DGCA’s Urgent Mandate to Prevent Airport Ground Collisions
In a decisive move to enhance aviation safety, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a directive to ground handling service providers, emphasizing the need for adequate rest for drivers and equipment operators. This urgent mandate comes in response to a series of investigations revealing that fatigue-induced errors have led to numerous accidents within airport apron areas.
Addressing Fatigue-Induced Errors
The DGCA’s investigation has uncovered a troubling trend of drivers falling asleep while operating vehicles in sensitive airport areas, resulting in collisions with airport structures, aircraft, and other vehicles. Highlighting these findings in a comprehensive safety advisory, the DGCA underscored the imperative for ground handling personnel to receive sufficient rest, particularly before undertaking night shifts.
The advisory stipulates that drivers should be actively encouraged to report any signs of fatigue, ensuring a proactive approach to preventing mishaps. By addressing this critical issue, the DGCA aims to mitigate the risks associated with operator fatigue, thereby safeguarding airport operations.
Stringent Speed Regulations to Enhance Safety
To further bolster safety measures, the DGCA has mandated that all ground handling vehicles, with the exception of emergency response units such as fire and rescue vehicles, ambulances, and quick reaction teams, must adhere to a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h within operational areas. This regulation is designed to minimize the potential for high-speed collisions, thereby enhancing overall safety.
Airport managers have been instructed to explore advanced technological solutions for speed monitoring and vehicle tracking. The use of speed guns at strategic locations will facilitate real-time monitoring and enforcement of speed limits. Violations will be met with stringent actions, including the revocation of Airport Driving Permits (ADPs), ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols.
Prohibition of Mobile Phone Usage
In a bid to eliminate distractions and enhance focus, the DGCA has imposed a ban on the use of mobile phones by drivers and equipment operators within airside areas. This measure is intended to prevent accidents resulting from inattentiveness and to ensure that operators remain fully alert while performing their duties.
Stakeholders operating at airports have been directed to sensitise and train their staff in accordance with the revised guidelines. This comprehensive training will equip personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to adhere to safety protocols and prevent ground incidents.
Apron and Ramp Safety Identified as High-Risk Category
Recognizing the severe consequences that collisions in apron and ramp areas can entail, the DGCA has classified apron/ramp safety as one of the National High-Risk Categories (N-HRCs) in the National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP). This classification underscores the critical importance of implementing robust safety measures to mitigate risks in these high-stakes environments.
Evolution of Safety Measures
Since the issuance of the initial safety advisory in 2007, which focused on vehicular speed control and movement on the apron, the DGCA has witnessed a significant reduction in ground incidents. The revised guidelines build upon this foundation, incorporating common causative factors such as non-adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) by ground staff, drivers, equipment operators, maintenance personnel, refueling personnel, and aircraft operating crews.
The advisory also identifies fatigue related to increased duty hours and inadequate training as key issues. Addressing these factors is crucial to further enhancing safety within airport operational areas.
Comprehensive Guidelines for Enhanced Safety
The revised safety circular includes several additional measures designed to bolster apron and ramp safety. These include the installation of CCTV cameras with inbuilt recording facilities and video analytics in operational areas. Such surveillance measures will enable continuous monitoring and prompt identification of safety breaches.
Furthermore, the DGCA has emphasized the importance of sharing timely information about adverse weather conditions, including thunderstorms and lightning activity, with all airport stakeholders. This proactive approach will enable personnel to take necessary precautions and mitigate weather-related risks.
Summary:
| Key Learning Points |
|---|
| DGCA mandates rest for drivers to prevent airport ground collisions. |
| Fatigue-induced errors identified as major cause of accidents. |
| Stringent speed regulations and use of speed monitoring technology. |
| Prohibition of mobile phone usage by drivers and operators. |
| Apron and ramp safety classified as high-risk category. |
| Comprehensive guidelines include CCTV surveillance and weather alerts. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
