Ground handling and servicing

A lot of maintenance happens with the aircraft on the ramp, and most ground accidents come from moving aircraft and spinning propellers.

Engines and propellers

Treat every propeller as if it could start: a broken magneto ground wire can leave the ignition live with the switch off. Before starting, chock the wheels, set the brakes, have a fire guard with an extinguisher, check the area is clear and call out "Clear!". Hand-propping needs a trained person at the controls, firm footing, chocks, and a swing that steps you back away from the arc.

Moving and securing aircraft

Tow with the right tow bar and stay inside the nose gear's turning limits (a mark on the gear often shows them); use wing walkers in tight spaces, and someone in the cockpit for brakes. Use the standard marshalling signals when guiding an aircraft. Tie aircraft down into the wind with the controls locked, and follow the manual's jacking points and steps exactly.

Fueling

Fuel vapor and static electricity are a bad mix, so bond the aircraft to the fuel truck (and ground them) before opening the tank cap. Use the right fuel:

• 100LL avgas is dyed blue.
• Jet fuel (Jet A) is clear to straw-colored, and its wide nozzle is made not to fit an avgas filler with a restrictor ring.
• Jet fuel in a piston engine causes severe detonation and engine failure, so check the placard by the filler every time.

Fire extinguishers

• Class A: ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth). Water works.
• Class B: flammable liquids (fuel, oil, paint). CO₂, dry chemical or Halon type agents.
• Class C: live electrical equipment. CO₂ or dry chemical, never water.
• Class D: burning metals like magnesium wheels. Special dry powder only.