Originally Posted by
alexb757
Southern duel: I'm not sure where you're getting your info from or which particular airport(s) you are describing?
At my airport LAS, nobody and I mean nobody, is permitted to drive " free range" - least of all ground handlers. We have very strict rules and if you refer to my previous, you will see that there is an entirely different set of tests/exams and also privileges between "ramp" drivers on the non-movement service roads and anyone that is authorized to be anywhere near a runway! Another point, no aircraft engineer, mechanic or airline manager is allowed beyond the ramp area without being escorted by airport ops personnel.
I have not heard aviation experts say that incursions are either solely or mainly aircraft. Yes, pilots make mistakes as well as drivers. Again, we don't know what this person was doing out there. All we know is that it was a LAWA employee.
As for alarms, yes, we have them as well and they go off according to your approach speed and angle approaching the hold bar. In addition, we also have RWSL as another layer and at two hotspots, an RGL as well. And so do a lot of airports. And like LAX, we have 4 runways of which 3 intersect....
Alex I may put have my message across properly however airfield ops will not have the staff available to escort 30 odd vehicles around the airfield just to give you an example of who can free range at this European airport are not only airfield ops but police , fire service, engineers and maintenance teams . Ground handlers as in tugs . fod pickers surveyors, some contractors. Planning department. Atc. Airport duty manager. Some security staff, sweepers etc, and there are a few more !
Yes they all have training and are competent however human factors comes into it and all I was suggesting is that airports can do more and not worry about the finances for a change