Ground Handling and Servicing
Ground handling questions test safety habits, the things that keep people out of propellers and airplanes out of the grass.
Mooring and securing. Tie down at three points, heading the aircraft into the wind when possible. Install control locks and gust locks, chock the wheels, and secure cowlings, doors, and pitot covers. Never leave a tow bar attached.
Towing. Use the tow bar and approved tow points only; never push on propellers, control surfaces, or fairings. Watch wingtips and tail. A shear pin is designed to break before the nose gear is damaged; replace it with the correct part, never a hardened bolt.
Jacking. Jack only at approved points, on level ground, with the aircraft chocked and correct jack pads installed. Set safety stands as soon as the aircraft is up. Never go under an aircraft supported only by a jack.
Servicing. Fuel grades are color coded: 80 red, 100 green, 100LL blue, Jet A clear or straw. Bond the aircraft to the fuel source before removing the filler cap and keep the bond until the cap is back on. No smoking, no open flame, no operating radar or other electrical equipment, and no passengers aboard during fueling. Use aviator's breathing oxygen only, and keep oil and grease away from oxygen equipment.
Traps. Fuel color identification, bonding order (aircraft first and off last), and the preflight requirement to confirm control locks and covers have been removed.
Rule of thumb. If you cannot see the person giving hand signals, stop the aircraft.