Safety On The Ground

One of the greatest risks lightning poses to aviation involves ground-based operations: people working outdoors are particularly vulnerable. A 2013 report by the American Meteorological Society indicated that lightning safety rules for ground-based aviation are not standardized. Airports set their own standards for ceasing and resuming operations, as do FBOs. Here are some typical guidelines for airport management tied to lightning proximity:

Editorial Staff

Monday, June 29, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Lightning poses a significant safety risk to ground-based aviation personnel, but safety rules for these operations are not standardized across airports.
Airports and FBOs independently establish their own guidelines for ceasing and resuming operations during lightning activity.
Typical lightning safety guidelines involve a graduated response, initiating monitoring at 15 miles and progressively curtailing outdoor activities, such as fueling and ramp operations, as lightning approaches specific proximity thresholds (e.g., stopping all ramp activity at 2 miles or less).

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– 15 miles: Airport personnel should be monitoring storm activity and establish communication with outdoor operations including ramp and maintenance activities such as mowing.
– 8 miles: Airport ground personnel should be aware of a severe weather event. Airport management should be prepared to order curtailment of outdoor activities.
– 5 miles: Cease fueling operations.
– 3 miles: Ground personnel discontinue use of headsets.
– 2 miles or less: Stop all ramp activity and clear the area until the storm passes.