As the name might suggest, ground support equipment (GSE) facilitates servicing and handling of aircraft while they are on the ground to ensure that flights depart on time. GSE varies widely in function, enabling tasks like fueling, maintenance, and passenger services. In this blog, we will explore various types of ground support equipment and their key roles within the aviation industry.
When an aircraft is parked at a gate or in a maintenance area, it relies on external power sources to keep essential systems like lighting, air conditioning, and avionics running. GPUs help reduce the need for an aircraft's onboard auxiliary power unit, which can be costly to operate due to fuel consumption. By supplying stable energy, GPUs also minimize emissions, making them an environmentally friendly option for airports. Moreover, they ensure that technicians have the power they require to efficiently conduct system checks before a flight.
Aircraft tugs are used to tow planes to and from runways, hangars, or maintenance areas. Tugs vary in size and power, designed to handle different weights and types of aircraft. Using tugs helps to save fuel, reduce engine wear, and limit noise levels around airports. Additionally, modern tugs may be electric or diesel-powered, with some models even featuring advanced technology that allows for precise control, further enhancing their effectiveness in crowded airport environments.
De-icing trucks are critical for maintaining safety in cold climates where snow, ice, and frost can accumulate on an aircraft's surfaces. Ice on the wings, tail, or fuselage can alter the aerodynamic properties of an airplane, potentially impacting its ability to take off safely. Therefore, de-icing trucks are necessary to remove ice and prevent further accumulation, accomplishing this by spraying a heated glycol-based fluid onto an aircraft.
Aircraft refuellers, which include fuel trucks and hydrant carts, are prized in ground operations, as any delays in the refueling process can lead to significant disruptions in flight schedules. Fuel trucks are versatile, mobile units designed to transport and dispense fuel directly into aircraft, allowing them to operate efficiently across various areas of an airport. In contrast, hydrant carts are specifically used at larger airports, where they connect to underground fuel hydrant systems, providing more streamlined fueling in high-traffic environments.
While many airports rely on jet bridges for boarding, particular locations require the use of portable passenger stairs or ramps. Stairs are designed to accommodate a wide range of aircraft types, making them a highly versatile solution. Meanwhile, ramps are used to facilitate a smooth boarding process for passengers with mobility challenges, ensuring accessibility during the transition from ground to aircraft.
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Posted on January 28, 2025 Liam Davis
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