This guide was prepared to teach you about the unique problems and safety requirements of working and driving a vehicle on an airport. If you have never worked on an airport before, it can be a confusing experience for the first few weeks. This guide explains some of the things you will see, how things work, and some of the rules you will have to follow when working on an airport. If you already work on the airport, this guide may teach you some things you didn't know, or remind you of some things you may have forgotten.
Airports are different than any other place you have ever worked. The potential for injury, not only to yourself, but to pilots and their passengers, is great. Each of us must make safety our first priority. One careless mistake could result in the death or injury of yourself or others. It's up to each one of us to make sure we do everything we can to make the airport as safe as possible.
One way to do that is the know how the airport operates, what the signs and markings mean, the types of problems and safety hazards that may occur, and any special rules that the airport may have. This guide talks about those things and your responsibilities as a vehicle or equipment operator.
A runway is the area where an aircraft lands or takes off. It can be grass, or packed dirt, or a hard surface such as asphalt or concrete. Runways have special markings on them to help a pilot in the air to tell that it is a runway (and not a road) and to help them when they are landing or taking off. Runway markings are white.
Most runways have numbers on the end. The number is the runway's compass direction. (For example, runway numbered 36 would be pointing north or 360 degrees). Some airports have more than one runway going in the same direction, so they add letters to the end of the number -R for right, C for center, and L for left. The other end of the runway is pointing in the opposite direction, so it gets a different number. The runway called 36 would be called 18 (for 180 degrees) if you were looking at it from the other end.
Runways may have other markings besides the end number on them. They may have white stripes down the middle of them, and solid white lines on the edges. The most important thing for you to remember about a runway is that it is meant for aircraft use, so you should never drive your vehicle on it, unless you are authorized to do so.
Taxiways are areas used by the aircraft to get to and from their parking place and the runway. Taxiways look a lot like runways, but they usually aren't as wide as the runway, and they don't have the same kind of markings. Taxiway markings are yellow. Instead of numbers, taxiways use letters (like A, B, or C) for names. Like runways, taxiways are meant for aircraft use. Never drive your vehicle on a taxiway unless you are authorized to do so.
Aircraft aprons are the areas where the aircraft park. Aprons are also sometimes called ramps. They vary in size, from areas that may hold five or ten small planes, to the very large areas that the major airports have. Unlike the runways or taxiways, vehicles can use aprons. Your work may require you to drive on an apron. If so, be very careful in these areas. Watch out for aircraft that are moving and yield the right of way to them. Don't assume the pilot will see you and stop - he or she may be busy with other things like radio communications or checking the aircraft instruments. Every year there are many accidents involving vehicles and aircraft that result in property damage, personal injury, and in some cases, death. Don't let this happen to you! Your airport Executive Director has established rules for driving a vehicle on the airport - get a copy and read and obey them. The rules are there for your safety as well as the safety of the aircraft pilot and passengers.
In addition to watching out for moving aircraft, be careful not to get to close to a parked one. Aside from nicks and dents, which are expensive to repair, you could be hurt if an aircraft suddenly started its engine and you were to close. You should also be aware of the problem of jet blast or prop wash. This occurs when an aircraft engine is running. If you are near the aircraft, especially if you are behind it, you can be hit by a strong wind that can know you onto the ground, and in some cases can even burn you. There have been several cases where vehicles have been overturned by jet blast. One way to tell if an aircraft is about to start its engine or if the engines are already running is to look for a flashing light on top of the fuselage (body) of the aircraft.
The signs near the runways and taxiways come in different sizes and colors. If the sign has white numbers on a red background, it is a runway holding position sign. These signs are important because they mean you are on the edge of the protected area around a runway and must have permission to proceed. A yellow sign with black letters is a guidance sign. A black sign with yellow letters is a location sign. The taxiways at our airport have these signs next to them.
A taxiway sign with yellow letters and a black background will tell you which taxiway you are on and helps you determine your location. Some airports have these signs painted on the taxiways.
There may be signs to remind pilots of noise abatement procedures or warning signs that tell vehicle operators not to proceed beyond a certain point. You may see markings that identify the area of the airport under air traffic control. These markings are yellow and consist of two yellow lines, one solid one dashed. The dashed line faces the area controlled by ATC.
Runways are edged with white lights and taxiways have blue lights. Near the ends of runways, the lights may be two-sided. Amber on one side, white on the other. At the end of the runway, you may also see runway threshold lights. These are red on one side, green on the other. If the amber or red lights are visible you may be approaching the end of the runway. Remember, runway edge lights are white and taxiway edge lights are blue.
