Taxi Workload

[TAAMGuy]

G'Day All.

I have a question; think of it as a poll. The scenario is you are arriving at a major international airport, that has suffered a system failure of the ground surveillance (A-SMGCS). If the weather was down, this would result in the ground controllers having to issue a lot of hold short instructions and ask for position reports to keep everyone apart. The question is, would this pose a significant increase in workload for the crews, to the point where taxiing operations become shall we say 'troublesome'? Would you have safety concerns if the controllers were operating under 'procedural' control? The given is that there would be significant flow control in place, and probably a simplified operation, e.g. runways dedicated to arrivals or departures only, as well strict restrictions on vehicle traffic.

[eckhard]

The culture in my airline is always to treat any taxiing as “safety critical”, so although there would be an increase in radio calls and more stopping and starting, the fundamental procedure would be the same as a normal operation. Taxy routes are verbalised and confirmed in advance, any turns or hold points are pre-planned and verbalised, the PF tries to keep “eyes out” while the PM refers to charts and cockpit displays. A third pilot (if present) plays a full part and everyone is encouraged to speak out and challenge any proposed action.

To try and answer your question: An increase in workload would pertain but I don’t think it would be “significant” as there would be no change to procedures.

[Uplinker]

I would worry at some airports in America, where they have a weird ramp AND ground system, which only seems to add complication and confusion, but not in the UK where the ATC controllers are brilliant. You just have to take your time and be methodical.

[Check Airman]

I don't think that would significantly increase cockpit workload.

[Vessbot]

Sounds to me like it would make it easier than normal. Less turns to remember at once.

[Anilv]

Higher worload? possibly. BUT without the added pressure of being in the air....

On the ground just sit tight until you are sure where you are and ask for directions if you're not sure how to proceed. Hell.. ask for a follow me car if you want to...

Anilv

[Musket90]

In the event of failure of A-SMGCS during low vis the procedural control would surely result in reducing the number of movements at any one time.. Remember Milan Linate early 2000's where there was no A-SMGCS and the only two aircraft moving collided on the runway with a catastrophic result.

[Jim_A]

When in doubt set the parking brake. Don't move until you know where you are and know where you are going and ground control agrees.

[742]

Originally Posted by Uplinker

I would worry at some airports in America, where they have a weird ramp AND ground system, which only seems to add complication and confusion, but not in the UK where the ATC controllers are brilliant. You just have to take your time and be methodical.

You always feel most comfortable on your home turf. That does not make your home turf superior to the rest of the world.

For example I feel very comfortable operating at JFK, but find the UK airports to be a bit odd. But I am an American, so that is to be expected.

[TAAMGuy]

Thank you all for your responses. It is what I more or less expected, but I didn't want to assume.