Simple Flying These are certainly turbulent times all across the aviation world. Some airlines seem to be fairing a little worse than others, however. After Virgin Australia entered into administration, some actors are taking it upon themselves to make sure they get what they feel the carrier owes them. On Friday, Perth Airport confirmed it had impounded four Virgin Australia aircraft. And it’s bringing out some heavy artillery to do it.
Four Virgin aircraft blocked
Some remarkable scenes are playing out at Perth Airport. One Virgin Australia Boeing 737 is finding itself nose to nose with an airport bulldozer. The vehicle is situated in front of the plane to prevent the airline from attaching a tug, thus hindering the pushback of the aircraft.
Dramatic twist in the collapse of Virgin Australia as bulldozers and trucks are used to block planes from taking off until their debts are repaid
https://t.co/3IKkPN6PvS— Daily Mail Australia (@DailyMailAU) April 24, 2020
Another of the troubled carrier’s aircraft, an Airbus A330, has been blocked by an unidentified large vehicle to stop anyone from attaching a tow bar. And, as reported by ABC, the airport seems to be throwing everything but the kitchen sink in front of the other two planes. Or at least, service stairs, and other seemingly random runway items that are used to block the other two.
Thats not a bulldozer.
Wheel Bulldozer
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wheel bulldozer profile
This machine is sometimes referred to as a tire bulldozer and is normally larger than a crawler. A wheel dozer is more maneuverable than a crawler since its tires offer better overall handling. It also has completely articulated hydraulic steering and moves on a smaller axis. This machine is also ideal to use for soft or sensitive ground since the tires are gentler than tracks.