Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Glossary

A comprehensive Ground Support Equipment (GSE) glossary with essential terms for aviation professionals.

General Terms

• Ground Support Equipment: Ground support equipment (GSE) refers to the various machines, vehicles, and tools used to service and support aircraft while they are on the ground. This equipment is essential for a range of operations, including the maintenance, loading, unloading, refueling, and general handling of aircraft. GSE ensures that aircraft are ready for flight, passengers and cargo are managed efficiently, and all ground-based tasks are performed safely and effectively.
• Ground Support Operations: The overall management and execution of tasks required to support aircraft on the ground.
• Aircraft Ground Support Equipment: A broad range of equipment and machinery used at airports to service and support aircraft between flights. This equipment is essential for ground operations, including aircraft handling, maintenance, and passenger or cargo services. 
• Airfield Support Equipment: Equipment used to maintain and service the airfield itself, including lighting, signage, and markings.
• Aircraft Ground Safety: Protocols and equipment designed to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel during ground operations.
• Ramp Management Systems: Software and tools used to coordinate and optimize the various activities on the airport ramp.
• GSE Fleet Management: The administration of a fleet of ground support vehicles and equipment, including maintenance, scheduling, and logistics.
• Ground Handling Contracting: The process of outsourcing ground handling services to third-party providers.
• Airside Operations: Activities and services conducted on the airside of the airport, including aircraft movement and servicing.
• Airport Environmental Compliance: Ensuring that GSE operations adhere to environmental regulations, including emissions and waste management.

Specific Equipment Types and Concepts

• Aircraft Maintenance Platforms: Specialized platforms used for access to various parts of the aircraft during maintenance.
• Ground Radar Systems: Equipment used to monitor and guide aircraft and vehicles on the ground, especially in low-visibility conditions.
• Runway Friction Tester: Equipment used to measure the friction of runway surfaces, particularly important in icy or wet conditions.
• Aircraft Towing Tractor: Another term for vehicles used to tow aircraft, often interchangeable with "tug" or "tow tractor."
• Snow Removal Equipment: Vehicles and tools used to clear snow and ice from runways, taxiways, and aprons.
• Ground Power Cart: Portable units providing power to aircraft on the ground, similar to a GPU but often more mobile.
• Aircraft Wheel Lift: Equipment used to lift individual wheels of an aircraft for maintenance or tire changes.
• Ground Support Training: Programs and certifications for personnel involved in ground support operations.
• Ground Support Logistics Management: The planning and coordination of resources, personnel, and equipment to ensure efficient ground support operations.
• Ramp Operations Training: Specific training programs focused on the safe and efficient execution of ramp services.
• High-Lift Catering Truck: A specialized catering truck equipped with a high-lift system to service larger aircraft.
• Remote Apron: An apron area located away from the main terminal, used for parking and servicing aircraft not immediately required for boarding.
• Aircraft Docking Systems: Equipment and technology used to safely dock and secure aircraft at gates or maintenance facilities.
• Cargo Pallet Dolly: A specialized dolly used for transporting large cargo pallets around the airfield.
• Aircraft Wing Cover: Protective covers used to shield aircraft wings from environmental elements during ground time.
• Service Vehicle Monitoring Systems: Telematics systems used to track and monitor the performance and location of service vehicles on the ground.
• Ground Support Equipment Leasing: The practice of leasing GSE instead of purchasing, often used to manage costs and fleet size.

