Read the following scenario below and determine what must be done; explaining the actions you (or your staff) should take in this in the matter. (2 paragraph maximum)
MEMORANDUM FOR: AIRPORT OPERATIONS MANAGER
FROM: FAA TOWER SUPERVISOR
SUBJECT: TAXIWAY INCURSIONS
There were three taxiway incursions during the evening shift of January 10th. Each involved Grand Catering trucks. Please take the appropriate action.
2045 A Grand Catering truck was observed leaving the ramp roadway onto T/W IA, entering T/W I and proceeding South on T/W I to T/W ID. The truck then returned to the ramp roadway via T/W ID. The truck had its lights off and the controller was unable to identify the specific vehicle.
2100 A Grand Catering truck identified as GC44 was observed leaving the ramp roadway onto T/W ID, entering T/W I and proceeding North on T/W I to T/W IA. The truck then returned to the ramp roadway.
2125 A Grand Catering truck identified as GC44 was observed leaving the ramp roadway onto T/W IA, entering T/W I and proceeding South on T/W I to T/W IC. The truck then returned to the ramp roadway via T/W IC.
I.C. Em
Tower Supervisor
Scenario 1
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Scenario 1
The presented scenario can easily lead to a runway incursion where any of the three Grand Catering trucks (2045, 2100, and 2125) can be incorrectly positioned in the aircraft. One way these trucks can avoid the impending runway incursion is to seek the help of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and abide by its instruction (AeroGuard, 2022). ATC should give clear instructions to the drivers who should then write them down and draw lines on a taxi diagram. This move will give a clear visualization of the situation and how to maneuver it. Each driver should ensure to inform their crew about the route and the instruction given to avoid distraction and ensure that they keep their eyes outside of the cockpit as well (Spohn, 2021). The drivers can also build the big picture by listening to the clearances and location of other trucks.
For instance, 2045 should be delayed until either 2100 or 2125 is through because it is on a head-on collision with either of them. Since it may be hard to understand and interpret ATC instructions at that point, a progressive taxi would come in handy (Spohn, 2021). A progressive taxi would enable the ATC instructions to follow the drivers virtually and give a turn-by-turn instruction whenever and wherever necessary. This will ensure better coordination of the trucks by an external party with the whole panorama of the situation (AeroGuard, 2022). Besides, it facilitates decision-making as it acts as a guide and command to the drivers.
References
AeroGuard. (2022). Runway & Taxiway Incursions – Risks, Consequences, and Avoidance. https://www.flyaeroguard.com/learning-center/runway-incursions/
Spohn, R. (2021). Do You Know How to Prevent Runway Incursions? ELON AVIATION. https://www.elonaviation.com/blog/2021/8/9/do-you-know-how-to-prevent-runway-incursions