7.17 Aircraft Handling and Storage Flashcards
What is aircraft taxiing?
Aircraft taxiing refers to the controlled movement of an aircraft on the ground, using its own power, during the pre-flight and post-flight phases of operation.
What is required for towing an aircraft?
Towing an aircraft requires a tug with a towing arm/bar attached to the nose wheel of the aircraft to push or pull the aircraft.
What is Foreign Object Damage/Debris (FOD)?
FOD is any article or substance alien to an aircraft or system that could potentially cause damage.
What are examples of external FOD hazards?
External FOD hazards include bird strikes, hail, ice, sandstorms, ash-clouds, and objects left on the runway.
What are examples of internal FOD hazards?
Internal FOD hazards include items left in the cockpit that interfere with flight safety and tools left inside the aircraft after manufacturing or servicing.
What procedures do aircraft maintenance teams follow regarding tools?
Aircraft maintenance teams usually have strict tool control procedures, including toolbox inventories to ensure all tools have been removed from an aircraft before it is released for flight.
What was the significance of the crash of Air France Flight 4590?
The crash was attributed to titanium debris dropped by a Continental DC-10 flight that had departed only four minutes earlier.
What is the role of an aircraft marshaller?
The marshaller guides the aircraft safely to its designated parking spot using standardised hand signals and visual cues.
What must the marshaller wear?
The marshaller must wear a distinctive fluorescent identification vest for visibility.
What is the signal for ‘Normal stop’?
Fully extend arms and wands at a 90-degree angle to sides and slowly move to above head until wands cross.
What is the signal for ‘Start engine(s)’?
Raise right arm to head level with wand pointing up and start a circular motion with hand; at the same time, point to the engine to be started with the left arm.
What is the warning during aircraft movement on the ground?
Ensure that when the aircraft moves under its own power on the ground, no one enters an area where the aircraft can cause injury or even death.
What is the purpose of a towbar?
Towbars are used to attach a towing vehicle to an aircraft’s nose landing gear, allowing the aircraft to be pushed or pulled into position.
How are aircraft equipped with tail wheels generally towed?
They are generally towed forward by attaching the towbar to the main landing gear.
What is the function of the shear pin in a towbar?
The shear pin prevents excessive loads from occurring between the tractor and the nose landing gear.
What is the purpose of a towbar in aircraft towing?
Towbars are designed to tow aircraft forward by attaching to the axle of the nosewheel.
What is a key feature of towbars?
Towbars have sufficient tensile strength to pull most aircraft but are not meant for torsional loads.
What is incorporated into the towbar to avoid snatching movements?
A shock absorber system, usually a large spring, is incorporated into the towbar.
What is the function of a shear pin in a towbar?
The shear pin prevents excessive loads from occurring between the tractor and the nose landing gear.
What feature do many towbars have for mobility?
Many towbars have small wheels that allow them to be drawn behind the towing vehicle.
How are the wheels of a towbar typically raised and lowered?
The wheels are usually raised and lowered hydraulically by a hand pump.
What are special types of towbars designed for?
Special types of towbars are designed for specific aircraft and are usually built by the aircraft manufacturer.
What are multi-head towbars?
Multi-head towbars allow operators to swap out the head attachment to accommodate various aircraft.
What is a towbarless tug?
Towbarless tugs use hydraulic actuators to lift the landing gear nose off the ground for towing.
What is a remote control tug?
Remote control tugs are used for smaller aircraft and are becoming more common for larger aircraft.
What is the advantage of using a remote control tug?
Remote control tugs increase parking efficiency as they do not add tractor and towbar length to the aircraft size.
What is bridle (cable) towing?
Bridle towing involves using cables attached to each main landing gear for towing on uneven ground.
What should be done if towing attachments are not provided on the main landing gear?
Bridles should be passed carefully around the legs to avoid fouling on adjacent structures.
What is a critical safety precaution when towing aircraft?
The towing vehicle speed must be reasonable, and all personnel must be alert during the operation.
What should be done when the aircraft is stopped during towing?
The cockpit person should coordinate the use of the aircraft brakes with those of the towing vehicle.
Who should direct an aircraft towing team?
Only competent persons properly checked out should direct the towing team.
What must be done before moving an aircraft to be towed?
