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:
- Digital Partners -
- 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.”
