Airlines like to get planes back in the air as quickly as possible, as they earn no money parked on the ground. During turnaround, a great many things have to happen before the following service can commence.
I was in Cleveland recently, and as there is no lounge for American Airlines passengers, I was sitting at the gate. To pass the time, I decided to take a bunch of pictures showing what happens between flights.
Turnaround In Cleveland
Our subject today is an American Eagle Embraer 175 registered N448YX. We’re at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and it’s around three in the afternoon. The aircraft lands and we start our story with the plane heading to the gate.
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- Here it comes!
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- Note the people with the wands, one at left and at the bottom.
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- The aircraft must follow the yellow line.
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- Wand guy at bottom has opened his arms, while the one at left is walking along with the wing.
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- Crossed wands, so stop!
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- Chocks guy is putting the chocks under the nosewheels.
Safely on stand, it’s time for the fun part. First, the jetway is attached, allowing the passengers to leave. Cargo doors are opened and more then happens.
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- Baggage is being unloaded from the front hold.
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- The carts are gone and a fuel truck arrives.
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- Oh look! It’s the pushback tug getting positiioned.
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- Loading bags now in the forward hold.
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- Fuel truck leaves, while they load the rear hold.
At this point, boarding was announced and it was my turn, as self-loading cargo, to do my thing. I settled into my seat up the front and soon enough we were away into the sky.
Overall Thoughts
The ground handling company at Cleveland certainly have a well choreographed turnaround procedure. They have to, as the aim is to get the bags off, bags on and dispatch the next flight without delay.
Everyone knows their task and it proceeded with practiced efficiency. It’s hard work too, evident by seeing them have to put the bags on board. Some of them were clearly extremely heavy, so you need a good level of fitness to do this job… and that’s before you factor in the weather. This was a lovely Winter day, but imagine it in snowy conditions. Not fun!
What do you think of the unsung heroes of the turnaround? Have you ever worked in this area before and if so, what’s it like? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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