A qualified person must be on the flight deck to operate the brakes in case of towbar failure.
What is the role of wing walkers during towing?
Wing walkers ensure adequate clearance of any obstruction in the path of the aircraft.
What should be verified for aircraft with a steerable nosewheel before towing?
The locking scissors must be set to full swivel for towing.
What should not be attempted while the towbar is attached to the aircraft?
Persons in the aircraft should not attempt to steer or turn the nosewheel.
What is a critical safety rule regarding personnel during towing?
No one should walk or ride between the nosewheel of an aircraft and the towing vehicle.
What should be done to the aircraft brake system before towing?
The aircraft brake system should be charged before each towing operation.
What should be checked before towing any aircraft?
Check all tyres and landing gear struts for proper inflation.
What should be avoided to prevent stress on tyres and landing gear during towing?
The maximum turning angle should never be exceeded.
What should be done after terminating towing?
Leave the aircraft in a straight line to prevent side loads on the tyres.
Where should aircraft be parked?
Aircraft should be parked in specified areas with adequate distance for emergency access.
What should be placed fore and aft of the main landing gear of parked aircraft?
Wheel chocks should be placed fore and aft of the main landing gear.
What should be used while the aircraft is parked?
Internal or external control locks should be used while parked.
What should be done before moving aircraft across runways or taxiways?
Contact the airport control tower for clearance to proceed.
What must be done before parking an aircraft in a hangar?
The aircraft should be statically grounded immediately.
What maintenance tasks might require jacking an aircraft?
Changing a tyre or a brake unit, and performing gear retraction, extension, and free-fall tests.
Why is it vital to use appropriate jacking equipment?
Mistakes during jacking and lowering can have serious consequences for safety and expenses.
What should be followed to prevent personal injury and damage to the aircraft?
The manufacturer’s specific jacking equipment and instructions in ATA Chapter 7 of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM).
What are the four types of hydraulic aircraft jacks?
Axle/bottle jack, bipod jack, tripod jack, and quadrupod jack.
What is the primary use of a tripod jack?
Lifting entire aircraft straight up.
What are the main components of a tripod jack?
A tubular steel tripod structure, a hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic pump assembly.
What safety features do all jacks have?
Locking collars or hand wheel safety nuts on the rams to prevent movement in case of hydraulic failure.
What is an axle jack used for?
Performing maintenance on one of the landing gears without lifting the whole aircraft.
What must be inspected before using jacks?
Condition of the jacks, bent components, fluid levels, welded joints, missing parts, locknuts, and pins.
Where are jack points typically located on an aircraft?
Under the main wing spar and near the nose of the aircraft.
What is the purpose of a jack pad?
To protect the airframe from the jack.
What should be done if a jack begins to tip?
Lower the aircraft and reposition the jack.
What is the procedure for lowering an aircraft?
Raise the collars, loosen the relief valves, and retract the jacks under observation.
What are the basic jacking safety precautions?
Never put hands between jack and pad, align jacks properly, and always use hand wheel safety nuts.
What is shoring in aircraft maintenance?
A method of relieving stresses on the aircraft while performing maintenance, different from jacking.
What is the purpose of wheel chocks?
To prevent an aircraft from moving while parked.
What must be considered when securing an aircraft?
The direction of parking based on prevailing wind and securing methods as per manufacturer’s instructions.
What should be used to secure light aircraft?
Ropes tied only at the aircraft tie down rings, never to lift struts.
What is required for securing heavy aircraft?
Use of rope or wire cable and engaging surface control locks.
What must govern the use of tiedowns?
The use of tiedowns must be governed by anticipated weather conditions.
What should be engaged when securing heavy aircraft?
Surface control locks must be engaged or installed when the aircraft is secured.
What varies among different aircraft types?
The method of locking control surfaces varies on the different aircraft types.
What should you check for proper installation procedures?
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation procedures.
What type of equipment should be used for securing aircraft?
Use approved tie down equipment, such as aircraft cables, ropes, or straps.
Where should you tie down the aircraft?
Tie down the aircraft at designated tie down points, typically located at the main landing gear or wing struts.
What should you check for before tying down the aircraft?
Make sure there are no obstacles that could interfere with the tie down system, such as debris, equipment, or other aircraft.
What is important about the tension applied to the tie down system?
