Brothers and Sisters,
The TWU and the APA routinely meet to discuss safety concerns that are dealt with every day in our jobs. Many times the same hazards face TWU members that also affect APA members. By working together to identify these issues, we can collectively improve the safety environment for all Union members. Recently, safety concerns about Early Brake Release problems experienced by TWU Ramp personnel were revisited in our meeting. The problems with the Safe Gate system in place at some of the Class 1 airports and the difference between “FIL” and “ACARS” information were also discussed. The APA presented a concern with the five minute pre-departure duties and establishing cockpit communication requirement.
TWU and APA Safety Meeting Action Items:
· Investigate possible issue with faulty headsets across the AA system
· Updated letter of agreement between the TWU and APA concerning Early Brake Release
· Communication Blast from TWU and APA about Early Brake Release
· APA Safety Chairman to address TWU ATD Presidents Council
· Creation of Ramp ASAP program
· TWU committed to a communication emphasizing the requirement of the five minute Pre-departure establishing cockpit communication requirement.
In an effort to help reduce employee exposure during aircraft departure, AA FSC’s should comply with the Line Cargo Manual, Pre-departure Duties section C.1. The TWU has responsibility for the five minute prior to departure communication requirement and this is an integral portion of the safety for this process. The condition of the headsets and cables should be monitored to ensure clear communication between the cockpit and ground. It is critical that any faulty or damaged communication equipment be replaced or repaired prior to beginning the push back operation. For everyone’s safety, the Line Cargo Manual is required to be followed. Please take the time to read the requirements in the reference section incorporated below.
Fraternally,
Jerry Yates
TWU Safety
AA System Safety Committee Chairman
22JUN09
Section 9
Page 8 9.05
Predeparture Duties
C. Ground to Cockpit Communications
1. Five minutes before planned departure, establish ground to cockpit communications with the Captain via the interphone to ensure you have a good connection. The communications cord shall be attached to the aircraft’s Flight Interphone jack and pushout tractor. All communications originating from the ground during pushout operations shall be made from the pushout tractor. No person may walk in the vicinity of the nose gear during aircraft movement. NOTE– During aircraft movement, the use of ground to cockpit communications equipment, while occupying a position other than within the pushout tractor, is specifically forbidden.
2. Standard dialogue to establish communications with the cockpit is "ground to cockpit". All conversation with the Captain shall be conducted professionally and with the knowledge that often times customers are capable of overhearing these communications. In addition, jumpseat occupants in the cockpit may include representatives of the FAA or other airline crew members. Profanity or other inappropriate language or conversation outside that which is required to accomplish the order of business is strictly forbidden. 22JUN09 Section 9 Page 9
3. In the event that ground to cockpit communications cannot be established due to malfunction or thunderstorms in the airfield vicinity, the Guideman will proceed to the cockpit five minutes prior to departure to coordinate the hand signals planned to be used during pushback or powerback operations.
4. Pushback operations conducted without ground to cockpit communications equipment require an additional (fourth) crew member to act as the Signalman for the purpose of relaying hand signals between the Captain and Guideman.
5. No more than five minutes prior to departure, the Guideman will request permission to disconnect External Power and Preconditioned Air. These services must not be disconnected without the express permission of the Captain.
NOTE – If the APU has been started by the flight crew more than five minutes prior to departure, the Guideman should inquire via the interphone communications whether PCA and ground electric services are still required. If at this time the Captain indicates these services are no longer required, they may be disconnected.
6. The Guideman must remain on the headset for continuous communications with the cockpit up to the point of planned departure time. During this time the Guideman should not leave the headset without first advising the Captain of the reason for disconnecting and estimated return. Do not leave the communication cord/headset unattended when it is attached to the aircraft’s “Flight Interphone” jack. Disconnect the communication cord whenever it is necessary to leave the aircraft | 
