Close call on the cargo ramp
#1
Gets Weekends Off
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Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: Austin Tower
Posts: 175
Close call on the cargo ramp
While working Ground Control at MEM recently, I saw something that really got my attention: a string of four dollies with cargo containers rolling across the ramp WITHOUT A TUG PULLING THEM!
This aircraft destruction device was moving along at a rather quick pace, when a tug driver with his own string of dollies saw the damage that was about to take place. He gunned his tug (is that possible?), caught up with the unescorted dollies and slammed his tug into the lead dolly. The entire string turned towards left and driver was eventually able to position his tug between the string of dollies and the parked aircraft.
Sheesh... I saw arms waving and fingers pointing, but I wonder what the conversation was like?
I suppose that one guy got a "save" for his quick actions, while the other guy was issued "walking papers".
MEM_ATC
This aircraft destruction device was moving along at a rather quick pace, when a tug driver with his own string of dollies saw the damage that was about to take place. He gunned his tug (is that possible?), caught up with the unescorted dollies and slammed his tug into the lead dolly. The entire string turned towards left and driver was eventually able to position his tug between the string of dollies and the parked aircraft.
Sheesh... I saw arms waving and fingers pointing, but I wonder what the conversation was like?
I suppose that one guy got a "save" for his quick actions, while the other guy was issued "walking papers".
MEM_ATC
#2
I'm sure there were some excited folks, but I doubt there was a guilty party identified. It's an incredibly busy industrial zone out there. Aircraft strikes occur rather frequently. Frankly, I'm surprised we don't kill somebody at least once a week.
Too bad you didn't capture the action on video!
- The truth only hurts if it should -
Too bad you didn't capture the action on video!
- The truth only hurts if it should -
#3
Memphis Risks
Originally Posted by TonyC
Frankly, I'm surprised we don't kill somebody at least once a week.
A. Driving on I-240 to/from work
B. Riding the crew bus to/from the aircraft
But then I haven't flown with MM either!
#6
The ramp at night is a crazy place. The activity going on around the aircraft really makes me dread going up to the cargo ramp for an uplift. When we fuel you guys earlier in the evening we don't have an issue with loaders, people, and strings of containers while we're trying to back the truck under the wing to fuel up.
Please get your dispatchers to give a minimum of 40 for DC-10s out of STL, unless there's bad wx along the route, we will rarely have to uplift with this amount. I think Tony C or somebody told me it had to do with filing an alternate that is close to MEM and not realistic to use if you had to divert.
Please get your dispatchers to give a minimum of 40 for DC-10s out of STL, unless there's bad wx along the route, we will rarely have to uplift with this amount. I think Tony C or somebody told me it had to do with filing an alternate that is close to MEM and not realistic to use if you had to divert.
#7
Originally Posted by Fedex999999
As long as you aren't married to MM, I think you are safe.
#9
Originally Posted by Pilotpip
I think Tony C or somebody told me it had to do with filing an alternate that is close to MEM and not realistic to use if you had to divert.
Last edited by cub pilot; 05-03-2006 at 06:57 AM.
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