Safety & Ground Operation and Servicing

Aircraft Safety, Ground Operations, and Servicing

Aircraft maintenance technicians devote a significant part of their work to aircraft ground handling, servicing, and the operation of support equipment. These activities require more than technical skill alone, since many procedures involve hazards that can affect both personnel and aircraft. Safe practices during servicing, taxiing, engine run-up, towing, and the use of ground support … Read more

Fire Protection | Aviation Safety

Requirements for Fire to Occur Three things are required for a fire. Remove any one of these things and the fire extinguishes: Classification of Fires For commercial purposes, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has classified fires into three basic types: Class A, Class B, and Class C. A fourth class of fire, the Class … Read more

Servicing Aircraft

Servicing Aircraft Air/Nitrogen Oil and Fluids Checking or servicing aircraft fluids is an important maintenance function. Before servicing any aircraft, consult the specific aircraft maintenance manual to determine the proper type of servicing equipment and procedures. In general, aircraft engine oil is checked with a dipstick or a sight gauge. There are markings on the … Read more

Aircraft Fuel Systems Servicing

Types of Fuel and Identification Two types of aviation fuel in general use are aviation gasoline, also known as AVGAS, and turbine fuel, also known as JET A fuel. Aviation gasoline (AVGAS) is used in reciprocating engine aircraft. Currently, there are three grades of fuel in general use: 80/87, 100/130, and 100LL (low lead). A … Read more

Ground Movement of Aircraft

Engine Starting and Operation The following instructions cover the starting procedures for reciprocating, turboprop, turbofan, and APU. These procedures are presented only as a general guide for familiarization with typical procedures and methods. Detailed instructions for starting a specific type of engine can be found in the manufacturer’s instruction book. Before starting an aircraft engine: … Read more

Flight Line Safety

Hearing Protection The flight line is a place of dangerous activity. Technicians who perform maintenance on the flight line must constantly be aware of what is going on around them. The noise on a flight line comes from many places. Aircraft are only one source of noise. There are auxiliary power units (APUs), fuel trucks, … Read more

Aviation Workshop Safety

Keeping the shop, hangars, and flight line clean is essential to safety and efficient maintenance. The highest standards of orderly work arrangements and cleanliness must be observed during the maintenance of aircraft. Where continuous work shifts are established, the outgoing shift removes and properly stores personal tools, rollaway boxes, work stands, maintenance stands, hoses, electrical … Read more

Turboprop and Turbofan Engines Starting Procedures

Turboprop Engines The starting of any turbine engine consists of three steps that must be carried out in the correct sequence. The starter turns the main compressor to provide airflow though the engine. At the correct speed that provides enough airflow, the igniters are turned on and provide a hot spark to light the fuel … Read more

Taxiing Aircraft

As a general rule, only rated pilots and qualified airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians are authorized to start, run up, and taxi aircraft. All taxiing operations are performed in accordance with applicable local regulations. Table 1 contains the standard taxi light signals used by control towers to control and expedite the taxiing of aircraft. The … Read more

Aircraft Towing

Movement of large aircraft about the airport, flight line, and hangar is usually accomplished by towing with a tow tractor (sometimes called a “tug”). [Figure 1] In the case of small aircraft, some moving is accomplished by hand pushing on the correct areas of the aircraft. Aircraft may also be taxied about the flight line … Read more