GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — With weather like this, flights still have to run in and out of airports.
For those outside during this time, how do people stay warm while making sure planes can still take off?
At AvFlight, a tenant of TVC in Traverse city, their days start off with making sure everyone gets to work safely, consisting of group chats, plowed parking lots, and a warm drink for those who need it.
John Langworthy, the AvFlight General Manager, said “we try to make sure we always have good, you know, hot chocolate, coffee, things like tomato soup or, sometimes we’ll do a potluck event where people bring in chili or other hot dishes to kind of keep the team going and fueled.”
As employees with AvFlight prepare to de-ice and fuel planes, they take many steps to stay warm, like proper clothes.
Langworthy said everyone is given insulated bibs, hand warmers, insulated, water proof gloves, hats, coats, and goggles.
They also make sure everyone has good shoes.
Teamwork is also essential to staying warm and keeping flights running.
If a team member is outside for 20 minutes, they will swap out to let them warm up.
One of the biggest jobs outside is de-icing planes before they take off, but there are a few more jobs that need done.
Langworthy said it is their job to make sure whether it’s snow or equipment or getting the planes marshaled in and fueled, they take care of everyone.
Once team members are inside, it is time to warm up with a warm drink or food, making sure they are staying safe on the job.
Then, it starts over as the new crew takes over for the next shift.