Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) in 2003 launched the Ground Accident Prevention (GAP) program to develop information and products — e-tools — to eliminate accidents and incidents that occur on airport ramps (aprons) and adjacent taxiways, and during the movement of aircraft into and out of hangars, and that directly affect airport operations and/or result in personnel injuries or damage to serviceable aircraft, facilities or ground-support equipment.

Based on activity data developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Foundation estimates that 27,000 ramp accidents and incidents — one per 1,000 departures — occur worldwide every year. About 243,000 people are injured each year in these accidents and incidents; the injury rate is 9 per 1,000 departures.

The economic toll is significant: The current estimate is that ramp accidents are costing major airlines worldwide at least US$10 billion a year. The Foundation continues to gather data required to develop an estimate for regional airlines and to refine an initial, conservative estimate that ramp accidents cost corporate aircraft operators $1 billion a year.

The first two phases of the GAP program have been completed. The first phase involved the sharing of experience and knowledge by industry specialists assembled as the GAP steering team and five working groups: Awareness and Industry Relations; Data Collection and Analysis; Education and Training; Facilities, Equipment and Operations; and Management and Leadership Practices. In the second phase of the program, the GAP team’s work moved from experience-driven to data-driven. Among e-tools developed were aircraft towing operations videos, a cost model, leadership tip sheets and the Ramp Operational Safety Procedures template for ramp supervisors. Work continues on several more e-tools, including: an inventory of ramp best practices; ramp-operations-oriented safety tactics and tools, such as threat and error management, safety audits and incentive and recognition programs; and training plans and materials.

The program currently is transitioning to its third phase, in which its name may change to the Ground Incident Risks Management Program. The focus will shift to implementation, and emphasis will be placed on continued data collection and expansion of data sources, database refinement, preparation and distribution of data-analysis reports, and management and refreshment of e-tool materials. In the implementation phase, the Foundation also will identify and encourage the development of technical solutions to ramp safety problems, and make people aware of them.

The FSF GAP program builds upon considerable work that has been conducted by the Airports Council International, Australasian Aviation Ground Safety Council, European Regions Airline Association, IATA, International Civil Aviation Organization, National Air Transportation Association, National Business Aviation Association, Regional Airline Association, and other organizations.

Recent GAP Presentations

Ground Accident Prevention CASS 2007 Update [PPT 8.3M]

Ground Accident Prevention EASS 2007 Update [PPT 8.0M]

Other GAP Information

GAP Program Members List

GAP Related Reading From FSF Publications

GAP Working Team Members Only

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