Ground support equipment of all varieties can benefit from abuse prevention technology in some manner.
“All types of GSE – motorized and non-motorized – are in principle able to utilize sensor information to prevent abuse,” says Garcia Sanz, commercial manager aviation services at Undagrid.
However, Sanz notes that due to their nature, various types of GSE sensors may generate different information.
Arun Patel, CEO of Access Control Group, says his company’s telematics solutions can be installed on any piece of GSE, regardless of type, make or age. The technology can be implemented as an aftermarket solution or installed by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
“In over 80 percent of the cases, telematics are installed as an aftermarket solution,” Patel says. “OEMs can easily install at the factory, which can reduce the cost of installation and avoid logistics of installation planning at GSE shops.”
Matthias Moulinier, product line manager at Adveez, says his company recommends its components be installed by an OEM but adds they can be installed on site as well. During the installation, Adveez representatives ensure the device and all cables are safely secured and seal for maximum security.
“The best way to prevent and eliminate equipment abuse is to install the device and IoT technology directly in the GSE factory,” Moulinier advises.
Dan Boucher, president at Powertrain Control Solutions (PCS), says customers have utilized his company’s electronic transmission components as aftermarket kits. However, some have opted to customize the solution for new equipment.
“We can dial in the parameters that you’d like set and we can go back to the OE and have that installed on new equipment that you’re buying,” he says.
According to Rod Gray, director and vice president of ground power at AERO Specialties, mostly motive powered equipment or equipment used in relation to motive power is commonly abused, so his company has solutions to make those operations safer.
“Any equipment that is towed is also exposed to abuse and force limiting tow vehicles could have a positive effect here,” Gray says.
He adds the company’s SiPsHitch system is retrofittable on any traditional tractor and can be easily installed on site.
As technology continues to improve, the ability to capitalize on abuse prevention technology will increase.
“As the technology scales up on all the equipment, you have the ability to have control systems that are monitoring or ensuring the operator is operating it to the protocols that are put in place by the airline,” Boucher explains. “The newer equipment is so advanced with programmable technology, they can be programmed to make sure the operator is operating it safely.”
