US Airways - June 2013 - (Page 12)
embark
Tucked in
for the Night
Even planes like to rest.
Here’s what happens
when they get put to bed.
Making It Happen
Behind the Scenes
of Your Flight
issues, workers close up the plane for the night.
Finally, the plane can get some rest. “An
average aircraft can get about eight hours of sleep,”
says Costanzo, “so they actually sleep more than
most of us!”
By Tara Titcombe
★
12
june 2013
usairwaysmag.com
Wake-Up Call
After a good night’s rest, planes must get back to
work early in the morning.
First, the aircraft is inspected and prepped for
flight. Next, the power is started so the cabin can
begin heating or cooling, depending on the season. About an hour before departure, caterers load
the food and beverage carts. Also around this time,
ramp workers begin loading luggage and cargo.
The crew arrives about 45 minutes before departure to ready the cabin, and the pilot conducts a
walk-around inspection of the plane. About 15
minutes later, boarding begins. As soon as the
plane pushes back from the gate, its workday has
officially begun.
illustration by ed fotheringham
US Airways’ planes
fly long hours
every day to more than
200 cities and many different time zones. But every
now and then, a plane
gets some down time.
The aircraft scheduling and maintenancerouting departments
work together to determine which airport will
host a plane’s overnight
stay — typically planning
up to 90 days in advance.
If a plane requires a routine
maintenance check, it will
stay overnight at an airport
with a US Airways maintenance
station. If it needs a more thorough
multi-day check, it will be parked in a hangar at
a maintenance base. If no maintenance is needed,
it can stay overnight at any US Airways destination
airport that has enough available gates.
“No matter where a plane overnights, it will
get a nose-to-tail check and will be completely
serviced for the next morning’s flight,” says Vince
Costanzo, managing director of station operations
support. After a plane makes its final landing for
the day, it is parked and secured. Fuelers note how
much fuel they’ll need to add in the morning.
Ramp workers ensure that the cargo bins are empty
and closed. The catering crew removes all carts
and leftover food. Another team then performs a
complete cleaning. If there are no maintenance
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - June 2013
US Airways - June 2013
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Best Outdoor Music Venues
Hub Crawl: Los Angeles International Airport
Wine & Dine: Infused Spirits
Great Tastes: B.B. King's Blues Clubs
Diversions: Beer Gardens
Great Escapes: Hard Rock Hotels
Great Escapes: Universal Orlando Resort
Diversions: Seven Super Spas
Adventure: Sebasco Harbor Resort, Maine
Golf: Billy Casper
Gear Up: Family Games
Travel Feature: The Lure of the Lake
US Airways: All in the Family
Chefs Tell: Sea Fire Grill
Charlotte, NC
Special Section: Los Angeles Arts
Must Read: Color Blind
Great Dates
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
Window or Aisle?
US Airways - June 2013
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