FAA issues alert on protecting ground crew workers

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.”