Equipment Types

• A-Frame: A portable hoist used for lifting heavy equipment or aircraft parts.
• Air Start Unit (ASU): Equipment used to start aircraft engines by supplying compressed air.
• Aircraft Jack: Device used to lift aircraft for maintenance, tire changes, and other servicing.
• Aircraft Towbar: A bar used to connect an aircraft to a tug or tractor for towing.
• Aircraft Tug (Tow Tractor): Vehicle used to tow or push aircraft on the ground.
• APU (Auxiliary Power Unit): A device on an aircraft that provides energy for functions other than propulsion.
• Baggage Cart: A trailer used to transport luggage between the terminal and the aircraft.
• Baggage Conveyor: A belt conveyor system used to load and unload baggage from an aircraft.
• Belt Loader: Vehicle with a conveyor belt for loading/unloading baggage and cargo into/from aircraft.
• Blast Fence: Barrier used to divert or block jet blast from aircraft engines.
• Cabin Service Truck: Vehicle used to supply and remove materials for the aircraft cabin, such as beverages, food, and cleaning supplies.
• Cargo Loader (High Loader): Equipment designed to lift and load cargo into the aircraft's cargo hold.
• Catering Truck: Vehicle equipped to load and unload food and beverages to the aircraft's galley.
• Chocks: Blocks placed around aircraft wheels to prevent accidental movement.
• Deicing Truck: Vehicle equipped with a spraying system to remove ice and snow from aircraft surfaces.
• Dolly: A platform on wheels used for transporting heavy loads, such as cargo containers.
• Electric Ground Power Unit (GPU): Provides electrical power to aircraft on the ground, typically to maintain systems while engines are off.
• FOD (Foreign Object Debris) Sweeper: Equipment used to clean runways, taxiways, and aprons of debris.
• Fuel Truck (Refueler): Vehicle used to refuel aircraft.
• Ground Handling: Services necessary to support the operations of aircraft while on the ground, including passenger handling, baggage handling, and cargo handling.
• Ground Power Unit (GPU): Provides electrical power to aircraft when engines are off, typically during maintenance or pre-flight preparation.
• Heater Carts: Portable units used to supply heat to aircraft during cold weather conditions.
• Hydrant Dispenser: Equipment used to dispense fuel from an airport hydrant system directly into the aircraft.
• Hydrant Truck: A vehicle equipped to connect aircraft to the airport's hydrant fuel system.
• Lavatory Service Truck: Vehicle used to service aircraft lavatories by removing waste and replenishing fresh water.
• Loader: Equipment used to load and unload cargo and baggage, often involving a conveyor system.
• Marshaling Wands: Handheld illuminated batons used by ground crew to direct aircraft during ground movements.
• Passenger Boarding Bridge (Jetway): A movable, enclosed bridge that connects an airport terminal gate to an aircraft.
• Passenger Stairs: Mobile stairs used for boarding and deplaning passengers when jetways are not available.
• PCA (Pre-Conditioned Air Unit): Provides cooled or heated air to aircraft while on the ground.
• Pushback: Procedure where an aircraft is pushed backwards away from the gate by a tug or tow tractor.
• Pushback Tug: A tow tractor used to push an aircraft away from the gate.
• Ramp: The area of an airport where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, refueled, and boarded.
• Service Stair: Mobile stairs used for crew or service personnel to access the aircraft.
• Static Inverter: Device converting DC power to AC power for aircraft electrical systems.
• Tail Stand: Support placed under the tail of an aircraft to prevent it from tipping backwards while loading or unloading.
• Towbarless Tractor: A tug that connects directly to the aircraft's landing gear, eliminating the need for a towbar.
• Water Service Truck: Vehicle used to replenish potable water supplies on aircraft.
• Wheel Chocks: Blocks placed against the aircraft wheels to prevent movement while parked.
• K-loader: a type of cargo loader used to load and unload pallets and containers onto and off aircraft. It's a vital piece of equipment in airport operations, particularly for handling large and heavy cargo.
• Wing Walker: Ground personnel who assist in maneuvering aircraft in tight spaces by ensuring wingtips are clear of obstacles.

Procedures and Common Phrases

• Aircraft Marshaling: The visual signaling by ground personnel to assist in the safe movement and positioning of aircraft on the ramp.
• Airbridge Operation: The process of aligning and connecting the passenger boarding bridge to an aircraft door.
• Anti-Icing: Applying anti-icing fluids to aircraft surfaces to prevent ice formation before takeoff.
• Bag Drop: The process of passengers dropping off their checked luggage at the airport check-in counter or kiosk.
• Cabin Cleaning: The procedure of cleaning the aircraft interior between flights.
• Cargo Handling: The process of loading, unloading, and securing cargo in an aircraft.
• Cross-Utilization: The practice of using ground handling staff for multiple roles to improve efficiency.
• Deicing: Removing ice or frost from aircraft surfaces to ensure safe operation during winter conditions.
• Disembarkation: The process of passengers leaving the aircraft after landing.
• Embarkation: The process of passengers boarding the aircraft prior to departure.
• Ground Time: The duration an aircraft spends on the ground between landing and takeoff.
• Hub Turnaround: Coordinated activities performed to prepare an aircraft for its next flight, especially in hub airports where quick turnarounds are critical.
• Lash and Unlash: Securing and releasing cargo within the aircraft's hold using straps and nets.
• Load Control: The planning and management of weight distribution in an aircraft to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Offloading: The process of removing cargo or baggage from the aircraft.
• On-Time Performance (OTP): A key performance metric in aviation measuring the punctuality of flight departures and arrivals.
• Pushback Clearance: Authorization from air traffic control for an aircraft to be pushed back from the gate.
• Ramp Check: Inspection of the aircraft and its equipment by maintenance or regulatory authorities while it is on the ramp.
• Ramp Handling: The range of services provided to aircraft while on the ground, including fueling, baggage handling, and catering.
• Refueling Procedure: The steps involved in safely refueling an aircraft, including grounding, fuel hose connection, and monitoring.
• Safety Briefing: Instructions given to ground staff and passengers regarding safety procedures and emergency protocols.
• Tarmac Delay: A delay in which passengers are kept on board the aircraft while it is on the ground, often due to air traffic congestion or weather issues.
• Turnaround Time: The total time taken to unload, service, and reload an aircraft for its next flight.
• Water Servicing: The process of refilling the aircraft’s potable water supply.

