Airport Ground Equipment Basics
Understand the typical aircraft ground support equipment found at an airport
An airport is a machine that serves a specific function, and it needs not only aircraft, but also the airport ground equipment that serve the aircraft. These integral components are the true workhorses of a well-tuned and highly functional airport.The types of ground support equipment at an airport will vary to some extent with the size and type of operations present. Knowledge of airport ground equipment basics begins with understanding the specific types of functions assigned to various pieces of aircraft ground support equipment. These function types include:
- Aircraft ground equipment used in the movement of aircraft. An example would be the tug ground equipment used for aircraft pushbacks.
- Aviation ground equipment that provides for the comfort and safety of the crew, such as ground-based generators to provide electricity to the aircraft when parked on the ramp.
- Ground support equipment that enhances aircraft safety such as aircraft deicing equipment and aircraft maintenance equipment.
Find images and descriptions of various types of aircraft ground equipment
Chances are you've seen a number of different vehicles buzzing around an aircraft parked at the gate. The function of some of these vehicles are obvious, such as the tug pulling a line of baggage carts. Some pieces of ground support equipment may look foreign at best. Review images of aircraft ground support equipment and their description to help identify which pieces of equipment are involved in the ground support of an aircraft at the gate.
Try: This list of products and services from Airport Technology has excellent descriptions and photographs of different types of ground support equipment. Victory GSE has a comprehensive product base of aerospace ground equipment complete with images and product descriptions.
Contact aviation ground equipment suppliers for specific product information
If you are considering the purchase of ground support equipment, touching base with a supplier is an important first step to discovering the type of equipment best suited to your operation.
Try: Omega Aviation has a simple contact form that allows you to select the type of information that interests you most. A comprehensive selection of different types of ground support equipment is available at Global Ground Support.
Get the latest news about the aircraft ground equipment industry
Becoming and staying informed about the latest news of the industry will help you to avoid the pitfalls of purchasing equipment with known problems. Keeping abreast of the news will also help to understand the basics of what is happening in the industry.
Try: A fine selection of recently updated news items is available from Ground Support World Wide. Airport Business is a single stop website for news related to all things related to airports.
- Contact the airport manager for a local airport. Let them know your interest in the ground support equipment aspect of airport operations and ask if they will arrange a ramp tour or put you in contact with one of the air carriers that serve the airport. An up close and personal view of the equipment can provide insight into which types of aircraft ground equipment may best suit your needs.
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