Apply enough tension to keep the aircraft stable, but not so much that it causes damage to the aircraft.
How often should you check the tie down system?
Regularly examine the tie down system to ensure that it remains secure and that there is no damage to the equipment.
What direction should the aircraft face when tied down?
Head aircraft into the prevailing wind whenever possible.
What should be installed on the aircraft when securing it?
Install control locks, covers, and guards.
What should be done to the wheels of the aircraft?
Chock all wheels fore and aft.
What maintenance tasks are required for aircraft parked for prolonged periods?
Certain maintenance tasks are required to maintain the aircraft in a serviceable condition.
For detailed information, reference must be made to the AMM Chapter 10.
What should be checked if the aircraft is parked in high wind conditions?
Check the aircraft stability and moor the aircraft if necessary.
What special procedures are required for aircraft parked in cold weather?
Special cold-weather maintenance procedures, like draining of the water systems, are required to prevent freezing.
What protection is required for the APU and Engines?
Protection devices must be installed on the inlet and exhaust ducts, including sensors and probes, to prevent moisture and insects ingress.
What additional maintenance tasks may be required for parked aircraft?
Tasks may include closing avionics ventilation skin valves and ensuring all access doors and windows are closed.
What is required for a return to service after parking up to two days?
Normal maintenance tasks must be carried out, including removing safety devices and blanks, resetting de-activated systems, and conducting a visual inspection.
What additional tasks are required for aircraft parked for extended periods?
Tasks include filling fuel tanks, draining and cleaning toilet and water systems, covering seats, and periodic visual inspections.
What safety precautions should be taken when parking an aircraft?
Park on a flat surface, adjust weight for wind, install safety devices on landing gears, and ensure all control surfaces are retracted.
What maintenance checks are required before putting an aircraft back into service after storage?
All scheduled calendar tasks must be completed for the storage period.
What is the difference between storage and parking of aircraft?
Storage requires extra protection against the elements, while parking does not.
What periodic inspections are needed for aircraft in storage?
Inspections are typically weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and three monthly.
What checks are included in weekly inspections?
Visual checks for leakage and evidence of bird nests.
What additional checks are included in bi-weekly inspections?
Moving the aircraft to prevent brinelling of main wheel bearings and checking pressure extension of landing gear oleos.
What checks are included in one month inspections?
Opening doors and cargo compartments, reapplying protective greases, and testing avionic systems.
What is the most frequently performed aircraft operation?
Aircraft fuelling is the most frequently performed aircraft operation.
What is mandatory knowledge for aircraft fuelling?
Knowledge and understanding of different aviation fuels and the correct refuelling and defuelling procedures is mandatory.
What can happen if the wrong type of fuel is used?
Using the wrong type, grade, intermixed, or contaminated fuels can lead to failure of the pumps, valves, or engine.
What are the two main categories of aviation fuels?
Aviation fuels fall into two main categories: Aviation gasoline and Turbine fuels.
What is Aviation Gasoline (AVGAS) formulated for?
Aviation gasoline is formulated to burn smoothly in piston engine aircraft without detonation or knocking.
How are different grades of AVGAS identified?
They are graded by their octane number, with the following color codes: 80 – Red, 100 – Green, 100LL (Low Lead) – Blue.
What types of turbine fuels are available?
The types available are: Jet A (Freeze point -40 °C), Jet A-1 (Freeze point -47 °C), Jet B (Freeze point -50 °C).
What are the two general refuelling methods?
The two general refuelling methods are Gravity or over-wing and Pressure refuelling.
Describe Gravity or Over-wing Refuelling.
This method uses a similar type of hose as used to refuel cars, with filler points generally on the top of the tank.
What is Pressure Refuelling?
Pressure refuelling is the most commonly used method for larger aircraft, using a single point fuelling system.
What are the benefits of Pressure Refuelling?
It decreases refuelling time, limits contamination, and reduces the chance of static electricity igniting the fuel.
What is the maximum refuelling pressure for Pressure Refuelling?
The refuelling pressure can be as high as 50 psi.
What is Gravity Defuelling?
The gravity method drains fuel into a suitably earthed container, typical for light aircraft.
What is Pressure Defuelling?
Pressure defuelling uses a small negative pressure to suck fuel out of the tank back into the tanker.
