Eaws Block 8 Aircraft Handling Fundamentals

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What is General Aircraft Handling?

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Aircraft static grounding discharges the static electricity harmelssly to the earth or deck. Aircraft generate static electricity while in flight or during operation of internal electrical equipment. The procedures for grounding are to first hook up a grounding strap to a certified static ground and then to the aircraft grounding receptacle. Extra care must be taken to always hook the grounding strap to the deck first, failure to do so could cause the discharge of electricity through the person holding the strap.Windshield static grounding is necessary because during flight a high voltage (100,000 volts) static electrical charge may build up amd be stored in the windshield. After flight or prolonged exposure to high winds on deck, static charge build up must be discharged using a static charge removal kit before personnel can safely touch the windshield.Aircraft have to tied down to the deck when not in use and during maintenance evolutions. The wind velocity determines which category of tie-down must be used for securing the aircraft. The categories are:- Up to 45 Knots. Initial tie-down: a minimum of 6 chains are required, initial tie-down is used immediately prior to, inbetween, or immediately after flight- Up to 45 Knots. Normal weather tie-down, 9 chains required- 45 to 60 Knots. Moderate weather tie-down, 14 Chains required- Above 60 Knots. Heavy weather tie-down, 20 Chains required.Aircraft critical walkways that cannot be walked on are identified by "No Step" markings. The use of fragile materials is usually the cause of the step restriction; if work has to be performed on these areas the use of a maintenance stand is required.Aircraft hand signals are the way we communicate in the high tempo high noise environments of naval aviation. Each type of fixed wing aircraft has variations of the standard hand signals and memorizing the applicable signals for your aircraft is highly important. Regardless of aircraft type when giving hand signals keep the hands well separated; as it is better to exaggerate a signal than to make it in such a manner that it may be misrepresented.When directing fixed wing aircraft the only mandatory signal regardless of aircraft type is "emergency stop". Likewise for rotary wing aircraft the signals "wave off" and "hold" cannot be changed due to platform variations. The requirement for standardization is due to these signals being critical to the safety of aircraft, aircrew, and ground personnel.

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What is Aircraft Handling Safety?

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Aircraft handling is a part of day to day operations in the aviation community. Because this is a daily part of our jobs it is easy to become complacent and overlook the ever present dangers. However, combating complacency with training and constant attention to thd danger areas can increase the safety margin of personnel and equipment.One often overlooked aspect of aircraft handling is the use of support equipment (SE) to service, test and troubleshoot aircraft systems. Vehicles should never pass under any part of a parked aircraft and all vehicles should br driven or parked adjacent to aircraft to prevent collision due to inadvertent movement of SE. If it is necessary for the SE to have the motor running the SE must be manned at all times.Danger areas for aviation include intakes, exhaust, flight controls, compressed gases, cryogenics, explosives, hazardous materials, eye, hearing and other industrial environment dangers. Knowledge of the dangers areas related to the aircraft platform, ship, and airfield should be stressed to all personnel engaged in aviation related duties.

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What is Aircraft Towing and Handling Team?

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Towing or re-spotting an aircraft has inherent risks for damage to personnel or equipment, therefore proper training and understanding of towing/re-spotting procedures are essential.Towing speed shall not exceed 5 mph or the speed of the slowest walker. During cold weather towing avoid excessive power and sudden movement of tow vehicle. High brakeaway loads imposed by snow, ice, or frozen tires may result in damage to landing gear.The Movement of aircraft is accomplished by a team of six to ten personnel with each person being assigned a specific task in the moving evolution. The personnel assigned to the move crew are:- Move Director. Overall responsible for assembling the move crew, ensuring they are properly qualified to perform their duties, pre move briefing, safe movement of the aircraft with an emphasis on safety- Brake Rider. Conducts a pre-move inspection of brake system and aircraft to ensure it is mechanically sound and ready for movement.- Chock Walker. Responsible for removing, carrying and installing the wheel chocks. This individual escorts the aircraft while being moved and is always alert and ready to chock the aircraft.- Safety Observers. Primarily responsible for ensuring that the aircraft is ready to be towed and that there is ample clearance for the aircraft. The safety observers are positioned at the wing tips and tail of the aircraft- Tractor Driver. Responsible for the safe and slow movement of the aircraft from hook up to the final parking spot. This individual is responsible directly to the Move Director and must be fully qualified and licensed for the equipment they are operating.