Runway markings are painted white. Taxiways have yellow markings. The center of the taxiway has a solid yellow stripe. The sides may have one or two solid yellow stripes along the edge. Again, not all airports have these markings. As the taxiway comes up to the edge of the runway, you may see what pilots call a "hold" line that looks like this. It is two solid yellow stripes followed by two broken yellow stripes. This is the airport version of a stop sign. Along the side of the taxiway next to the hold line, there may be a runway holding position sign (red and white) with the runway number.
Ramps have markings, as well, for aircraft parking and tie downs. Some airport ramps have special markings for vehicle operations. If there are vehicle or roadway markings, you should always drive your vehicle within those marked areas. Taxiways may also be marked on the apron to show aircraft routes to gates and parking areas.
The Charlotte County Airport is licensed under 14 CFR Part 139 as a General Aviation Airport. Most airports in this country are general aviation airports. General Aviation is defined as everything but the military and the commercial airline aircraft. GA aircraft range in size from the small propeller driven planes up to the larger jets similar to those used by the airlines.
When the control tower is closed or if there is no tower, the airport is called non-towered. At the Charlotte County Airport, you must always get authorization from airport management before going onto a taxiway or runway. Should permission be granted, a radio tuned to the airport's common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) usually called UNICOM, will be on to monitor the air traffic. When you get near the runways and taxiways, SLOW DOWN! Look both ways and then look UP for aircraft that are landing or taking off or in the traffic pattern. Always yield the right-of-way to taxiing aircraft and give them plenty of room. If an aircraft is on the same taxiway as you and headed in your direction, move out of the aircraft's way. Be careful not to hit taxiway edge lights. If an aircraft is about to land on a runway that you need to cross, stop and yield to the aircraft until it has landed and taxied clear of the runway. Then proceed.
Aircraft at non-towered airports frequently make "touch and go" landings where immediately after landing, full power is applied and the aircraft takes off again. Before you cross a runway, make sure the aircraft has exited the runway or has gone past you.
Extra vigilance is key at non-towered airports. Aircraft do not have to communicate or announce their position in the pattern or on the surface. Some aircraft don't have radios. You can be lulled into complacency at non-towered airports because they usually aren't very busy; hence they don't justify a control tower. If you are use to not seeing any other traffic, don't expect this will always be the case. If your vehicle has a rotating beacon, be sure to turn it on anytime you are on the airport surface. Sometimes the runway gradient makes it impossible to see the entire length of the runway and an aircraft can suddenly appear when you are crossing. It's best to cross runways at the end.
Trash or rocks sucked into a jet engine can shred parts of the engine in seconds. A rock caught by a propeller can damage the propeller, as well as become a deadly projectile. Make your airport a safer place by putting all trash in a covered container that won't be blown over. Get in the habit of picking up any trash and rocks near aircraft movement areas. Also pick up nails, bolts, or pieces of metal that could cause FOD or puncture tires, avoid tracking mud and rocks onto the pavement surfaces. Always drive your vehicle on the right side of the taxiways and along the fence on the apron to reduce the chances of FOD.
If you are involved in an accident, report it immediately to your supervisor who will in-turn report it to Airport Management. If a collision occurred between you and an aircraft, it's critical that the aircraft not be flown until the damage can be inspected and repaired.
Just as when you are in highway traffic, if you see an airport emergency vehicle with its lights on, pull out of its way, stop, and do not proceed until it is well clear of you.
Depending on the type of airport you work on, the security system may be as simple as a fence or it may include items as complicated as computer controlled automatic gates with television screen monitors. At the Charlotte County Airport, airport staff is responsible for security and will notify the Sheriff's Department for assistance. If you see a gate left open, close it, and then report it to Airport Staff.
If you haven't seen your airport at night yet, the first time may be surprising. If you airport's runways and taxiways aren't lighted, the airport may look like a big black emptiness. If the runways and taxiways are lighted, the airport may look like a confusing array of blue, white, red and green lights.
It's much easier to get lost or confused when driving on the airport at night. Your vision changes at night so the lights may seem to blur together. If you have to drive at night, it's a good idea to drive around the airport during the day first to orient yourself to the airport. Always allow yourself a little extra time to get to wherever you are going, and drive slower than you normally would. Watch for signs and markings like those we talked about earlier. And if you're not absolutely sure, ASK someone.
Driving rains and fog can affect the operation of the airport as well as affect you work. Here are a few precautions to remember when driving in bad weather:
Grass has to be cut, the pavement occasionally needs to be swept and lights and other equipment need repairing. If you are the person who has to do these things, then you will be working on or next to the taxiways and runways, and you need to be extra careful.