What must be done with removed fuel?
The removed fuel must be disposed of correctly with regard to local instructions and the environment.
What are essential safety precautions during refuelling?
Grounding and bonding of both the aircraft and the fuel truck, and respecting the fuelling safety zone.
What is the purpose of grounding the aircraft?
Grounding ensures electrical continuity between the aircraft and the earth to prevent static discharge.
What is bonding in the context of refuelling?
Bonding guarantees a consistent flow of electricity between the aircraft and the refuelling vehicle to prevent sparks.
What is the recommended safety zone around refuelling operations?
A three metre safety zone must be respected around the area located under the NACA vents and refuel coupling(s).
What should be done if fuel spillage occurs?
It must be immediately cleaned up, and the cleaning material disposed of correctly.
What is the procedure for checking fuel contamination?
After refuelling, it is usually recommended to check the fuel for contamination.
What is a water check on fuel?
A water check on the fuel is commonly performed using Shell water detector capsules.
What specific problems arise during the safe operation of aircraft in cold weather?
Aircraft performance certification relies on having an uncontaminated or clean structure.
How do ice, snow, and frost affect aircraft performance?
They disturb airflow, affecting lift and drag, and increase aircraft weight.
What must be aerodynamically clean for safe aircraft operation?
The aircraft surfaces that provide lift and stability.
What can minimize aircraft downtime and delays in cold weather?
A programme of preventive cold weather servicing.
What factors must the operator consider when developing cold weather servicing procedures?
Their cold-weather experience, available equipment and materials, and climatic conditions at their bases.
What is the cold-soak configuration for an aircraft?
When parked in cold weather, the Outside Air Temperature (OAT) is below 0 °C/32 °F and there is no power supply.
What causes icing on aircraft on the ground?
A combination of freezing conditions and moisture in the atmosphere.
What can cause clear ice to form on aircraft wings?
If fuel temperature is below freezing and the aircraft is subject to precipitation, even at 15 °C (59 °F).
What is the temperature range where most airframe icing occurs?
Between 0 °C and -10 °C.
What are the effects of ice on aircraft?
Decrease in lift, increase in drag, decrease in propeller efficiency, loss of control, and increased stalling speed.
What is de-icing?
A procedure to remove frost, ice, snow, and slush from aircraft surfaces.
What is anti-icing?
A precautionary procedure that protects against frost or ice formation on treated surfaces for a limited time.
What are the two methods for de-icing and anti-icing?
One-step method and two-step method.
What is the one-step method in de-icing?
De-icing is carried out with an anti-icing fluid mixture, providing limited anti-ice protection.
What is the two-step method in de-icing?
First, de-ice the aircraft, then immediately follow with an anti-icing procedure.
What determines when de-icing/anti-icing must be carried out?
Weather conditions.
What should a pre-flight inspection cover?
All parts of the aircraft, especially critical surfaces.
What are typical before flight checks?
Remove covers, remove ice and snow, pre-heat engines, check all heaters, and carry out normal inspections.
What are typical after flight checks?
Inspect flaps/slats, fit covers, drain water systems, and clean galleys.
What are the four types of de-icing/anti-icing fluids?
Type I, II, III, and IV.
What is the main use of Type I fluids?
For aircraft de-icing with limited anti-icing effect.
What is the main characteristic of Type II fluids?
Higher viscosity that prevents flow off surfaces until the aircraft reaches approximately 100 kt.
What is the purpose of Type III fluids?
A compromise for slower aircraft with a rotation speed of less than 100 kt.
What distinguishes Type IV fluids from Type II?
They have a longer holdover time.
What do all de-icing/anti-icing fluids contain?
Monoethylene-glycol, diethylene-glycol, monopropylene-glycol, or a mixture.
How are de-icing fluids typically applied?
Heated through a high-pressure spray system.
What is holdover time (HOT)?
The length of time an aircraft can wait after treatment before takeoff.
What factors affect holdover time?
Fluid dilution, ambient temperature, wind conditions, and humidity.
What is the Anti-icing Code?
A code that provides clear information about de-icing/anti-icing procedures.
What information should the Anti-icing Code contain?
Type of fluid, percentage of fluid to water, and time of application.
What factors affect the time of protection from anti-icing?
