Importance Of Ground Support Equipment Maintenance

Ground Support Equipment, or GSE, for short, is support equipment for military and commercial aircraft on the ground. Its purpose is to support on-ground operations while the aircraft is parked at a gate or hangar between flights. Since poorly maintained equipment can result in disastrous consequences, ground support equipment maintenance is crucial for the safety of personnel and the prevention of costly damage to aircraft.

The golden thumb rule to prevent damage to equipment is to keep it well-maintained. It can be done by performing visual inspections and regularly maintaining equipment per the manufacturer’s instructions. Maintenance records make it even simpler to promote safety at airports and save money and time. Here are a few ways to do it.

Towbar inspection

Examining the aircraft type that needs to be moved is crucial to ensure using the correct towbar. Visual inspection of the towbar makes it easier to spot missing bolts and pins and get them replaced on time. Besides nails and bolts, inspecting tires is an excellent decision to learn when it’s time to grease the bearings and the axles.

Tail stand inspection

Also known as jack stabilizing stands, tail stands are devices used to stabilize an aircraft’s rear when it is at rest. The stand is typically placed beneath the tail while loading and unloading to provide better stability and prevent aircraft from tipping longitudinally due to a weight shift. Maintenance of the tail stand is not complex; if the neck is sliding up and down in the stand without hindrance, it’s good to go. Inspecting stabilizing pin is crucial as bending or wear is not uncommon.

Fire inspection

Both fixed equipment and ground support equipment vehicles are used in airports day and night. Although equipment generally lasts for more than ten years, their heavy use and age can contribute to starting a fire. As they have fuel-based engines and run for extended periods, even in hot environments, the chances of fire are never low. Electrical connections and batteries also pose a fire risk.

Ground support equipment maintenance is imperative to prevent potential hazards at airports. Consider regular inspection and replace GSE parts at the earliest to improve operations’ productivity and efficiency.