New Technologies and Concepts

• E-GSE (Electric Ground Support Equipment): Environmentally friendly GSE powered by electricity instead of traditional fossil fuels.
• Hybrid GSE: Equipment that uses a combination of traditional fuels and electric power to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): Automated vehicles used for tasks such as baggage transport and cargo handling to increase efficiency and reduce labor costs.
• Predictive Maintenance: The use of data analytics and monitoring technologies to predict and prevent equipment failures before they occur.
• Telematics: The integration of telecommunications and information technology to monitor and manage GSE performance in real-time.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Biofuel used to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation operations, including ground support activities.
• Green Ramp Initiatives: Efforts to reduce environmental impact on the ramp, such as using E-GSE and minimizing idling times for vehicles.

Mercury GSE Equipment Types:

Air Start Units

• TLD ASU-600-270 Air Start (270 PPM)
• TLD 150 PPM
• TLD ACE-500 Bottle Stored Air Jet Engine Air Start Unit
• TUG TMD-270 Air Start (270 PPM)
• TUG 250 PPM 
• TUG 270 PPM 
• TLD 180 PPM

Aircraft Air Conditioners

• JBT JetAire M-60 
• TLD ACU-808-DUP 150-Ton Air Conditioning Unit
• TLD ACU-302-CUP Air Conditioner
• TLD ACU-804-CUP Air Conditioner
• TLD ACU-802-CUP Air Conditioner 

Baggage Tugs

• TLD JST-E Baggage Tug
• TLD JST-30 Bag Tug
• TLD JST-20 Bag Tug
• TLD JST-25 Bag Tug
• Toyota TD25 Baggage Tug
• TUG MA-50 Bag Tug

Belt Loaders

• TUG 660 Belt Loader
• TUG 660E Belt Loader

Cargo Loaders

• JBT Commander Electric Cargo Loader
• JBT Commander 15i Cargo Loader
• JBT Commander 15 Wide Cargo Loader
• JBT Commander 15 Universal Cargo Loader
• JBT Commander 30i Cargo Loader

Dollies

• Clyde LD3 Dolly
• Clyde LD8 Dolly
• Clyde LD7 Dolly 15F3832 (Open Deck)
• Clyde LD7 Dolly 15F3570 (Close Deck)

Ground Power Units

• TLD GPU-412 Ground Power Unit (120 kVA)
• TLD GPU-414 Ground Power Unit (140 kVA)
• TLD GPU-418 Ground Power Unit (180 kVA)
• TLD GPU-28V Ground Power Unit
• TLD 90 KVA 
• ITW 90 KVA 2400 Solid State 
• ITW 90 KVA 4400 Diesel 
• ITW 28 V 6400 

Passenger Stairs

• Clyde Crew Stairs 15F2011 (Mid-Sized Wide-Body)
• Clyde Crew Stairs  15F2698 (Large Wide-Body)
• Clyde Towable Passenger Stairs 15F2830 (Narrow to Mid-Size Wide-Body)
• JBT Self-Propelled Passenger Stairs

Pushback Tractors

• JBT B250 Pushback Tractor
• JBT B600 Pushback Tractor
• JBT B650 Pushback Tractor
• JBT B700 Pushback Tractor
• JBT B950 Pushback Tractor
• JBT B1200 Pushback Tractor

Service Trucks

• TLD LSP-900-V-E Electric Lavatory Truck
• TLD LSP-900
• TLD WSP-900-V-E Potable Water Service Vehicle
• TLD WSP-900 Potable Water Service Vehicle

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