New Boarding "Steps" at JER
Mar 8, 2018, 8:11 am
#1
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New Boarding "Steps" at JER
Those familiar with the route will know the wobbly, rusting, steps used to board BA's A319s at JER.
Swissport, the ground handling agency, have just invested in [or are trialling] a new bit of kit ... a 3-segment ramp affair. Self-powered by a small motor, one man drives it up to the aircraft, steering with an extended handlebar arrangement. I overheard a comment that it is likely to prove quicker than the usual steps, although it will still present a long walk in the rain!
Have used in both directions now, and it seems quite ‘pleasant’ and certainly better than the wobbly steps. Comments?
Swissport, the ground handling agency, have just invested in [or are trialling] a new bit of kit ... a 3-segment ramp affair. Self-powered by a small motor, one man drives it up to the aircraft, steering with an extended handlebar arrangement. I overheard a comment that it is likely to prove quicker than the usual steps, although it will still present a long walk in the rain!
Have used in both directions now, and it seems quite ‘pleasant’ and certainly better than the wobbly steps. Comments?
Last edited by T8191; Aug 21, 2018 at 2:31 am
Mar 8, 2018, 8:18 am
#4
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I happened to read the AAIB bulletin released today - contains a report about a pax that fell down (half a dozen) steps while disembarking from an A319 at JER. Hospitalised with head injuries. Nothing wrong with the steps or their use at the time - seemingly a ramp like this is the only mitigation.
Last edited by hedgehopper; Mar 8, 2018 at 8:46 am
Mar 8, 2018, 8:21 am
#5
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* Note multiple use of the word 'ramp', which is why I apostrophised 'steps' in the title
Mar 8, 2018, 8:44 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2012
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When I disembarked at BRS on an EasyJet flight a few weeks ago for the DO, it was one of those too – I remember thinking it would be a heck of a lot better for wheelchair users than having to wait for a high-lift truck…or being abandoned on the plane, which I've heard about happening far too often on some of our well known low cost carriers.
Mar 8, 2018, 8:46 am
#11
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Mar 8, 2018, 8:48 am
#12
Join Date: Apr 2014
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This looks like a very big piece of kit to find somewhere to stow when not in use. I think at larger airports where you have multiple items of equipment from various handling agents on each stand, something this big could be more of a hindrance.
Mar 8, 2018, 8:57 am
#13
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Mar 8, 2018, 9:26 am
#14
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It'll make life easier for those us who hate lugging a wheely case up the stairs, opposed to being able to roll it.
M
M
Mar 8, 2018, 9:34 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: UK & Switzerland
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I think there is a similar arrangement in MIA for the flights to the islands (Bahamas, etc. - outdoor gates, D60, I think) - or at the last there was some sort of multi segment ramp to get onto the plane (not a 319, I thought it was a small EMB).
https://www.eiaviation.com/ground-bo...itchback-ramp/
https://www.eiaviation.com/ground-bo...itchback-ramp/
Last edited by RichP; Mar 8, 2018 at 9:41 am