Aviation presents ongoing and ever-changing hazards that must be considered at all times. Often overlooked is the airport ramp and the non-movement area. This is especially important at night when personal/commercial vehicles have access.
This came together a recent, adrenaline-pumping scene I witnessed on the ramp at the North Las Vegas, Nev., airport waiting for my flight instructor, a 23-year-old CFII, and his student, a seasoned airline captain adding on his own double-I. Nighttime at North Las Vegas presents a sea of blinking red, white and yellow lights with rows of aircraft and shelter hangars mixed with impulsive, often erratic vehicle movement. The ramp area where I stood that night was well-lit and enhanced by a bright, full moon, so there was no lack of illumination.
