Jerry Lilja is the Director GSE Applications at VRS Fleet Products

He started his career with Boeing in 1965 working in design engineering on the 727, 737, YC-14 (C-17), 747 and SST.I then moved to Customer Service – Maintenance & Ground Operations Systems for the rest of the models and the rest of his career – 757, 767, 777 & 787. His specialty was Ramp Operations – equipment, timelines & servicing arrangements.
 

So, we realize that "Ramp Rash"damage to an aircraft occurs quite often because the operators can't see where they are relative to the airplane. That damage has always been a big problem, but the problem is much bigger now with the 787 “plastic” body.

Damage is not always apparent, so prevention is paramount!
 

We have worked with our manufacturer to customize our sensor and camera solutions for various GSE. Initially we outfitted fuel and maintenance trucks with sensors and cameras to prevent running into engine cowls, flaps, and of course the fuselage.
                             
The MAX 1 sonar collision avoidance solution senses objects, whether it is day or night.The system will tell the equipment operator with a real voice how far they are from an engine, flap or sill, and countdown as they approach i.e. "5 ft, 3 ft.12 in. Etc." It can also be configured to report distances in meters and in any language.
  
                             
Our low light cameras can be positioned so the operator can see on the monitor how close they are to the airplane while approaching the door sill, or service panel. As many as four cameras can be installed and displayed simultaneously on a single monitor.
  

If you are having problems with Ramp Rash, give us a call at1-888-881-6566 to set up a good time for a quick 15 minute discussion about our solutions.

Let our "virtual spotter" help guide the GSE operator and avoid damaging airplanes on the ramp!