The airport professional's source for airport industry news, articles, events, and careers.
Issue link: http://airportbusiness.epubxp.com/i/813534
FBO MANAGEMENT 42 airportbusiness April 2017 team is exactly that, and FBOs are often the last asphalt on the airport to see the blade of the plow. While relationships may not alter the priority list, Wheeler notes it is no coincidence the plow truck from the airport just happens to show up in the nick of time for a medevac flight ready to depart from the FBO's ramp. Those relationships, sowed in the summer, are reaped in the winter. In terms of snow removal, FBOs are wise to own or lease a heavy duty pickup truck, Bobcat, or other vehicle in their GSE fleet that may be converted quickly to plow truck with the addi- tion of a blade. While responsibility for snow removal from an FBO's ramp varies from airport to airport, snow removal from parking lots is often within the purview of the FBO. So too, is where that plowed snow is piled up for the win- ter. For places such as Sioux Falls, snow may fall anytime from October to April, and for three of those months, the average high temperature doesn't get above freezing. That means large piles of snow that don't melt for a very, very long time. While FBOs obviously shouldn't pile snow near the FBO customer entrance, piles of snow shouldn't be very near the airport fence either- for security reasons. Yes, snow piles can get taller than airport fences, making the fence much easier to hop over. Operationally, snow removal is just one aspect of an FBO's winter operations plan. Ground services affected by snow such as air- craft towing sometimes requires a different approach. The human element must also be considered, including appropriate employee schedule planning and the personal toll inclem- ent weather can take. On the subject aircraft towing, FBOs will often use chains on tow vehicle tires for additional grip in wintery con- ditions. Towbarless tractors, such as Lektros, while unmatched for hangar movements, quick- ly lose their efficacy on snow. Hence, when on open ramp conditions in snow, the old reliable of tug and towbar is the order of the day. However, these tugs have their limits as well, and when- ever possible FBOs are wise to maneuver air- craft into position by pulling them with tug and towbar, as opposed to pushing. Notoriously tail-heavy business jets, such as the Cessna Citation X, Falcon 900 and 2000 series, as well as 20 and 30 series Learjet aircraft, are easily jackknifed when towed, and extreme caution should apply when pushing such aircraft on snow. One trick-of-the-trade for towing those 20 and 30 series Learjets on snow is employing the aid of the pilots to simply sit in the cockpit to add weight to the nose. For employees, snow is one of the harshest weather conditions in which to operate. Like sand at a beach, snow by its nature is able to creep into boots, gloves and any exposed areas and add its own dimension of misery to the already bone-chilling cold. Proper winter weather gear, including parkas, is essential. Face protection, such as knit masks and ski googles, can also make a difference. And, like extreme heat, extreme cold takes a physical toll and saps energy. Even with proper gear, exposure should be interspersed with sufficient breaks indoors, if only to thaw out. Finally, operational staffing plans should be considered in advance of a snow storm. For the upper Midwest, six inches of powder is just another day and perhaps no cause for con- cern. Yet, for areas unaccustomed – Seattle for instance – snow creates difficulty for employ- ees making it to work on time, or at all. Snow staffing plans may include scheduling addi- tional personnel in case some are unable to make it to work due to weather conditions. In more extreme cases where the forecast calls for something approaching snowmageddon, creat- ing on airport accommodations for employees- either at nearby hotels or in sleep rooms at the FBO may be necessary. Wheeler, who graduated from the University of North Dakota and resides in Sioux Falls, SD, has experienced more harsh winters –and snow- than many care to imagine, let alone experience. Despite the cold though, his warm Midwestern charm comes through as he reflects on the long winters. Says Wheeler, "It makes you really appreciate the summers." Douglas Wilson is the president and founder of FBO Partners LLC, an aviaƟon consulƟng firm that provides asset management of hangar faciliƟes for FBOs, and offers specialized consulƟng in due diligence, contract life-cycle management, and other FBO disciplines. Wilson can be reached at douglas.wilson@ĩopartners.com. Douglas Wilson President & Founder, FBO Partners LLC ABOUT THE AUTHOR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING AD INDEX Reed - Joseph International Company Frighten Birds From Active Runways With The Scare-Away System 8 Ê Ê BIRD AND WILDLIFE CONTROL 800.647.5554 reedjoseph.com Advertser ................................................................... Page # AAAE ...................................................................................... 43 ADB Safegate ........................................................................... 7 Airports Consultants Council .................................................27 Boyd Group ............................................................................ 31 ClearSpan Fabric Structures ...................................................41 EBACE 2017 ........................................................................... 24 EZ Liner .................................................................................. 19 Ford Commercial Truck ........................................................ 2-3 Lektro ..................................................................................... 26 NEC/AAAE Snow Symposium .................................................11 Oshkosh Airport Products ......................................................44 Schweiss ................................................................................ 39 SkyMark Refuelers .................................................................17 Spokane Intl Airport ..............................................................21 SwiŌ Conference ...................................................................33 Ventrac .................................................................................. 16 VP Buildings ........................................................................... 25 Zendex Tool CorporaƟon .......................................................39