Your job may require you to fuel or service aircraft. If so, you probably will never need to go onto a runway or taxiway. However, some accidents have occurred because the driver (who normally only drove on the apron and roadways) became confused or wasn't paying attention and accidentally drove onto the runway or taxiway? Other accidents have occurred on the ramp areas where the driver was authorized to drive, either because the pilot and/or driver failed to see each other and didn't stop in time, or because a moving object (either a plane or a vehicle) ran into a parked one. So follow the rules we talked about earlier, as well as you own airport's rules and regulations.
As hard as we try not to, all of us make mistakes once in a while. What will happen to you if you make a mistake while operating a piece of equipment or a vehicle on the airport? That depends on the type of mistake you make, whether any one is hurt or property damaged, and the airport's policy.
The owner of the airport, whether it is a city, state, airport authority, or private owner has certain rules for anyone who must follow on the airport. Ask your employer for a copy of these rules, and then read and obey them. The rules can cover a wide range of subjects, depending on the size and complexity of the airport. Breaking any of the rules may be punishable by a fine or other penalty.
It is up to the representative of the owner of the airport (usually the airport manager) to determine what rules have been broken and what the punishment will be. Most airports look at each mistake on a case by case basis. At a minimum, you and your company would be responsible for any injury or property damage.
If you operate a vehicle or piece of equipment on the airport, it is your duty to report ANY accident, even minor dents or scratches, to your employer, and in accordance with your airport's rules and regulations. Even a small dent in the wrong place on an aircraft can make that aircraft unsafe to fly. Please, do your part to help make the airport a safe place.
The Charlotte County Airport is owned and operated by the Charlotte County Airport Authority. Having a three letter designation of "PGD", the Airport and Commerce Park are located on approximately 1934 acres, three miles Southeast of the City of Punta Gorda.
The Charlotte County Airport has three runways. The primary runway 3/21 is 6,695 feet long. The secondary runway 15/33 is 5,127 feet long, the third runway 9/27 is 2,600 feet long. There are three main taxiways, A, C & D. Taxiway D parallels runway 15/33. Taxiway C runs from the main ramp across 15/33 at mid field then changes to A which parallels 3/21 to the north. The Airport has three aircraft parking ramps. The north ramp is west of "F". The main ramp is west and midfield of runway 15/33. The south ramp is south of the main ramp.
Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139. 329 (e) states that a certificate holder shall "ensure that each employee, tenant or contractor who operates a ground vehicle on any portion of the airport which has access to the movement area is familiar and complies with the airport's rules and procedures for the operation of ground vehicles".
Each employee, tenant and contractor with ramp access will show proof of possession of a valid driver's license and complete an airport training course on ground vehicle operations which will include but not limited to:
1) Airport Familiarization
2) Airport Rules and Regulations
3) Movement Area Familiarization
4) Radio Communication Phraseology and Techniques
No person shall operate a ground vehicle which is so constructed, equipped or loaded, or is in physical or mechanical condition as to endanger persons or property.
Vehicles operating in the AOA shall be authorized by airport management.
All vehicles shall yield to the right-of-way of aircraft, pedestrians, emergency vehicles and equipment and aircraft in tow.
No vehicle shall be parked as to block:
1) Fence openings or emergency entrances to the AOA.
2) Emergency vehicles or equipment
3) Fire hydrants or lanes
4) Any paved access way, roadway or vehicular traffic lane
Vehicles operated on the Airport shall be equipped with two (2) headlights and two (2) or more red tail lights, which shall be lighted during operations between sunset and sunrise.
Know and obey all Airport Rules and Regulations.
Remember, a pilot's view of ground areas immediately in front and adjacent to the sides of the aircraft and is limited, and any area behind the wings is nonexistent. When possible, approach aircraft from a direction where a pilot can see you.
Always dim or lower the beams of vehicle headlights when approaching oncoming aircraft or motor vehicles.
Aircraft taxiing or being towed has the right-of-way.
Smoking is prohibited on the apron including while operating a vehicle on the apron.
Report all fuel spills, immediately to the Airport Operations office @ 941-639-4119.
Speed limits:10 MPH all aprons.
5 MPH in vicinity of aircraft.
Never, without notification and authorization from airport operations or management, enter a movement area.
Be aware of the possibilities of jet blast/prop wash when positioned behind an aircraft.
An operating rotating beacon on an aircraft indicates that the engines are running or are about to be started.
An aircraft just starting to move will generate considerably more jet blast or prop wash than one that is idling. Consequently an object that may be in a safe position for idle thrust may be subject to a mishap when breakaway thrust is applied. Other situations to be aware include when an aircraft is turning or using reverse thrust to back up.
