Air start unit
A device used to start an aircraft's engines by supplying high-pressure air.
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Ground Ops
Browse Ground Ops terms for pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin crew and aviation learners.
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Airside
The part of an airport accessible to aircraft, including runways, taxiways, and ramps, but restricted to authorized personnel.
View termALL CLEAR
Final ramp-crew signal that all personnel, equipment and pin checks are complete; aircraft environs safe for taxi or engine start.
View termAnti-collision lights
High-intensity red or white lights installed on an aircraft and activated before engine start and during all movement to alert others to the presence of the aircraft.
View termASU connected
Confirmation that the Air Start Unit is attached and supplying pneumatic power for engine start procedures on the ground.
View termBaggage cart
A vehicle used to transport checked baggage between the aircraft and the terminal during ground handling operations.
View termBeacon on
Indicates that the aircraft's anti-collision beacon lights have been switched on, typically prior to engine start, signaling that engines may be running or about to start.
View termBelt loader
A motorized vehicle equipped with a conveyor belt for loading and unloading baggage or cargo into aircraft holds.
View termBelt power on
Controller or ramp-agent confirmation that the motorised baggage conveyor belt is energised and ready for loading or off-loading operations.
View termBulk hold
Small aft or forward lower-deck compartment used for loose bags, live animals, or outsized items not loaded in containers or pallets.
View termBypass pin
A safety locking pin inserted into the nose gear steering system to disable nose wheel steering during towing or pushback operations.
View termCargo dolly
A small wheeled platform or trailer used on the ramp to transport ULDs, baggage containers, or cargo pallets between aircraft and terminals.
View termCargo door
Large exterior hinged or plug-type door on the aircraft fuselage used for loading and unloading freight or baggage containers.
View termCargo pallet
A flat transport structure used as a base for Unit Load Devices (ULDs) or loose cargo, designed to be moved by forklifts or loaders and secured in aircraft cargo compartments.
View termCatering vehicle
A ground service vehicle used to deliver food and beverages to an aircraft, typically accessing the rear or forward service doors.
View termCG shift
Change in the aircraft’s centre of gravity caused by fuel burn, cargo movement or passenger redistribution, potentially affecting stability limits.
View termChock clear
A confirmation from ground crew that all wheel chocks have been removed and the aircraft is clear to move.
View termChocks
Wedges placed in front of and behind aircraft wheels to prevent movement when parked.
View termClear left
Visual confirmation that the aircraft’s left side is free of obstacles, vehicles or traffic before turning or taxiing.
View termClear right
Confirmation that the aircraft’s right side is unobstructed prior to manoeuvre, ensuring wingtip and engine clearance.
View termContainer loader
A type of ground service equipment used to lift and load cargo containers or Unit Load Devices (ULDs) into the aircraft's cargo hold.
View termCross diagonal
A painted or marked line intersecting taxiways or apron areas at an angle, indicating where to cross or not cross as instructed by ATC or ground marshallers.
View termDelayed push
Notification that pushback clearance or procedure is postponed due to operational, technical, or ATC constraints.
View termDisengage towbar
Ground-crew command to release the towbar from the aircraft nose-gear after pushback is complete and brakes set.
View termDoor closed
Indicates that all required aircraft doors are physically closed, typically before engine start or pushback.
View termDoor open
Confirms that one or more aircraft doors are physically open, typically during boarding, deplaning, or servicing.
View termEngine breakaway
Ground instruction for pilots to apply brief higher thrust to overcome static friction and initiate taxi from standstill.
View termEngine run area
A designated ground location where aircraft engines may be operated at power levels above idle for maintenance or operational checks.
View termEscort
The authorized accompaniment of an aircraft, vehicle, or personnel by an assigned entity, usually for safety or security purposes.
View termFOD check
A visual and procedural inspection of airport movement areas, particularly runways, taxiways, and aprons, to identify and remove Foreign Object Debris (FOD) that could endanger aircraft safety.
View termFuel Hydrant
An underground fueling system point on the apron where aircraft can be refueled directly through a hydrant instead of fuel trucks.
View termFuel Panel
An external aircraft access panel containing controls and connections for fuel loading operations, typically located under the wing or fuselage.
View termGate change
A revision in the assigned boarding or arrival gate for an aircraft, typically communicated via airport operations or ATC if it affects surface movement.
View termGPU connected
Confirmation that the Ground Power Unit is attached and supplying external electrical power to the aircraft while on the ground.
View termGround handling
All services required by an aircraft between landing and take-off, excluding air traffic control services. This includes baggage handling, refueling, catering, and aircraft marshaling.
View termGround power unit
A mobile or fixed unit that supplies electrical power to an aircraft on the ground when the engines or APU are not running.
