When is it permissible to exceed the speed limit on the airside?

The premise of the airside speed limit is rooted in safety and efficient operations. The speed limits are established to minimize risks for all personnel and operations taking place on the airside, including aircraft movements, ground handling, and personnel working in proximity to runways and taxiways. Adhering to these limits is crucial, as exceeding them could lead to accidents or unintended interference with aircraft operations.

In this context, stating that it is never permissible to exceed the speed limit emphasizes the fundamental principle that safety cannot be compromised, regardless of circumstances. This rule is strictly enforced to ensure that all vehicular movements on the airside maintain optimal safety standards. Exceeding the speed limit—even when one might believe it is justified, such as in a hurry or during maintenance operations—can lead to severe consequences, both legally and operationally.

In contrast, while following emergency vehicles may seem like a plausible scenario for increasing speed, the protocols typically require more caution, not less. Likewise, maintenance operations when no planes are present still do not grant a free pass to disregard the established speed limits, highlighting the importance of maintaining consistent adherence to rules at all times to foster a safe working environment.