I write a lot about issues related to air carrier airports, but general aviation airports play a critical role in our aviation system. And safety at these airports is an important issue to focus on.
I was recently at a medium-sized GA airport in the southern part of the country frequented by a significant number of private jets, as well as single and twin engine aircraft. The airport generally appeared to be in excellent condition, and I was enjoying my time watching aircraft take off and land and movement on the ramp.
Out of the corner of my eye, I was surprised to see a twin engine turboprop come speeding down the taxiway with the door open and stairs down. I couldn’t believe how close the aircraft was to the airport’s perimeter fence and parked aircraft while maneuvering at such high speed. The speed alone would have been a concern.But the protruding stairs added to the risk of damage to the aircraft.
I can’t be sure whether the aircraft was being taxied by a pilot, a mechanic or another ramp worker, as the aircraft sped quickly out of my field of vision. But one thing is certain – the speed was way in excess of what anyone would reasonably consider safe given the ramp congestion.
Moving aircraft too quickly is one of the most common causes of aircraft damage at general aviation airports, just as at air carrier ones.
