Aircraft Handling and Flying Techniques Learning Outcome 1 Reference: AP3456 Vol 5, Pt 1, Sec 1

LO1 Know about aircraft maintenance and ground handling techniques P1 - Outline the reasons and objectives for aircraft maintenance P2 - Describe what is meant by aircraft modifications P3 - Outline ground handling techniques P4 - Identify hazards and risks when ground handling aircraft

P1 - Outline the reasons and objectives for aircraft maintenance RAF Maintenance Policy A balance of preventative and corrective maintenance Objectives Operational Objectives Maintenance Objectives

P1 - Outline the reasons and objectives for aircraft maintenance Operational Objectives - Generate aircraft and equipment to: - Counter a surprise attack - Meet NATO and national commitments - Support intensive flying operations in hostile/NBC environments - Satisfy contingency plans - Provide serviceable aircraft and equipment to meet peacetime needs

P1 - Outline the reasons and objectives for aircraft maintenance Maintenance Objectives - Minimize faults - Minimize the manpower and resources required - Identify methods for improving reliability and maintainability

P1 - Outline the reasons and objectives for aircraft maintenance Maintenance Types Preventative Reduces probability of failure Servicing Checks required after use and before the aircraft’s next use. Scheduled maintenance Checks carried out at a pre- determined time interval (1mth, 3 mths, or a set number of flying hours) to keep the aircraft in good overall condition.

P1 - Outline the reasons and objectives for aircraft maintenance Out of Phase maintenance Items of aircraft equipment which have a set life in days, months or flying hours Condition-based maintenance Some aircraft parts are continuously monitored and only changed when a fault is found. Checking can be by Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) or analysing oil samples for metal debris.

P1 - Outline the reasons and objectives for aircraft maintenance Corrective After a fault has occurred - Contingency In the transition to war servicing may need to be managed differently and schedules may have to be extended to meet operational requirements.

P2 - Describe what is meant by aircraft modifications Modifications of an aircraft are carried out various reasons: - To enhance operational capability - To improve reliability - To reduce servicing costs Modifications are an integral part of maintenance policy and must be authorised by Command Engineering Staff and must be closely monitored to: - Control costs - Minimise aircraft downtime - Ensure the aircraft safety is not compromised by unauthorised modifications or incorrect work. - Ensure modified parts are available when the modification is embodied on the aircraft.

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Seeing In/Off Aircraft are seen in/off by a handling team of usually two tradesmen. Handling Team Responsibilities: - Marshalling - Inserting/removing chocks - Attaching/removing ground power - Positioning and manning fire extinguishers - Positioning steps - Fitting/removing safety devices, covers and blanks

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Assists the pilot in the safe manoeuvring of aircraft on the ground Signals are standard throughout the RAF iaw STANAG 3117 (Standard NATO Agreement) These signals were originally designed for small aircraft, but as Large aircraft cockpits can be anything from 3m to 10m from the ground signals nowadays must be more exaggerated and Mostly done above shoulder level to ensure visibility. Pilot is always responsible for the safety of the aircraft If the pilot thinks the directions of the marshaller are unsafe he is not required to follow marshalling instructions.

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals This Way

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals This Way

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Move ahead

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Move ahead

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Turn Left

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Turn Left

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Turn Right

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Turn Right

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Proceed to Next Marshaller

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Proceed to Next Marshaller

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Stop

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Stop

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Brakes

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Insert Chocks

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Insert Chocks

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Remove Chocks

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Insert Ground Power

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Disconnect Ground Power

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Fire

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Start Engines

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Hot Brakes

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling Signals Cut Engines

Marshalling On leaving the runway the pilot follows the taxiway to the designated parking area. ATC will give a taxi route, identified by letters and a parking bay, identified by a number.

Marshalling If the airfield is large and has a complicated taxi system a follow me vehicle will guide the aircraft to the parking bay.

Marshalling As the aircraft approaches the ramp area the marshaller will hold his arms straight up to identify himself to the pilot. The pilot will then follow the marshallers instructions as long as it is safe to do so.

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling (continued) By day The marshaller should make the aircraft follow the lines painted on the ground to the parking spot. The marshaller should be positioned just forward of where the nosewheel is to end up far enough that the pilot will not lose sight of him as he approaches the spot. - If obstructions exist two extra personnel may be required to clear the wingtips (most likely with larger aircraft)

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Marshalling (continued) By night Marshallers usually use lighted wands Aircraft navigation and taxi lights should be on - If pilot loses sight of marshaller, aircraft should be stopped

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Fuel Main types: AVGAS - Aviation Gasoline (piston engine aircraft) AVTUR - Aviation Turbine (gas-turbine engines) AVTAG – Aviation Widecut Gasoline, Freezing point lower than AVTUR - Emergency military use only because of it’s volatility. AVCAT - Higher flashpoint than AVTUR therefore safer but costs more - Mostly used on aircraft carriers.

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Fuel Delivery methods: Bowsers – most common Hydrants – Mainly civilian and large military airfields

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Fuel Pillow Tanks – may be used when operating from a temporary base

P3 - Outline ground handling techniques Fuel Open line refuelling (same as a car) is slow and because of the fumes is more dangerous and susceptible to fire. Pressure refuelling from a bowser or hydrant is safer and quicker. To prevent condensation from forming in fuel tanks, aircraft are normally refuelled after landing. This can only be done if the fuel load for the next flight is known and with large aircraft the final fuel load may not be known until the crew flight plan 2 hours before take-off.

P4 - Identify hazards and risks when ground handling aircraft Danger Zones Areas of high risk of injury to personnel when aircraft are operated on the ground - Engine intakes/exhausts - Propellers - Helicopter rotors (including tail rotor) - Control surfaces and airbrakes Propellers should always be considered as ‘live’ Helicopter rotors in windy conditions could experience ‘blade sailing’ – may bring rotor tips close to the ground.

P4 - Identify hazards and risks when ground handling aircraft Wheel and brake fires Danger of explosion – The alloy metal wheel may disintegrate due to excessive heat. Only approach a hot wheel from the front or back, never from the side. Stay away from the axle line (3-9 o’clock) When using a fire extinguisher on a brake fire, only use dry powder extinguishers and fire the agent at the ground 0.3m away from the wheel. Some fire sections have infra-red guns which can tell what temperature the wheel is. Also large modern aircraft have brake temperature gauges fitted on the flight deck.

P4 - Identify hazards and risks when ground handling aircraft Precautions whilst refuelling - Adequate fire cover required - Aircraft bonded and earthed to reduce static sparks - All personnel on the aircraft parking area must wear rubber-soled shoes. - No naked lights - No R/T transmissions - Refuelling vehicles positioned pointing away from the aircraft so they can be quickly moved in the event of a fire