Wireless Headsets For Team Communication Improve Ramp Safety

by Steve Smith and Michael Walsh
Created: February 28, 2012

Ground support crews can do their jobs more efficiently and safely without the wire, the shouting or the hand signals.

Flightcom Corporation

A Southwest Airlines tug operator uses Flightcom's wireless team communication system during a pushback at Portland International Airport
A Southwest Airlines tug operator uses Flightcom's wireless team communication system during a pushback at Portland International Airport
Flightcom Corporation

Technology has changed, but ramp workers still use hand signals, horns and flashing lights to communicate, as well as ear plugs to protect their hearing.
Technology has changed, but ramp workers still use hand signals, horns and flashing lights to communicate, as well as ear plugs to protect their hearing.
Flightcom Corporation

Wireless communication systems are affordable; the cost of deployng a system starts at less than 1/100th of the average insurance deductible for a wide-body aircraft.
Wireless communication systems are affordable; the cost of deployng a system starts at less than 1/100th of the average insurance deductible for a wide-body aircraft.
Flightcom Corporation

Clear team communication is essential in creating a safe, productive and effective work environment on the ramp.
Clear team communication is essential in creating a safe, productive and effective work environment on the ramp.
Flightcom Corporation

Figure 1: Wireless pushback and towing configuration.
Figure 1: Wireless pushback and towing configuration.
Flightcom Corporation

Figure 2: Wireless deicing configuration.
Figure 2: Wireless deicing configuration.

WIRELESS TEAMWORK

Viewed against a dangerous and costly backdrop, clear team communication is obviously essential to create a safe, productive and effective work environment on the ramp. Tractor operators and wing walkers need to warn each other of impending dangers. The tractor operator needs to keep the flight deck informed of ground movement. And all ground personnel should at least be able to hear the flight deck and each other during a pushback.

Ramp workers can do much more without the wire, the shouting or the hand signals.

A typical wireless pushback and towing configuration uses a portable transceiver for continuous two-way communication among one or more wing walkers and the tractor operator during aircraft movement. The tractor operator is free to concentrate on correct maneuvering, and all crew members can warn others instantly of impending dangers.

To optimize the flow of communication and minimize chatter, the system is configured so that all team members can hear the pilot, but only the tractor operator can talk directly to the flight deck. Because wireless communication increases coordination and enables real-time verbal warnings, it decreases the risk of accidents, shortens turn-around times, and increases the likelihood of hitting flight slots.

In addition to pushbacks and towing, wireless team communication systems can also be used to improve safety and efficiency during deicing, cargo and maintenance operations. In a deicing configuration, a wireless system connects the driver and the basket, and the system itself can be connected to two-way radios enabling communication with remote users.

Communication between the driver and the basket takes place on open microphone over a 1.9GHz (1.8GHz in the EU) encrypted frequency while also allowing radio monitoring and transmitting with a push to-talk button on the headsets. Systems can be configured to enable multiple deicing crews to communicate while working on the same aircraft - further improving efficiency. Additional configurations are available for maintenance teams and are scalable to almost any size.

Choosing a Wireless Communication System

Wireless headset systems are available in a wide variety of configurations and price ranges. To ensure a system meets the diverse needs of ground support, consider the following factors carefully:

Is the system truly wireless? A number of so-called “wireless” systems actually require a wire from the headset to a radio or belt pack. While these systems allow freedom of movement, a belt pack or radio wire creates many of the same problems inherent in hardwire systems, particularly tangled cords. Moreover, belt packs generally have less than half the transmission range of self-contained systems worn on the head.

Does the system use DECT or Bluetooth technology? Transmission technology can dramatically affect how well wireless systems perform in the field. Systems that employ Bluetooth technology generally have a limited range and are subject to radio frequency interference from nearby devices.

Look for systems that use Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications technology. DECT units generally offer up to 30 times more coverage and are less subject to interference than Bluetooth. DECT transmissions also have multipath capability, meaning the signal will bounce up, over and around objects in order to establish the best possible connection. DECT signals are also digitally encoded to ensure privacy.

Is the system full-duplex or half-duplex? Half-duplex systems allow communication in both directions, but only one direction at a time. That’s a walkie-talkie. On the other hand, full-duplex systems allow communication in both directions simultaneously. Full-duplex capabilities are an important safety consideration because they allow the parties to speak and hear others at the same time.

Is the system radio-compatible? Communication during pushback and towing is generally confined to the flight deck, wing walkers and tractor operator; however, other ground support functions may benefit from the ability to communicate with remote users over a two-way radio. Look for a system with maximum radio-interface flexibility.