Weather conditions, wind speeds, wing temperature, and fluid condition.
What is the purpose of the holdover time calculation table?
To help flight crews determine when anti-icing protection expires.
What is the purpose of Ground Power Units (GPUs)?
GPUs are used to start aircraft engines, provide electricity, or supply cabin heating or cooling while on the ground.
What types of units are available when engines or APUs are not running?
Various types of GPUs, air carts, or air conditioning units are available.
How are some Ground Power Units designed for mobility?
Some units are mobile and driven to the aircraft, while others are pulled behind a tug.
What is the standard Direct Current (dc) supply voltage for aircraft?
The dc supply for aircraft is 28 Vdc.
What should be checked before applying electrical power to an aircraft?
Check if the aircraft is in a serviceable condition and consult the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM).
What is the design of the dc power supply plug?
The dc plug consists of three pins: a positive pin, a negative pin, and a smaller earth pin that also acts as a relay control pin.
What does the external master switch do when switched off?
It resets the relay, switches off external power, and switches internal power (batteries) onto the busbars.
What is the ac supply voltage and frequency for aircraft?
The ac supply for aircraft is 115 Vac / 400 Hz / 3 phase.
What is a Diesel Engine Powered GPU?
It is a self-contained unit mounted on a mobile platform that produces electrical power for aircraft.
What is a Battery Powered GPU?
A self-contained mobile unit powered by batteries that utilizes an inverter to supply ac voltage for the aircraft.
What does a Utility GPU do?
It converts standard grid supply into aircraft-compatible power.
What is the function of the Aircraft External Power Receptacle?
It connects to external power sources and may have primary and secondary connections for power supply.
What safety checks should be performed before connecting ac power?
Check the aircraft is serviceable, consult the AMM, and ensure all switches are off.
What is required for hydraulic ground supplies during maintenance?
A hydraulic test rig is required to supply hydraulic pressure when engines or APUs cannot be run.
What must be ensured before connecting a hydraulic test rig?
Ensure the aircraft is serviceable for hydraulic operations and that the test rig is of the correct type.
What precautions should be taken when working with hydraulic systems?
Never begin work unless fully trained, maintain a clean work area, and use all required safety equipment.
What is the purpose of pneumatic ground air units?
They provide low pressure air for starting engines and heating/cooling the aircraft on the ground.
What should be checked before connecting a pneumatic supply?
Ensure the duct connection is clean and the system is not pressurized.
What precautions should be taken for aircraft exposed to extreme cold?
All covers for engines, air conditioning system intakes, pitot static system openings, and ram air inlets must be installed to prevent snow and ice accumulation. Small covers must be conspicuously marked or tagged.
How can painting help in snow or ice conditions?
Painting around doors and frequently opened access panels with inhibited glycol antifreeze compounds can save time. It can also prevent covers from freezing to surfaces.
Glycol can be painted on surfaces under snow covers.
What should be done with flaps and spoilers in cold conditions?
Flaps and spoilers must be retracted, and moveable horizontal stabilisers should be set to approximately zero.
What is the best method to remove snow from an aircraft?
Sweep off as much snow as possible. A line can be thrown over the fuselage to drag the snow off, and a brush or broom can be used on wing and tail surfaces.
What must be checked before take-off in cold conditions?
All surfaces must be entirely free of ice, snow, or frost. Inspect trailing edge mechanism areas to ensure water or slush has not run down inside to refreeze.
What should be done if hot air is used for de-icing?
Skin areas must not be overheated, and a large flow of warm air is more effective than a blast of hot air.
What precautions are needed for aircraft in sandy or dusty conditions?
Blanks and covers must be fitted, and extra filtration of air conditioning systems may be required to prevent particle ingress.
What issues can arise during hot weather operations?
High Turbine Gas Temperatures (TGT), overheating, slower cooling of brakes, and longer take-off and landing distances due to lower air density.
What can happen to electrical devices in high humidity?
They are prone to malfunction due to corrosion, fungi, and moisture absorption by non-metallic materials.
What should be done to prevent water infiltration during heavy rains?
Ensure all covers are properly fitted and all drain points and water channels are clear of debris.
What should be done with doors during heavy rain?
Refrain from opening doors if possible. If necessary, ensure all entrance drains are clear and surrounding areas are well sealed.
