Aircraft GSE – Have you ever taken notice of it? Do you know exactly what it is or what it does? Do you know what GSE stands for? The answers to those and other questions are provided below.
What Is GSE Short For?
GSE is an acronym for Ground Support Equipment. It is a term used in several industries to refer to the vehicles, devices, engines, etc. that perform specific jobs on the ground. They may carry, tote or push items from one spot to another. They may also lift or carry objects – both large and small.
What Are Aircraft GSE?
Aircraft GSE are ground support equipment used in the services of aircraft. At any airport, including private, public and military, they provide certain essential services for the aircraft. They do so, however, only when the aircraft are on the ground. They are meant to handle a variety of jobs in this capacity. As a result, you will find them throughout the airport providing several different services and fulfilling diverse functions.
Among the types of aircraft GSE available at airports are:
* Aircraft Tugs: This type of aircraft GSE is also known as a pushback or a tow tractor. The purpose is to push or tow the aircraft from the gate into taxiing position or the maintenance shop.
* Baggage Tugs (or Tractors): These small tugs are often seen attached together carrying baggage and/or small cargo to and from the terminal.
* Belt Loaders: This is a conveyor belt that self-propels the luggage and/or cargo into or from the cargo hold of the aircraft. It takes the baggage from or loads it into the baggage tugs or tractors.
* Cargo Loaders: These are larger pieces of aircraft GSE. Their specialty is loading and unloading cargo from the hold of a plane.
* De-icers: This type of GSE generally comes in the form of trailers. The tools they possess are intended to be sprayed directly on the wings and specific components of airplanes to prevent them from icing up.
These one include some of the major types of aircraft GSE but there are others including Air conditioning units, power suppliers, caterers, fresh water suppliers, re-fuelers and even boarding/disembarking steps. These are all used to keep the airplane functioning and/or to ensure the passengers and crew are kept content after and during the flight.
Aircraft GSE
There are many different types of ground support equipment. They are designed for specific functions. They are also intended to serve specific aircraft on the ground. They are not interchangeable. Certain pieces of equipment are only suited for smaller aircraft while others are designed for larger aircraft. As a result, next time you are at an airport, look around at what is happening on the tarmac. Go beyond the planes landing and taking off. Try to find the hard workers behind the scenes. The ones behind the scene who make the magic happen: the aircraft GSE.
