Air passenger transportation has long become commonplace in the life of every modern person. However, one can often observe how passengers are embarrassed to board the aircraft along the ramp. It seems to them that this method of getting into the cabin is morally outdated, and it is high time to replace it with a familiar tunnel to the very door.
Not just a ladder
The biggest mistake that passengers make when talking about gangways is to focus on obsolete technology. In fact, this conclusion is wrong at the root. The fact is that an airplane ladder is not just a ladder. This is a complex mechanism that allows people to safely board and leave it, regardless of weather conditions. Such a device differs from a ladder by telescoping and size.
The construction of the ladder is simple:
- operator-driven vehicle;
- the device itself;
- sealant.
Skilled work on such a machine is extremely important. The person managing it is obliged to strictly observe all safety requirements in order to avoid tragedy. So, a recent case in Russia consisted in the fact that the operator of the plane's ramp in Pulkovo did not bring him tight enough to the door. This led to the death of a little girl.
Two passengers fell into the unexpectedly formed gap between the aircraft and the seal and fell on the concrete cover of the runway from a great height. At the same time, the girl received great injuries and was hospitalized. Unfortunately, it was not possible to save the child. So simple negligence led to the collapse of part of the ladder and the death of a small child.
Varieties of gangways
It seems to many people that the tunnel from the waiting room to the side of the plane is something innovative and technically perfect. This is a common misconception. The fact is that such a device is also a telescopic ladder. Yes, it is more perfect, and there is no ladder, but at the same time it is not so universal. It can not be quickly repaired or simply replaced with another. In addition, only specialized aircraft can be fitted to it.
The passenger telescopic gangway of the aircraft is a long and convenient gallery, and it is not available at all airports. Most often, they are equipped only with large air harbors with large passenger traffic.
For smaller airports, mobile ramps are used, and it is them that many passengers do not like. In inaccessible regions, there is often no developed infrastructure, so only those aircraft that have a gangway built into the hull fly there. This is the simplest device of all, and it cannot boast of reliability or safety.
Aircraft ladders can have significant design differences. The cheapest of them really look like stairs, and those that are more expensive look like escalators and travelators. Although their design may be different, these devices for ordinary passengers are always made from the same materials. Mostly aluminum and other light metals.
Passenger rules
Not only the operators are responsible for the gangway. First of all, the passenger must independently take care of his safety and, in accordance with international rules, he must comply with the rules while on the ramp. It is forbidden to jump from it, it can not be rocked, since all such actions can end for the passenger is extremely unpleasant.
If there is reason to believe that the device is faulty, it is the duty of the passenger to report this to the flight attendant immediately. Standing at the gangway of the aircraft, it is necessary to respect each other, observing a live queue and not hindering the passage of personnel on board.
Emergency ladder
In the event of an emergency at the airport, passengers descend the folding ladder integrated into the aircraft. If an emergency landing occurred, then regardless of the damage, the crew is obliged to use the emergency evacuation ladder. It instantly inflates and provides an excellent opportunity to quickly and orderly leave the board of an airliner.
The most luxurious ramps in the world
Regarding senseless luxury, Saudi Arabia undoubtedly leads the way. Of course, in civilian airports, completely ordinary ramps are used here. Yes, they are more modern, but they are not unusual. However, everything is completely different when the passenger is not an ordinary tourist, but a sheikh. In this case, the staircase can be richly decorated or even be a work of art.
The personal ladder of the king of Saudi Arabia is especially curious . He constantly carries it with him to inspire the whole world with the thought of his incredible wealth. What is so interesting there? First of all, the whole staircase is made of gold and is a moving escalator.
Particularly wealthy representatives of the royal family of Saudi Arabia, the ramp, although more modest than that of the king, is still adorned with precious stones, and the staircase material is an alloy of precious metals.