BA buy a pumpkin

Citation

(2001), "BA buy a pumpkin", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773dad.016

BA buy a pumpkin

BA buy a pumpkinKeywords: JLG, British Airways, Maintenance

An articulating boom platform, specially modified to reduce the risk of damage to aircraft during repairs and maintenance has been bought by British Airways (Plate 7).

The modified 450 AJ – nicknamed the "Pumpkin" by BA staff because of its shape and colour, will be used at British Airways Line Station at Heathrow Airport.

Produced by JLG, a manufacturer of aerial platforms, the modified 450 AJ joins similar JLG platforms already in use by British Airways and other line stations around the world.

The modifications include a "soft touch" system, in which the platform and its rails have been wrapped in foam padding. This is said to significantly reduce the possibility of damage when the platform is in close proximity to the aircraft. Additionally a suspended padded rail is connected to sensor switches to cut out machine functions should it come into contact with an aircraft.

Plate 7 The new JLG platform - the "Pumpkin" in use at Heathrow Airport

There is also a "tow package" fitted which can be deployed easily. As a result the 450AJ can be moved quickly and safely over long distances at Heathrow Airport when immediate access is required to an aircraft. A road lighting kit, platform work lights and full alarm package completed the British Airways specifications.

David Winter, project manager line maintenance at British Airways, said: "The 450 AJ replaces a telehoist manhandler, and is extremely manoeuvrable, having the capacity to reach all of the access panels that the line maintenance team need to get to. This manoeuvrability, together with the advantages resulting from the modified features mean the new platform will prove invaluable at Heathrow".

Alan Hall, Northern sales director at JLG, said: "The company consulted several times with British Airways to establish the modifications required for a platform. It was mutually decided that the 450 AJ would be the most suitable to meet the company's requirements. "Representatives of British Airways visited JLG's factory where the 450 AJ is manufactured to satisfy themselves with the quality and high standard of the product. The machine has now been delivered and JLG representatives have had the pleasure of seeing the platform in action".

Further details are available from JLG.