New ground operations signals

[Guest burbles1]

The national aviation authority has mandated the replacement of all windsocks with the release of new standard equipment. The UPright Yellow Or Red Signals (UPYORS) promises to provide a more accurate indication of crosswind, thereby minimising the risk of aircraft incidents on landing. The new equipment could also simultaneously be used in ground marshalling operations. Typical usage of the indicators is shown in the following examples.

 

Upright, smiley face, pointing downwind: Good day to head up, taxi down that way.

 

One signal doubled up, one standing: Crosswind a bit strong, be careful of gusts.

 

Both signals bending over: You could bend your plane – clubhouse in that direction.

 

 

 

 

 

[Chrisso]

Reminds me of my early days in the RAAF over in WA. Whilst on the Duty Crew at RAAF Pearce one weekend, we had a USN P3 Orion arrive with yours truly doing the marshalling. After correctly marshalling the Orion pilot to his spot I looked up and he had a full Gorilla Suit on and waved to me. Naturally I cracked up and saw the funny side of it. Unlike many aircraft, the pilot sits up quite high behind all the windscreens for better visibilty during patrols, and this made his suit far more visible to us on the ground.