Martin, This is not the forum to discuss such an involved concept as this. I see you have misunderstood several aspects of my presentation. I will give the presentation again at the second safety meeting. Perhaps you could attend. Sean ----- Original Message ----- From: N2319N@xxxxxxx To: hhsc1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 5:08 PM Subject: Passenger Safety Fellow Fliers, Last Saturday's HHSC meeting saw an excellent presentation on improving the safety of passengers at Harris Hill. This is a very important issue and deserves our full attention. My understanding of the proposal made last Saturday is that by individually escorting passengers to and from a waiting area near the Flight Center and staging them north of the taxiway potentially dangerous interactions with the tow planes will be avoided. The new proposal sparked some lively discussion. I believe that two of the concerns that were raised are valid and require further consideration. (1) A number of members felt that, with the current level of staffing, providing escorts was not realistic, since this responsibility would fall heavily on the log keeper who can easily be totally involved with his basic function on a busy day. Several individuals pointed out that the elimination of the ground supervisor position has already put stress on ground operations and the addition of a new task, though well intended, is not realistic. (2) It appeared that the new proposal envisioned having passengers waiting near the runway, north of the tow plane hangar taxiway. Some present felt that this was not a move that would enhance safety. It was felt that keeping passengers to the south of the taxiway behind the hook-up line, as is presently done, reduces the chances of gliders or tow planes being involved with passengers in a conflict. It is easy to criticize any new proposal. What follows is a modified proposal that (a) attempts to keep the core idea of improving safety by positive separation of passengers and tow planes, but (b) answers the concerns that have been expressed about realistic staffing levels. The key idea behind the modified proposal is that ESCORTING TOWPLANES REQUIRES SIGNIFICANTLY LESS STAFF THAN ESCORTING PASSENGERS. I do not have the exact statistics at my fingertips, but it seems reasonable that 10 passengers cross the taxiway for every towplane that refuels. In the modified plan (please consult the attached diagram) passengers (and their accompanying family and friends) would make their own way to a staging area south of the towplane taxiway using a walkway clearly defined by posts and ropes. The path would cross the taxiway at a point marked with two painted lines. Separation from towplanes would be assured by controlling the transit of towplanes to the refueling area. NO TOWPILOT WOULD USE THE TAXIWAY FOR ENTRY OR EXIT UNLESS HE HAS INFORMED THE LOG KEEPER OF HIS NEED TO REFUEL AND THE LOG KEEPER HAS ASSIGNED ONE OR POSSIBLY TWO HHSC MEMBERS (if necessary himself included) TO STOP PASSEGERS FROM CROSSING THE TAXIWAY. I believe this scheme has a number of advantages: (1) It can be implemented with the present level of staffing, even on busy days, as those HHSC members involved are close at hand (30 to 50 feet away) and are needed relatively infrequently. (2) Very clear GO/NO GO decisions are involved. The tow plane pilot does not taxi until he sees HHSC members are in place controlling passengers at the taxiway/ rope path intersection. (3) Briefing passengers for the trip to the launch is simple and straightforward, “Follow the path marked by the ropes and the markings on the taxiway to where the gliders are being loaded. Do not go outside the ropes unless instructed to do so by one of our members.” (4) Briefing passengers for the return trip is also simple, “ Return the way you came.” Passengers, relatives, and friends can return to the Flight Center at any time they wish without the need for individual escorts. (5) The cash person can brief passengers on how to get to the flight line without having to leave the office. At present something like this is often needed, “You see that guy down there with the clip board. No, not that guy …” (6) Passengers are staged south of the taxiway behind the hook-up line in a safe area. Passengers completing a flight are directed back to the flightline staging area by their pilot. They are instructed to walk behind traffic preparing for take-off. Obviously it will be necessary to make sure passengers stay within the marked walkway by continual vigilance. It is not intended that the use of a self-directed walkway should relieve HHSC members from the need to continually monitor the situation on the field. However, the general concensus is that the vast majority of our customers are amenable to direction and only require a clear idea of where they are supposed to go. Respectfully submitted for consideration, Martin Green ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------