It was a beautiful, sunny day to fly when Joe, a student pilot, walked from the FBO office to the ramp to start preflighting his airplane. As he walked, his cell phone rang. It was a friend he planned to meet for lunch after the training flight. Joe answered the phone and became engrossed in the conversation, though none of it was particularly important.

He didn’t hear the “clear prop” call from a nearby airplane, he missed the pilot starting their engine, and his distracted ambling path took him a little too close to the turning propeller for a happy outcome. Joe’s life was saved that day by Sarah, an attentive flight instructor in the running airplane, who kept her eyes primarily outside the cockpit while her student ran through the starting process. Sarah saw where Joe was heading in time to pull the mixture and break the accident chain. Her situational awareness and avoidance of distractions saved the day—and allowed a startled, lucky Joe to make it to lunch that afternoon.

Eagle-eye instructor Sarah and distracted Joe in this story are actually composites of situations I have witnessed from the flight deck and while observing the flightline. The “story” didn’t happen exactly as depicted, but that does not take away from the fact that distractions can be deadly on the ramp.

We all know that situational awareness (SA) is important when flying. SA is also critical before and after a flight, as we work and move around our own aircraft and the others on the ramp. Situations can evolve quickly, and your escape routes may disappear as the danger increases.

Ramp Distractions and Hazards

Walking on a general aviation ramp requires your full attention. That phone call or text probably isn’t important. The social media post or dopamine hit from likes and comments definitely isn’t important. While checking the latest weather and NOTAMs is important, the ramp is not the place to complete this task. All of these can wait until you are in a safe location.

The ramp has a number of obvious hazards, including moving aircraft and spinning propellers and tail-rotors. There are also tripping hazards: chocks, tie-downs, fuel hoses, and other equipment have been the downfall of pilots, passengers, and line personnel. A fall might not hurt—but what you land on or fall against could do serious damage to your head or body.

More than a few pilots have temporarily lost control of an airplane during the starting process. Inadequate braking or an overzealous throttle setting can lead to the airplane’s unintentional rolling from its parking spot after start. Despite the best efforts of airport operators and FBOs, the ramp or parking area may not be perfectly level, contributing to this problem. Avoid walking in front of an airplane when it is starting or running. When approaching most propeller-driven airplanes, it’s best to approach from the side or rear to avoid the propeller area. Approaching from the side may also allow you to make eye contact with the pilot.

When thinking about the danger zone on a small airplane, the spinning propeller at the front is obvious. You might expect a helicopter’s large overhead rotor to be the biggest hazard on the ground. For most helicopters, it is not—the tail rotor is a bigger concern. The tail rotor is lower and might be missed if you are distracted by the main rotor. When approaching a helicopter, approach from the front to stay clear of the tail rotor and maintain eye contact with the pilots.

On larger ramps, you may also contend with jet-powered aircraft. While traditional jet engines don’t have propellers, they have their own hazards. Large, low engine inlets can pull people off their feet and into the inlet if the engine is running at sufficient power. Jet exhaust can knock you down, hurl debris, or damage other aircraft if the pilot is not careful. Noise levels can also be extreme, even at low power. Don’t let this distract you from other hazards in the area.

Avoiding ramp distractions and hazards:

• Keep your eyes on the area and remain aware of potential hazards, including aircraft and tripping hazards.

• Put your phone or tablet in your pocket or flight bag. Ignore rings, dings, and vibrations until you are in a safe location.

• Remove your earbuds so you can better hear your surroundings.

• When crossing near a parked airplane, check the seats to ensure the pilot isn’t preparing to start. Make eye contact and “get permission” before walking past the airplane, giving plenty of space from the front.

• Do not approach a helicopter on the ramp from the rear. This is the danger zone, and you cannot see the pilot seats.

• Don’t let the sights, sounds, and activity of the ramp divert you from noticing other hazards.

Preflight Distractions

Once at your airplane, your preflight must be your primary focus. Maintain situational awareness of your surroundings, but your attention should remain on the task at hand. Whether using a printed checklist or a flow, your preflight inspection should follow a regular routine and consistent pattern for the airplane. Inconsistency is a recipe for missed steps and overlooked items.

During preflight is not the time to visit with friends, passengers, other pilots, or line personnel. Your responsibilities require full attention, and distractions increase the risk of missing something critical.

Like walking on the ramp, avoid non-critical communications during preflight. Phone calls, texts, and social media can wait. Other communications that aren’t critical to safety can also wait.

If you do get distracted by an important call or relevant discussion, consider how to safely continue the preflight. If following a checklist, and you are certain of where you left off, you might continue from that point or a couple of steps back. The safest option is to restart the checklist from the beginning or from the start of the current section. If unsure, always return to the beginning.

In the Pilot’s Seat

Once in the cockpit, responsibilities reverse. You must now watch for pedestrians and maintain situational awareness while starting the airplane. Ensure no one walks into or in front of your airplane. Retain control of the aircraft during startup and be ready to regain it if lost. Be mindful of prop or jet blast to prevent debris or injury.

Keep your head up and eyes outside during critical times. Avoid programming radios, navigators, or tablets while taxiing, especially near the ramp.

Conclusion

Situational awareness and intentional avoidance of distractions are keys to a safe flight. This vigilance should start upon arrival at the airport and continue until the flying day is complete. Distractions are not worth your life—or the life of another.

Fly and stay safe!