AVIATION SAFETY - Flight Line Safety

FLIGHT LINE SAFETY

1. Introduction: Most of us don’t deal with the flight line environment but for those of us who do, here are some solid tips to keep in mind when entering a flight line. The flight line can be a dangerous environment and one of the primary concerns during any flight line operation is SAFETY. No activity should compromise our personnel’s safety at any time. Personnel on the flight line should be proactive and stop any unsafe activity on the flight line.

2. Hazards: Here are some of the more common hazards that may be encountered on the flight line.
♦ Lifting heavy baggage and litters.
♦ Tripping hazards such as electrical cables, grounding cables and tie-down chains.
♦ Slipping hazards such as oil, hydraulic fluid, grease spills, and weather conditions.
♦ Noise from aircraft

3. Safety Procedures: While on the flight line there are a number of other safety procedures you must observe:
♦ Enter the flight line, and approach the aircraft through an established Entry Control Point
♦ Wait for the aircraft and all engines to come to a complete stop before approaching the aircraft
♦ Wait until receiving authorization from an aircrew member before entering the aircraft Circle of Safety, which is an imaginary line extending 10’ from all areas of the aircraft or, in the case of helicopters, 3 feet outside the main rotor arc. NEVER walk behind a helicopter with a turning tail rotor.
♦ Only authorized vehicles with authorized drivers are permitted to drive on the flight line
♦ NO SMOKING.

4. Dehydration: It is very easy to become dehydrated while working on the flight line. Drink sufficient liquids.

5. Fatigue: Fatigue is a major contributor to many safety incidents and accidents. Ensure that personnel have had sufficient rest to enable them to safely complete their assignments. Flight line personnel will make a conscientious effort to avoid or reduce fatigue by:
♦ Periodic rest breaks.
♦ Periodic light refreshments (e.g., moderate amounts of hot foods, soup, fruit juice).
♦ Sufficient sleep between operation periods
♦ Between surges, take advantage of opportunities to rest in comfortable surroundings.

6. Foreign Object Damage (FOD): Foreign Object Damage (FOD) is a threat to aircraft engines. Foreign objects can be rocks, dirt, hats, paper, trash, bolts, screws, disposable gloves, rags and pens. If any FOD material is seen, it should be picked up and placed in a suitable trash receptacle.

7. Housekeeping: An important practice in any safety program is good housekeeping. Housekeeping in hangers, vehicles and other aircraft is essential to personnel and aircraft safety.
♦ Keep work areas clean and orderly.
♦ Clean up any spills or messes immediately.
♦ Properly dispose of any waste material.

8. Clothing: During cold weather all personnel should have adequate clothing (jackets, gloves, etc.); during warmer temperatures, personnel may dress appropriately.

9. Jewelry: Many severe lacerations and finger amputations have resulted from personnel wearing rings while working around aircraft and ground handling equipment. Personnel should not wear rings, dog tags, necklaces, bracelets, watches, or any other loose items, which could be snagged or caught, while on the flight line.

10. Hats: Hats should be removed when entering a flight line.

11. Hearing Protection
Hearing protection must be worn when working around aircraft and helicopters whose engines are running. This can be accomplished with suitable earplugs or earmuffs.

12. Eye Protection
Eye protection should be worn when operating on the flight line. This protection should be suitable safety glasses with safety side shields. You can get safety glasses that are also sunglasses for sunny days. Goggles are preferred for helicopter operations.

13. Hand Protection
Gloves should be used when lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying baggage and litters.

14. Sun Protection
Flight line personnel should use sunscreen with an SPF at least 15.

15. Flashlights
Flashlights and reflective belts and/or reflective vests are necessary during hours of darkness.

MSgt Dave Shannonhouse, USAFR
Submitted by Atlanta Federal Safety & Health Council