B737-700
Situational Awareness
Ground Event / Encounter Vehicle
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Procedure
I was pulling up to the aircraft along the trailing edge of the right wing. Flaps were down to 45 position and all external lights on. As I began driving behind wing I was blinded by the right wing inspection light also the ramp overhead light disrupted my vision. The top corner of the mule vehicle contacted the tip of the flap fairing; damaging the fairing.Preventative measure is be aware of lighting conditions around aircraft. Also aircraft configuration as you drive near the aircraft.
An Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) Apprentice reported that when driving a vehicle around a Boeing 737; the vehicle made contact with the flap fairing.