Washington — Alarmed by recent separate incidents – one fatal – involving members of airport ground crews, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a safety alert calling on airlines to review safety protocol.
One worker was killed after being pulled into a jet engine. Another incident involved a wing walker suffering a serious injury during the repositioning of an aircraft being towed.
FAA recommends that operators review their safety management system to ensure procedures require that:
Chocks are installed whenever aircraft towing has been stopped, either temporarily or when the aircraft being towed is parked at the intended location of parking.
All workers remain clear of the aircraft in tow until it has come to a complete stop.
Activities commence only after chocks are installed.
All workers remain clear of operating engines until they’re shut down.
“While both of these incidents have not been proven to be a systemic issue,” FAA says, “the severity of outcome warrants this safety reminder.”
