What is the recommended response to severe weather or lightning during ramp operations?

• A. Suspend nonessential operations, secure GSE, park aircraft, follow SOPs, and monitor weather updates; resume only when safe.
• B. Continue operations with caution.
• C. Increase engine run time.
• D. Move aircraft to open area.

Answer: (D)

When severe weather or lightning is present on the ramp, the priority is to reduce exposure and create space so people and assets are safer. Moving aircraft to an open area helps accomplish this by taking them away from structures and tall objects that can attract or channel lightning or suffer collateral damage if a strike occurs nearby. An open area also provides clear space for personnel to take shelter, for emergency response access if needed, and for safe shutdown and monitoring of the situation without obstructing walkways or equipment near buildings. Other actions don’t address the immediate safety risk as effectively: continuing operations with caution keeps assets in potentially hazardous locations, increasing the chance of damage; increasing engine run time doesn’t reduce lightning risk; and simply securing GSE or parking aircraft without repositioning them can leave aircraft exposed to hazards associated with structures and debris.