flight line vehicle operations

3. BASIC AIRFIELD MARKINGS Runways Runways have specific markings on them that are white. They will have numbers on each end and stripes down the middle with white lines on the edges. Runways that are served by an instrument approach will have more elaborate markings such as those shown in the figure. The most important thing to remember about a runway is that it is meant for aircraft use, so never drive your vehicle on it unless you are authorized to do so.

4. BASIC AIRFIELD MARKINGS Taxiways Taxiways are areas used by the aircraft to get to and from the ramp and the runway. Taxiways look similar to runways, but are usually not as wide and they don't have the same kind of markings. Taxiway markings are yellow. Instead of numbers, taxiways use letters or letter/number combinations for designators. Like runways, taxiways are meant for aircraft use. Authorization is normally required before you operate a vehicle on runways or taxiways.

5. BASIC AIRFIELD MARKINGS Aprons and Ramps Aprons or ramps are the areas where aircraft park, load, and unload. Your work may require you to drive on an apron. If so, be very careful. Watch out for aircraft that are moving and always 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 checklist items. In addition to watching for moving aircraft, be careful not to get too close to a parked aircraft. Aside from nicks and dents that are expensive to repair, you could be hurt if an aircraft suddenly started its engine and you were too close. You should also be aware of the problem of jet blast or prop and rotor wash. 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(s) or if the engine(s) is running is that the aircraft's flashing beacons will be on.

6. LICENSING PROCEDURES Personnel operating vehicles on DAAF will be properly licensed.

7. LICENSING PROCEDURES To operate a vehicle on DAAF you must: a. Have a job requirement to drive on DAAF b. Complete this flight line drivers training module by your unit�s Master Driver c. Receive a 70% or better on the end of course module test given by your unit�s Master Driver d. Receive a thorough day and night flight line orientation given by your supervisor e. Have a valid U.S. Government Motor Vehicle Operator's Identification Card (OF 346) with appropriate vehicle qualification and the DAAF Flight line Driver Certificate f. Complete annual refresher training given by the unit�s Master Driver

8.  VEHICLE TYPE SPEED LIMIT Vehicles in close proximity (25 feet) of aircraft................................. 5 MPH Vehicles towing aircraft or aviation ground equipment (AGPU)���.. 5 MPH When traveling during periods of limited visibility or icy conditions � 5 MPH Vehicles traveling within 30 feet of hanger doors��� ������� 5 MPH Special purpose vehicles (tugs, tractors, buses, forklifts, Gators, tankers)�������������������������������� 10 MPH Vehicles operating on unpaved surfaces......................................... 10 MPH General purpose vehicles (HMVEE)������������������..................................... 15 MPH Vehicles operating on the taxiways or runway.................................15 MPH Note: In an emergency, speed limits may be exceeded by emergency vehicles

9. VEHICLE OPERATIONS  A flight line drivers certificate is required to drive a vehicle inside the flight line security gates. A gate transmitter is required to open the gates.

10. VEHICLE OPERATIONS All vehicles operating on DAAF will: a. Have fully operational headlights, tail lights, 4-way flashers and/or rotating yellow beacon. These lights will be used during vehicle operations. b. Have operational brakes and wheel chocks. c. Be equipped with ATC light gun signal sticker. d. The use of chains are authorized on aircraft tow vehicles only during icy conditions.

11. VEHICLE OPERATIONS  Ground guides will be used when operating within 25 feet of an aircraft.

12. VEHICLE OPERATIONS DO NOT leave vehicles unattended and motors running.

13. VEHICLE OPERATIONS Vehicles parked within 25 feet of an aircraft should have their ignition off, parking brake set, wheels chocked and key in the ignition and hazard flashers on.

14. VEHICLE OPERATIONS DO NOT drive between or under parked aircraft unless refueling, servicing, or towing the aircraft. Ground guides must be used to guide the vehicle to or away from the aircraft.

15. VEHICLE OPERATIONS DO NOT OPERATE VEHICLE 40 FEET BEHIND OR 25 FEET IN FRONT OF AIRCRAFT WITH ENGINES RUNNING

16. VEHICLE OPERATIONS No parking on taxiways or runways.

18. RUNWAY CROSSING If your airfield has an air traffic control (ATC) tower, it is called a "controlled" airport whenever the tower is operating. That means anyone flying into or out of the airfield must first get permission from ATC. Aircraft and vehicles on the ground must also get permission from ATC to be on the runway or taxiways. ATC calls these areas "movement areas". As an operator of a vehicle, you must get ATC permission (clearance) before you go onto a runway or taxiway, associated safety areas, or any other part of the movement area. Between the hours of 2300 to 0600 on Monday thru Friday, weekends and federal holidays the ATC is closed. Between these times all aircraft and ground vehicles must contact Davison Advisory (Base Operations) for advisory to proceed and operate in the movement areas. Check the airport diagram and be sure of the location of the movement areas. Davison Advisory does NOT give clearance or approvals. They give acft and ground vehicles information of any movement on the airfield and airspace for them to proceed with caution. Advisory will tell a ground vehicle to hold short or to stay at your position if needed.

19. AIRCRAFT MOVEMENT AREA Movement area is the runway, taxiway and heliport area and other areas utilized for landing and take-offs Runway �HOLD LINES� are painted on each taxiway leading to the main runway 14/32 Do not cross the taxiway or hold lines until you receive approval from the control tower

20. RUNWAY CROSSING STOP AT THE HOLDLINE ! DO NOT CROSS UNLESS ATC OR BASE OPERATIONS GIVES YOU APPROVAL.

21. Airport Diagram

22. COMMUNICATIONS / SIGNALS Use two way radio set to airfield ground control frequency (channel 7). Each vehicle has a call sign identifying the vehicle (Golf cart/ Gator/ Tug).  Know the proper phraseology and never use Citizen's Band (CB) terminology or law enforcement codes. Think about what you are going to say before calling ATC.

26. Air traffic controllers have a backup system for communicating with pilots if the aircraft's or ATC's radios fail. ATC uses a light gun with different colors to tell pilots or vehicle drivers what to do. If you are ever working on a runway or taxiway and your radio quits, you should turn your vehicle towards the tower, start flashing your headlights and ATC will signal you with the light gun. This may take some time if the controller's attention is directed towards another part of the airport. Alternatively, try another frequency (the tower or "local control" frequency) or telephone base operations (703-806-7682/3) if you have access to a phone. BE PATIENT! Even a failed radio is not an excuse for proceeding without proper approval. ATC LIGHT GUN SIGNALS