be parked outside, ensure they're tied down securely. All aircraft towing equipment, ground control members and airport ground crew will need to work quickly and precisely.

Note: It's important to consult the FAA and your ground support equipment manufacturer to determine the amount of wind in which an aircraft or GSE can operate. If the wind becomes too strong, don't attempt to relocate aircraft or use GSE.

Master Any Storm with the Help of Tronair

While severe weather can stretch ground operation personnel to the limit, it's nothing that can't be mastered with the right plan and aircraft ground support equipment in place. Tronair can help with our industry-leading selection of aircraft towing equipment, ice and rain protection carts, and more. Improve storm operations and reach out for a quote today.

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