Trenton Lipscomb

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Static Page Comments

• July 2, 2008, on Runway Incursions:

  I think the fundamental problem is that we're using the same people and the same communications techniques on the ground as in the air. That's convenient, but perhaps not as efficient as it could be, taking into modern technology and energy costs. Airplanes are designed to fly, and pilots trained to fly them. What if, once clear of the active, airport-provided tugs were waiting to hookup to the just-landed aircraft? Operators of these would be extremely familiar with that single airport and they would have radio and other technologies specifically designed for moving airplanes around the ground efficiently. The tugs would be the type which completely lift the front wheel off the ground, not the push-bar type you usually see at the gate. The lifter type allows for much faster taxiing and is more like highway-capable truck than a tug. While under control of the tug, the airliner could have both engines off, saving quite a bit of fuel. You'd need a lot of these tugs ("Roger, number 1...