View termGround Time
The total duration an aircraft spends on the ground between landing and takeoff, including taxiing, servicing, and boarding operations.
View termGround time indicator
A device or system that records or displays the elapsed time an aircraft spends on the ground between arrival and departure, primarily used for operational planning and monitoring ground handling efficiency.
View termHigh-lift loader
A high-lift ground support equipment used to load and unload Unit Load Devices (ULDs) or pallets into aircraft cargo holds, typically at the main deck level.
View termIntake Hazard
The danger posed by the suction force of a running jet engine's intake, which can pull in objects or personnel nearby.
View termJet Blast
The high-speed exhaust from a jet engine, which can cause damage or injury if encountered by personnel or equipment.
View termJet bridge
An enclosed, movable connector that extends from the airport terminal gate to an aircraft door for passenger boarding and disembarkation.
View termLav service
Ground service involving the emptying, cleaning, and replenishing of aircraft lavatory systems.
View termLoad control
Airline or ground-handling department responsible for planning, monitoring and approving aircraft loads, weight and balance.
View termLoad sheet
Official weight-and-balance document detailing masses, fuel, distribution and calculated centre of gravity for a specific flight.
View termMarshall
A person responsible for providing visual signals to guide aircraft during parking, pushback, or maneuvering on the apron or ramp areas.
View termMinimum turn
The shortest permissible time required for an aircraft turnaround, defined by airline procedures and airport resources to ensure rapid departure and compliance with operational schedules.
View termOn-time performance
A metric reflecting the punctuality of flights, indicating whether aircraft departures or arrivals occurred at the scheduled times according to the airline’s published timetable.
View termPotable water service
Ground operation involving the refilling of an aircraft’s drinking water tanks with safe, clean, and potable water.
View termPowerback forbidden
A restriction prohibiting aircraft from using engine thrust in reverse to move backward from the gate or stand.
View termPre‑conditioned air
Air that has been heated or cooled and dehumidified before being supplied to an aircraft on the ground.
View termPushback tractor
A motorized ground vehicle used to push aircraft backwards from the gate or parking position, typically before engine start.
View termRamp agent
A ground operations staff member responsible for guiding aircraft to and from gates, loading and unloading baggage, and ensuring ramp safety protocols.
View termRamp Lead
A supervisory ground crew member responsible for coordinating ramp operations and leading a team during aircraft turnaround activities.
View termRamp safety
Operational procedures and regulations ensuring the safe movement and coordination of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel in the airport ramp area, including apron and stand zones.
View termRemote stand
An aircraft parking stand located away from the terminal building, typically requiring bus transport for passengers.
View termSafety cone
A brightly colored, cone-shaped marker placed around aircraft or equipment to designate safety zones and prevent collisions during ground operations.
View termSecure area
A designated zone within an airport or airside area where access is restricted to authorized personnel for security purposes.
View termSlides armed
Confirms that the emergency evacuation slides are engaged and will deploy automatically if the door is opened.
View termSlides disarmed
Indicates that the emergency evacuation slides are disengaged from the doors and will not deploy if the door is opened.
View termStands
Designated areas on the apron where aircraft are parked for boarding, servicing, or loading/unloading operations.
View termStop sign
A clearly marked sign on the apron or taxiway instructing aircraft or vehicles to come to a complete stop and await further clearance.
View termTaxi guidance line
A painted marking on an airport surface that provides directional guidance for aircraft taxiing along specific routes.
View termTowbar
A metal bar used to connect an aircraft's nose gear to a pushback tractor for towing or pushback operations.
View termTowbarless tug
A powered ground vehicle that lifts the aircraft's nose gear and tows it without the need for a separate towbar.
View termTurnaround
The time taken to unload an arriving aircraft and prepare it for departure, including disembarkation, cleaning, refueling, catering, and boarding.
View termunchanged
Ground personnel positioned at each wingtip to ensure safe clearance of obstacles during aircraft ground movements.
View termunchanged
A ground vehicle used to guide arriving or departing aircraft along taxiways or on the apron, especially in low visibility or complex airport layouts.
View termunchanged
A ground crew member responsible for direct communication with the flight deck during pushback and engine start via interphone system.
View termunchanged
A qualified person seated in the cockpit of a towed aircraft responsible for applying brakes if necessary during towing or pushback operations.
View termUnit Load Device
Unit Load Device — a pallet or container used to load freight, mail, and baggage into aircraft cargo holds, standardized to facilitate handling and loading.
View termWingtip Clearance
The ensured safe distance between an aircraft’s wingtip and any obstacle, structure, or another aircraft during taxiing or parking.
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