What are PCA and GPU at an airport gate?

PCA and GPU are the gate services that let a parked aircraft switch off its own auxiliary power unit. Air comes from a conditioning unit and power from a converter on the bridge or apron, cutting fuel burn and local emissions. Aqueduct's view is on the airside and utilities page.

How do PCA and GPU differ?

PCA handles cabin heating and cooling through a hose to the aircraft's air connection, while a GPU carries electrical load through a cable. The APU can stay fully off only when both are connected.

Is APU use at the gate restricted?

Limits are set airport by airport, through local rules or lease terms, not by one national rule. They only work if gate equipment is available and reliable when crews need it.

Who pays for the energy gate units use?

Arrangements vary by airport. Where the airport recovers gate energy through charges to airlines or handlers, sub-metering each unit gives that charge a measured basis.

Glossary

Airports

What is Preconditioned air (PCA) and ground power units (GPU)?

Definition

Preconditioned air (PCA) and ground power units (GPU) are gate systems that feed a parked aircraft conditioned air and electrical power, so its auxiliary power unit (APU) can stay off.

Where gate services sit and who owns them

PCA and GPU serve contact stands and some remote stands. The airport or terminal operator usually owns the fixed units on the boarding bridge, ground handlers connect them, and airline crews decide whether to start the APU instead. PCA comes either from a self-contained unit at each gate or from a central chilled water plant, which ties gate demand to the terminal's cooling capacity. A GPU converts building power to the supply aircraft systems expect.

FAA VALE funding for gate electrification

The FAA created the Voluntary Airport Low Emissions program (VALE) in 2004. It lets airport sponsors spend Airport Improvement Program grants and Passenger Facility Charges on gate electrification, low emission vehicles and charging stations, and it gives the airport air quality credits for future development under the Clean Air Act. An eligible airport must be a commercial service airport in a nonattainment or maintenance area for a National Ambient Air Quality Standard. As of October 2023, the FAA reports 141 VALE projects funded.

Gate evidence Aqueduct records

aQ EnergySmart meters each PCA and GPU feeder, so energy per gate can be lined up against stand occupancy where the airport shares its gate schedule. A unit drawing power with no aircraft parked, or a stand where connection time falls well short of time on stand, appears as a gap between the two series. Run hours and current draw per unit also give aQ PredictIQ early signs of a failing compressor or fan.

What is Preconditioned air (PCA) and ground power units (GPU)?

Where gate services sit and who owns them

FAA VALE funding for gate electrification

Gate evidence Aqueduct records

Preconditioned air (PCA) and ground power units (GPU): common questions

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