RAMP SIMULATION
Reality show
Training personnel for tasks on the ramp doesn’t necessarily come at the cost of
expensive equipment and valuable downtime, as the Editor finds out.
Learning is a process. It’s a process
that cannot be hurried and one
that requires (usually) time and
resources, some of which can be very
expensive indeed. This is where the tool
that is simulation comes into its own,
for it can replicate the real life situation
on the ramp in complete safety and in
an environment which is thoroughly
monitored. By virtue of this, any trainee’s
skill level can be accurately assessed
before he or she is allowed access to the
ramp.
A huge range of tasks and skills can
be learned in the confines of an office,
ranging from basic marshalling through
tractor driving, de-icing and pushback
operation. The best news is that such
facilities are extremely cost-effective for
the ground handling operation.
A new approach
The most recent arrival in this area is that
of Kpass. Its founders, noting that most
handling training courses still relied on
old, passive methods that excluded the
trainee from the process until the final
test step, decided to make use of today’s
technology and answer the perceived
shortfall.
With the Kpass Airport method,
the trainee is placed at the centre of
the equation, and is given access to
knowledge acquisition tools that meet the
needs of each individual. The trainee thus
becomes an actor within his or her own
learning course, actively participating and
interacting directly, instead of just being a
passive receiver.
The founders aver that their selfdeveloped
technique speeds up
understanding and integration of
knowledge, and leads the trainee to
develop stronger skills, improved selfconfidence
and better judgement. It’s all
about empowering people and companies
with smart and powerful dedicated
solutions that support their operational
safety and excellence in services.
The company’s answer thus does away
with the need to block out time for GSE
and tie up another staff member (or
members) to oversee the training. Taking
the marshalling module as an example,
with this technology the trainee can
actually guide in or out an aircraft in a
small room, thanks to a laptop and wall
display. It really is that straightforward –
and the beauty is that the operation can
be repeated as many times as required,
thereby enhancing an individual’s
proficiency. And, of course, the cost
savings are significant.
Simulation from JBT
JBT AeroTech, aside from its GSE, also
markets ramp simulation tools.
In conjunction with KBY Software, the
manufacturer provides two Tempest deicer
simulator versions (ie standard and
advanced), which are designed to provide
safe, cost-effective and environmentally
friendly operator training.
These simulators offer both standard
boom and XR boom operation, as well
as single or dual person drive operation,
an AirFirst system operation, de-ice and
anti-ice techniques and procedures, along
with emergency procedures. In short,
everything that a trainee needs to know
about before taking to the ramp.
Amongst the application’s features are
variable weather scenarios, VR capabilities
and the possibility of working with
differing types of aircraft. Multi-screen
options are also offered, while 4k graphics
ensure that the highest degree of realism
is attained for the operator.
“JBT has continued to evolve its
simulator offerings,” says the company’s
Brian Schrock, “to include more
technology based on customer feedback
such as virtual reality, a twin operator
driver station and multi-unit connectivity.
GSE trainers prefer JBT de-icer simulators
during the training season because of the
lack of availability of actual functioning
de-icers - and because of the hot weather
during the summer months.
“A JBT simulator use lowers fuel and
maintenance costs by decreasing the
amount of time spent operating actual
equipment for training. Depending on
number of operators to train, training can
sometimes put a de-icer out of warranty,
based on its hours of operation.” He adds
that JBT has been receiving requests and
evaluating the development of simulators
for other products, including the B Series
pushback tractors and Commander/
Ranger cargo loaders.
Schrock continues: “GSE trainers
continue to be asked to do more with
less resources and safety continues
to be a major concern. In addition to
training new operators, customers
find JBT de-icer simulators effective in
training existing employees… especially
during long lapses between events and at
stations that have many different makes
or models of de-icer.”
He notes that customers are finding
the “new generation” of operators very
receptive to the technology of JBT’s deicer
simulators, based on their feedback.
“JBT simulators are effective because
you have the option of virtual reality,
but they can also be used without it,
according to preference, if eyewear
shortcomings or physical limitations are
a concern,” he adds,
Wayne Saxon is Delta Air Lines’ Atlanta
Customer Service Agent, as well as being
a certified de/anti-icing instructor. He is a
comparative newcomer to JBT simulator
technology, only having taken delivery of
training aids in August 2018. However,
he was able to try out an example at JBT
before committing.
“We only use them for de-icing,” he told
Ramp Equipment News. “As a training aid,
they are great for learning the controls
and helpful for learning how to move the
truck around the aircraft. They have a VR
simulator that is better than the ones we
have, so they are more realistic in how
everything looks and feels.”
18 February – March 2019 RAMP EQUIPMENT NEWS