2. Ramp Risk
Disclaimer: Be alert at all times while on the ramp and report any suspicions to a flight instructor or an airport authority.
2.1 General Risks
Airport ramp activities present various risks, including aircraft movement collisions, rotor downwash, foreign object debris (FOD), weather-related hazards, equipment, and human error. The following provides more detailed information on these various risks.
Aircraft Movement and Collisions
-
Aircraft towing can cause collisions with ground service equipment, hangars, other aircraft, etc.
-
Clarksville Regional Airport ramp marking are for guidance ONLY. Use caution and be aware of rotor clearance.
-
Pay particular attention taxing out from behind Hangar 5 towards the runway. Vehicles and personnel continually walk between the hangars.
-
No taxiing is permitted between the first row of aircraft and the hangar. Taxiing is permitted during practical tests at the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
-
If a fuel truck is refueling an aircraft behind the Hangar 5, do not taxi past it. Find a different route, parking spot, or shut down and move aircraft by hand.
Rotor Downwash
-
Potential to cause significant damage to nearby vehicles, aircraft, and objects, as well as people.
-
Pay particular attention to other helicopters while they are idling or during rotor coast down.
FOD
Weather-Related Hazards
Equipment
-
Faded ground markings can make it difficult for personnel to navigate the ramp safely.
-
Hot aircraft parts can pose a burn hazard. Pay particular attention during preflight of a recently flown aircraft.
-
Ensure ladders are firmly sitting on the ground prior to use.
-
If attaching dolly wheels to the aircraft skids, ensure you have a firm grasp to prevent damage to the aircraft or dolly wheel.
Personal Electronic Devices (PED)
Disclaimer: PED can cause a big distraction in the cockpit and are to be used soley for navigational purposed while in flight.
The FAA determined PEDs could be potentially hazardous to aircraft systems if operated aboard aircraft.
All faculty, staff, and students are allowed the use of PEDs during aircraft operation, under the following guidelines.
-
Texting, emailing, social media, and gaming is prohibited at any point while the engine is operating.
-
An Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) system does not replace any required system or equipment (navigation, communication, or surveillance system).
-
The EFB system on board the aircraft displays ONLY precomposed or interactive information which are functionally equivalent to the paper reference material which it is replacing or substituting.
-
The information being used for navigation or performance planning must be current, up-to-date, and valid.
-
All PEDs SHALL not be utilized during a hover, by ALL pilots.
-
The EFB system SHALL have a minimum of 75% battery life on all cross-country or IFR flights. It is recommended the EFB is fully charged for all flights.
-
Consider having a backup power source available.
-
Be aware that battery life can decrease over time.
-
If using the EFB extensively, consider turning down screen brightness, disabling unnecessary features, or switching to airplane mode.
-
Passengers
Disclaimer: Due to the current insurance policy, only those enrolled in the aviation science program may be carried as passengers during all solo or dual flights.
All passengers, outside of the Aviation Science program, SHALL receive a briefing that covers the following:
-
Safe Approach and Departure
-
Approach – Passengers should approach and depart a running helicopter crouching, regardless of rotor blade height.
-
Rotor Arc – Understand the potential danger of the rotor arc and avoid it.
-
Tail Rotor – Understand the potential dangers of the tail rotor and avoid it.
-
Entry and Exit – Only enter or exit a running helicopter as directed by the pilot or designated representative.
-
-
Seatbelts
-
Operation – Demonstrate how to fasten and unfasten seatbelt, emphasizing proper fit and tightness.
-
Emergency – Explain the seatbelts should remain fastened unless instructed otherwise.
-
-
Forced Landing:
-
Evacuation – Occurs only after all movement has stopped.
-
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) – Explain how to activate the ELT and remain with the aircraft.
-
-
Other Important Information:
-
Headsets – Explain use of headsets, including proper microphone positioning and volume control.
-
Fire Extinguishers – Point out the location and proper use.
-
Radio Silence – Advise passengers to maintain radio silence during critical phases of flight.
-