DALLAS — A recent tragic incident at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) highlighted the inherent risks associated with airport apron operations and maintenance.
Two people lost their lives and another was seriously injured when a tire burst during maintenance on a Delta Air Lines (DL) aircraft.
This incident reminds us of the critical safety concerns in daily operations at one of the busiest airports in the world.
The risks of airport ramps
Airport aprons, where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, fueled and maintained, are some of the most dangerous areas of an airport. The combination of heavy machinery, fuel, high-pressure systems and human activity creates an environment where accidents can happen if safety protocols are not carefully followed.
- High-pressure systems: Aircraft tires, hydraulic systems and other components are often under high pressure. The explosion at ATL reminds us of the dangers posed by the pressurized components of an aircraft. Tire explosions can be caused by improper tire pressure, structural failure or damage. The force of such an explosion is enormous and can cause serious injury or death to those nearby.
- Heavy equipment: The presence of vehicles such as tugs, tankers and maintenance equipment increases the risk of accidents on the apron. The movement of these vehicles, often in close proximity to aircraft and personnel, requires constant vigilance and compliance with safety protocols to avoid collisions and other incidents.
- Human factors: Fatigue, miscommunication and misjudgment are common human factors that contribute to ramp accidents. The hectic environment can lead to errors that can have serious consequences in aviation.
Why aircraft tires are filled with nitrogen
Aviation safety practices include filling aircraft tires with nitrogen instead of compressed air, which plays a critical role in the safety and reliability of flight operations. Since the late 1980s, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has required commercial aircraft to fill their tires with nitrogen instead of air or oxygen.
- Inert properties of nitrogen: Nitrogen is an inert gas that is non-flammable. In aircraft tires, this reduces the risk of fire or explosion. Compressed air contains oxygen, which can aid combustion if a tire overheats or the tire’s internal components leak. Using nitrogen reduces the risk of fire in the event of a tire blowout.
- Stable pressure during temperature changes: Aircraft tires are subject to extreme temperature changes, especially during takeoff and landing. Nitrogen keeps pressure more stable than compressed air, which can expand and contract more during temperature changes. This stability is important to maintain tire integrity and prevent blowouts.
- Reduced moisture content: Compressed air can contain moisture, which causes corrosion of the tire’s internal components and affects tire performance. Nitrogen, on the other hand, is dry and reduces the likelihood of moisture-related problems, increasing tire safety and longevity.
Compliance with FAA guidelines
The FAA sets strict guidelines for airport operations, including ramp safety and aircraft maintenance. Key guidelines include:
- Training and Certification: All aircraft maintenance and ramp operations personnel must be trained and certified in accordance with FAA regulations, including understanding the risks associated with high-pressure systems and proper aircraft tire maintenance procedures.
- Use of approved equipment: Only FAA-approved equipment and tools may be used when performing maintenance. For example, tire inflation must be done with equipment designed for the specific pressure required for aircraft tires.
- Safety Protocols: The FAA requires strict safety protocols for all ramp operations, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), maintaining clear communication, and ensuring that all procedures are followed precisely to prevent accidents.
The importance of strict safety protocols
The incident at ATL highlights the importance of strict safety protocols and ongoing training for all personnel involved in aircraft maintenance and ramp operations. Flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation, but the risk of accidents remains, particularly in high-risk areas such as airport aprons.
Delta has expressed its sadness over the loss of its team members and is cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation into the cause of the accident. That investigation will likely focus on whether all safety procedures were followed and whether additional measures could have prevented the tragedy.
The risks associated with airport apron operations cannot be underestimated and the recent incident at ATL underlines the importance of maintaining the highest safety standards. Nitrogen in aircraft tires is a safety measure to protect aviation workers.
Ongoing training, adherence to FAA safety protocols and a culture of vigilance are the norm at most airports, but incidents like today’s at ATL remind us that these procedures are critical to preventing future accidents and ensuring the safety of everyone who works in this demanding environment.
