Guidebook for Developing Ramp Control Facilities (2017)

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D-1 Lessons Learned Airport operators and airline representatives were interviewed at facilities currently engaged in ramp control to understand why ramp control was implemented, what topics were considered when determining whether or not to implement ramp control, and any other factors that should be considered (e.g., staffing roles and responsibilities). The interview responses highlighted four major areas of concern that were used to develop the questions used in Step 3—people, technol- ogy, facility and supporting infrastructure, and administrative/budget. A common theme among those that contributed to “lessons learned” is the need for early and frequent collaboration among all interested stakeholders. Collaboration up-front will prevent missteps later. A p p e n d i x d People Table D-1. Lessons learned—people. People Lessons Learned Roles and Responsibilities The variation in ramp control operations at airports across the country negatively impacts pilots through lack of consistency. Conduct a needs assessment for front line ramp service operators in order to address safety concerns. There are a number of tasks performed by ramp control that are common to many ramp control operations, but there is no single ramp control solution that works at all airports. Processes and procedures for ramp control are typically driven by operational needs. Multiple organizations providing ramp control services at a single airport has highlighted the absence of standardization in ramp control processes. Staffing Use gate management along with ramp control to optimize benefit from ramp control. There are different ways of staffing ramp control (direct hires vs. contract employees) that affect the cost of ramp control. Need to determine if ramp control staff is subject to frequent changes (seasonal or bid process). There is a cost of having qualified individuals able to multi-task, and have good decision-making skills. (continued on next page)

D-2 Guidebook for developing Ramp Control Facilities Facility and Supporting Infrastructure Facility and Supporting Infrastructure Lessons Learned Traditional Ramp Tower Document current siting and facility situation including any related issues. Confirm considerations by using a site study that includes line-of-sight requirements, height requirements, cost estimations, and best location. Virtual Ramp Control Facility Consider virtual ramp control option when there are line-of-sight issues. Mixed Facility Line-of-sight issues existing in a traditional ramp tower may be addressed by technology, cameras, and surface surveillance technology. Table D-3. Lessons learned—facility and supporting infrastructure. People Technology People Lessons Learned Training Training is typically designed to meet specific roles and responsibilities from basic ramp control to ground control-like activities where sequencing occurs in the ramp prior to contacting ATC. Airports and airlines use a variety of training processes for ramp control personnel (e.g., classroom, in-position or OJT, web-based). All are not equal in effectiveness. Consider joint training activities. Training impacts additional ramp management responsibilities for each key stakeholder. Understand the pros and cons (including cost/benefit) of alternative training methods. QA/QC QA/QC may be needed to address potential perception of equity or fairness. Table D-1. (Continued). Technology Lessons Learned Gate/Terminal Management Processes and procedures, and technology for ramp control are typically driven by operational needs. Ground handling is not a major influence in an airport’s decision to implement ramp control. Technology for ramp control is typically driven by operational needs. Surface Surveillance Surface surveillance aids ramp control personnel in decision making. May mitigate or resolve line-of-sight issues. Interoperability Technology does not stand alone—it is an integrated model. Table D-2. Lessons learned—technology.

Lessons Learned D-3 Administrative/Budget Administrative/Budget Lessons Learned Administrative Concerns Ensure ramp control activities help comply with an airport’s sustainability plan. Understand an airport’s vision to increase capacity and introduce new airlines. Lack of long-range planning for growth resulted in reactionary solutions to problems. When planning for the future, give serious consideration to identifying as many common-use gates as possible. Initial and Recurring Costs Consider working through all pros and cons (including cost/benefit analysis) of alternative ramp management options. Management No one ramp control solution exists. Ramp control decisions need to be made on a case-by-case basis—each airport/terminal area is different and has different needs and requirements. Collaboration is key to successful implementation. Ensure the FAA is involved throughout the consideration process. Interested stakeholders should be included in ramp-related decisions; forming an integrated team will help the airport develop the desired ramp control operation. Implementing ramp control is not the only solution to resolve/mitigate gate availability and ramp access way conflicts; there are potential procedural solutions that should be considered. Document the final agreement between the FAA and ramp control management. As airports have adopted “common-use” gates, the tendency is for the airport operator or their contractor to operate ramp control. Table D-4. Lessons learned—administrative/budget.