The question of aviation safety has been discussed for a long period. People try to pay much attention to this item because of a number of direct and indirect costs may take place. Nowadays, the term “ramp rash” or a ground accident is not new. This type of incident happens when the aircraft is parked or moved from a passenger terminal to the required runway/taxiway. The true value of “ramp rash” is that it is hard to predict or avoid due to the possible anomalies, some malfunctions, or the errors that may take place and increase the damage chance. Another important factor is that a ground accident usually happens because of a certain chain of events.
It does not happen because of a single cause that can be analyzed. In spite of the fact that specialists try to analyze and report on such accidents, not much information is known on this issue, and that is why it remains to be crucial for consideration.
As a rule, ground accidents may be characterized by two types of costs: direct and indirect. It is usually hard to predict and measure indirect costs; that is why they are greater than direct costs. To understand the difference and worth of direct and indirect costs, it is possible to imagine the iceberg because of which the Titanic sank. The visual part of the iceberg is the direct costs that can be observed and even overcome. However, it is impossible to think about the size of the same iceberg under water. The same situation is observed with indirect costs of “ramp rash”. It is impossible to identify them at once.
There are many different components that may be mentioned in each category of costs. Still, the direct cost category is usually easy to predict and calculate because they are connected with the repairing details. The components of indirect costs vary considerably and differ in every situation. Indirect costs may depend on the value of passengers’ baggage lost, or freight-related income, or even the reputation of the company, etc. The only positive aspect of such accidents is that they do not usually take human lives. Of course, there are the cases when people may be injured. Still, such cases are rare. As a rule, the aircraft or the territory is damaged considerably. It is also necessary to consider the emotional factors and financial losses associated with “ramp rash”.
However, even if the losses of such accidents are usually of a financial nature, it is still necessary to take some precautionary steps and analyze the situations thoroughly. In fact, it is worthwhile for airlines and various aviation companies to invest in ground operations safety because of a number of reasons.
First, people should be aware of the possibility of “ramp rash” and get ready for the consequences. Second, as soon as people know about the danger, they become more serious, attentive, and responsible for each step and thought made. Finally, people have to realize that their lives and safety may be under threat if they deal with huge mechanisms that are not always possible to control. People have to know how to behave in various situations and be ready to make fast decisions to protect the lives of many people and save their own lives. That is why the investments in ground accident prevention have to be considerably and regular to make sure aviation is not dangerous for ordinary people.