A runway/taxiway incursion is the unauthorized entry onto a runway or taxiway by an aircraft, vehicle or person. Airport operations department or airport management controls runway and taxiway vehicle access.
The movement area are those portions of the Air Operations Area (AOA) for which authorization is required from Airport Operations or Management to travel on. Movement areas include:
Ground vehicles having the need to operate within the safety areas, shall obtain proper authorization.
Operators of ground vehicles within the safety area shall, at all times, leave the vehicles flashing beacon on and monitor the UNICOM frequency.
Imaginary surfaces, established by FAR Part 77 in relation to the Airport and each runway.
The penetration of our imaginary surface, by any man made object or natural object, may derogate the use of airspace or navigational aids for aircraft safety.
A defined rectangular area, on a land airport prepared, for the landing and takeoff of aircraft along its length. Runways are normally numbered in relation their magnetic direction, rounded off to the nearest . 10 degrees. At Charlotte County Airport the runways are 3/21, 15/33 and 9/27.
An area 450 feet in width, the center portion of which is the usable runway and which extends 1000 feet beyond the end of the runway.
Are depicted by two continuous and two dashed yellow lines, spaced 12 inches between lines and are perpendicular to the taxiway centerline. They may also consist of one or more signs at the edge of the taxiway.
That portion of the movement area used for surface maneuvering of aircraft to transition on the air operations area.
An area 170 ft. wide, the center of which is the usable taxiway.
Access to movement areas and safety areas shall be limited to those ground vehicles necessary for Airport Operations. No ground vehicle may operate in movement areas without the authorization from Airport Management. Authorization is valid on a per occasion basis only. Ground vehicles with authorization shall have:
1) A flashing amber beacon clearly visible and functional on top of the vehicle.
2) Two way radio communication with UNICOM.
If a ground vehicle does not have the required equipment, an authorized escort with the required equipment shall be used.
Vehicles operating on the movement areas shall be in continuous two-way radio communication with UNICOM and have an operating flashing amber beacon or under escort by a properly authorized and equipped airport ground vehicle.
The installation of two-way radios and flashing beacons shall not be construed as a license to operate any vehicle on the movement area without authorization.
All vehicles operating on the runways, excluding crossing, aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment and Airport Operations vehicles shall, when possible, do so in a direction opposite to aircraft traffic flow. When crossing a runway, you should try to do so at the end.
Persons operating vehicles on movement areas without authorization shall be subject to prosecution of public trespass.
All persons operating any vehicles on the Charlotte County Airport must possess a valid driver's license. It shall be the responsibility of the Airport Operations Department to police all unauthorized ground vehicles and enforce compliance of this section.
Access to the ramp and aircraft parking areas shall be limited to those vehicles with legitimate needs only. All ground vehicles operating on the ramp or aircraft parking areas shall observe the 10 mph. Ground vehicles (except airport vehicles) shall not be parked on the airport's main ramp.
Permanent tie-down tenants have authorization from Airport Management to operate ground vehicles to and from their aircraft from the closest access gate.
T-Hangar tenants are authorized to operate ground vehicles to their Hangars from the vehicle gate closest to their leased Hangar. T-Hangar areas are not to be used for ground vehicle parking.
Employees, tenants and contractors requiring ramp or movement area access will complete this Charlotte County Airport Ground Vehicle Training Course.
Failure to comply with any rules, regulations, or directive of this Authority, its agents, Commissioners or staff, will result in oral reprimand for the first offense, written reprimand for the second offense, the third offense will result in permanent revocation of the AIRPORT GATE ACCESS CARD privileges.
The Airport Management will make available for inspection to the FAA Administration, on request, any records of accidents or incidents on the movement are involving any aircraft and/or ground vehicles.
Aircraft, vehicle, person or object on the ground that creates a collision hazard or results in loss of separation with an aircraft taking off, intending to take off, landing, or intending to land.
Occurrence where less than required separation between two aircraft, an aircraft and terrain, or when a pilot is instructed to depart a closed runway.
Occurrence where separation is maintained, but an aircraft, vehicle, equipment or personnel enters active landing area without coordination.
Action of a pilot that results in violation of a Federal Aviation Regulation.
Vehicle operator or pedestrian who goes onto movement area without ATC approval.
Reference Material:
49 CFR Par 139 Certification of Airports
AC No: 150/5210-20 Ground Vehicle operations on Airports
AC No: 150/5210-5B Painting, Marking, and Lighting of Vehicles used on an Airport
Vehicle Access Card are issued/revalidated
Monday - Thursday (except holidays)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
in the Bailey Terminal
If you would like to make an appointment,
please send an e-mail to Airport Security
with the desired date and time.
NOTE: must be within the published dates & times indicated above