airport terminal services, incats.pelesys.com/webcbt/upload/groundpowermodule.pdf · airport...

AIRPORT TERMINAL SERVICES, Inc

GPU- GROUND POWER UNIT

&

JETWAY POWER

Airport Terminal Services, Inc 1/23/2008 2

Introduction

This training module is designed to familiarize you with the operational aspects of a GPU. You are responsible for reading and understanding

the content contained within this module. If there is any information

that you do not understand, please consult your trainer, supervisor or manager for assistance. Upon completion of this module, if you

successfully:

1. Complete module test with a score of 85% or better AND

2. Demonstrate to your trainer, supervisor or manager the safe operation of the GPU Unit by performing 3 check rides AND

3. Have your training file signed off by your trainer, supervisor or

manager and yourself AND

4. Have obtained an airport ID

You will then be qualified and permitted to operate a GPU.

PRE-OPERATIONAL CHECKS

Each day the vital fluids inspection should be performed on the GPU. Each station has a copy of a pre operational checklist that covers both

mechanical and vital fluids inspection.

The following areas should be given attention BEFORE operating the GPU by completing a walk around inspection. A supervisor should be

notified immediately if any discrepancies are noted.

� Hitch lock/ key � Parking brake working properly

� Two wheel chocks

� Corner Bumpers � Condition of GPU cord/head

� Fire extinguisher **( EXCLUDES DELTA AIRLINES OWNED UNITS)


15ft Mark on GPU CABLE

The 15ft mark on the GPU cable stands as

a reminder to keep the unit positioned so that it is no closer than 10ft from the

aircraft. Due to the height of most aircraft receptacles, when plugged in the mark and

GPU will be outside of the 10ft foot buffer zone


Transport

When towing most GPU’s its important to remember that due to the weight of the unit, braking distances will increase. Additionally the

cable is located on one side so pre-planning your route to the aircraft may be necessary. (You must be signed off on tug operation if you

will be driving a tug)

Positioning

After completing your pre-use inspection and determined the GPU is in

good working condition it may be connected to a tug for positioning at the aircraft. When positioning the GPU to the aircraft, a brake stop at

50ft and 10ft from the aircraft must be completed


If the unit must be positioned closer than 10ft from the aircraft, the

unit must be disconnected from the tug and hand pushed into position.

Once positioned at aircraft, the

parking brake on the unit must be set and wheel chocks placed

The unit must then be disconnected from the tug

Finally the hitch lock must be installed to prevent an aircraft

pull away damage from occurring!!

Note: Most GPU’s are diesel

powered and should be turned on to warm up prior to use on an aircraft providing power


Extend the cable to the GPU panel for connection.

NOTE: If the tow bar is connected to the aircraft and the

aircraft GPU panel is on the opposite side as the GPU. The

cable must be placed underneath the tow bar to

prevent it from catching on any portion of the top of the

bar

Plug the GPU cable into the

aircraft GPU receptacle making

sure the pins are lined up correctly. There are 6 pins, 2

small and 4 large. When the GPU cord is plugged in electrical

power can be turned on by depressing the “Closed/Open”

contact switch*.

Note*: GPU units vary your trainer will inform you of any

specific procedures.


After verifying that the aircraft is receiving electrical power from the

GPU, other tasks may be completed at the aircraft. If the unit will be used for extended periods of time at the aircraft ensure that fuel levels

remain sufficient.

GPU Removal

If the aircraft is using electrical power from the GPU it is important not to disconnect the power unless the aircraft is an RON or the captain

has given permission. Typically on turn flights the GPU will be utilized until the last 5-10min, when the APU will be started. Pre-maturely

disconnecting the unit prior to APU start up can cause delays as the

flight crew may need to reprogram flight computers that suddenly lost power. Always get permission first.

First verify that you may disconnect the GPU cable from

the aircraft.

Once verified the electrical power should be halted by

depressing the “Closed/Open” contact switch*.

Note*: GPU units vary your

trainer will inform you of any specific disconnect procedures.

Always remove the electrical source prior to removing GPU cables from aircraft.


Once the cable is disconnected from

the aircraft the key on the head of the cable must be used to unlock the

hitch lock.

Always stow the cable in the designed stow box to prevent

damage to the cable

The GPU may then be connected to a tug for transport

The emergency brake disengaged

and chocks removed/stowed.

Note: If the unit will not be used right away, it should be left at idle to

cool down before being completely turned off


JET WAY MOUNTED POWER

Some gates offer aircraft electrical power via a jetway mounted unit.

These units are attached typically underneath the jet ways with cables carried either in a stow box or via a winch system. Most units with a

winch system also have a safety switch mounted in the winch that will allow power to the jet way for movement only if the winch is raised to

the top of the jet way.

The jetway power cables should not be lowered prior to aircraft

arrival due to the risk of employees tripping and damage to the cords!!

Winch

Safety switch

Cable tether

Ground power cables

After the aircraft has arrived

and the jetway is positioned at the aircraft, the cables may be lowered


On most jetway mounted systems, controls are basic. An up and down switch to raise

or lower the winch, and a “Start/Stop” switch for turning on the electrical power

The cable is first lowered to a

height which the user can access the cable tether. Disconnecting

the cables from the winch system

Once disconnected, the cable is

plugged into the aircraft and then the start or electrical power switch

is turned on. After ensuring the aircraft has electrical power, the

winch cable must be raised to the

top. NOTE: If tow bar is connected

to aircraft and the cable must pass tow bar to be connected,

cable must be placed under the tow bar


1.

Prior to disconnecting the jet way

power, you must verify with the captain that it is ok. Failure to do

this can result in loss of power to the aircraft and computers

Once verified, the electrical power to

the cord must be stopped or turned off and the winch cable/tether lowered

The jetway power cord may then be

reattached to the cable tether and the winch raised to the top. Make sure

the cable does not catch on the

aircraft or pitot tubes when being raised.

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