Southwest Airlines go wireless to improve safety
6 December 2011
In a bid to improve ramp safety on
pushback, America’s Southwest Airlines is investing in wireless
headsets for its pushback and wing walkers across its
network.
Currently, Southwest uses a system of one headset worn by the
pushback driver that plugs into the aircraft. The wing walkers use
only hand signals to communicate.
The wireless system will connect the wing walkers — the
people who look out for obstacles while they accompany the aircraft
as it pushes back from the gate — with the driver of the tug that
pushes the plane's nose. All three ground crew members can hear the
pilot.
It is hoped that the wireless sets will improve safety by
enabling greater communication between the ground and flight crew.
The headsets are due to be rolled out in the first part of
2012.
For the full story, please see the Denver Post
website.