Ground Operations in Aviation

Ground Operations

• Experienced pilots emphasize the importance of ground operations as it's where safe flight begins and ends.
• Preparation and preflight assessment are critical to mitigate airplane flight hazards.

Preflight Assessment of the Aircraft

• Ensures the aircraft meets regulatory airworthiness standards and is in a safe mechanical condition prior to flight.
• Includes visual inspection of:
  • Airplane's airworthiness requirements
  • Important inspection items (e.g., compass, VSI, avionics)
  • Managing risk and resources
  • Proper airplane surface movements using AFM/POH and airplane checklists
• Conforms to 14 CFR part 3, section 3.5(a), where "airworthy" means the aircraft meets its type design and is in a safe mechanical condition.

Outer Wing Surfaces and Tail Section

• AFM/POH specifies sequence for pilot to inspect the aircraft, often starting from the cabin entry access opening and moving counterclockwise.
• Pilot should also develop awareness for potential areas of concern, such as signs of deterioration or distortion of the structure, loose or missing rivets or screws.

Risk Assessment

• Risk is the future impact of a hazard that is not controlled or eliminated.
• Involves determining the degree of risk and whether it's worth the outcome of the planned activity.
• A hazard can be a real or perceived condition, event, or circumstance that a pilot encounters.

Taxiing

• Downwind taxiing requires less engine power after initial ground roll, and pilots should keep engine power to a minimum to avoid overheating brakes.
• Avoid continuously riding the brakes to control speed; instead, apply brakes only occasionally.
• When stopping, always stop with the nosewheel straight ahead to relieve side load and make it easier to start moving ahead.
• Crosswind taxiing requires rudder pressure to correct for wind direction.

Before-Takeoff Check

• Systematic AFM/POH procedure for checking engine, controls, systems, instruments, and avionics prior to flight.
• Normally performed after taxiing to a run-up position near the takeoff end of the runway.
• Includes checking oil temperature, engine run-ups, and instruments (e.g., altimeter, turn indicator, directional gyro).

Pre-Flight Inspection

• The pilot should inspect the aircraft for any distortions, skin damage, and fuel or oil leaks.
• Ensure the following documents are on board or attached to the aircraft:
  • Current Airworthiness Certificate
  • Current Registration Certificate
  • Radio station license (if applicable)
  • Operating limitations
  • Current weight and balance data
  • Compass correction card (if required)
  • External data plate

Visual Preflight Assessment

• Inspect the cabin door and surrounding structure for any damage or misalignment.
• Check the interior cabin or flight deck for:
  • Serviceable and dry carpeting
  • Seat belts and shoulder harnesses for fraying, proper latching, and secure attachment
  • Seats properly latched into seat rails
• Inspect the windshield and windows for cleanliness and cracks.
• Examine critical areas, including:
  • Spar lines (lateral rivet lines) for distortion, ripples, or bubbles
  • Wing, horizontal, and vertical attach points for damage
  • Leading edges of wings, horizontal stabilizer, and vertical stabilizer for impact damage
  • Aerodynamic devices, such as stall fences, slots, or vortex generators
  • Deicing equipment, such as weeping wings and boots
• Inspect metal airplanes for cracks radiating from screw holes or concentrated radii.

Pre-Flight Checklist

• Use the AFM/POH or a third-party checklist to conduct the visual preflight inspection.
• Include the following items in the preflight inspection:
  • Landing gear control is DOWN (if applicable)
  • Master, alternator, and magneto switches are OFF
  • Control column locks are REMOVED
  • Fuel selectors operate properly in all positions
  • Trim wheels are set for takeoff position
  • Mechanical air-driven gyro instruments are inspected for signs of hazing
  • Avionics master is OFF
  • Circuit breakers are checked IN
  • Landing gear handle is in the DOWN position
  • Master switch is turned ON
  • Fuel quantities are checked against tank levels
  • Fuel pumps are turned ON (if equipped)
  • Lights for interior and exterior positions are checked
  • Annunciator panels are checked (if equipped)
  • Landing gear down and locked lights are checked (if equipped)
• Ensure flight instruments read correctly:
  • Airspeed should read zero
  • Altimeter indicates the field elevation within 75 feet for IFR flight
  • Magnetic compass indicates the airplane's direction accurately

Landing Gear Inspection

• The pilot should follow the AFM/POH during inspection to determine that the landing gear is ready for operation.
• Inspect the landing gear system, looking for hydraulic fluid leaks, grease, oil, or fluid.
• Verify landing gear alignment and height consistency.
• Check landing gear shock struts for proper inflation, cleanliness, and freedom from damage.
• Inspect axles, links, collars, over-center locks, push rods, forks, and fasteners for cracks, corrosion, and rust.
• Check tires for proper inflation, remaining tread, and normal wear pattern.
• Inspect wheel hubs for cracks, corrosion, and rust, and ensure all fasteners are secure.
• Check brakes and brake systems for rust and corrosion, and ensure all fasteners and safety wires are secure.
• Inspect shimmy dampers on tricycle gear airplanes for secure attachment and freedom from hydraulic fluid leaks.
• On conventional gear airplanes, inspect bungee cords for security and condition.

Engine and Propeller

• Identify and mitigate potential hazards prior to flight to prevent risks.
• Conduct a visual preflight inspection using the AFM/POH or a third-party checklist.
• Check the following items during the preflight inspection:
  • Landing gear control is DOWN, if applicable.
  • Master, alternator, and magneto switches are OFF.
  • Control column locks are REMOVED.
  • Fuel selectors are checked for proper operation in all positions.
  • Trim wheels are set for takeoff position.
  • Mechanical air-driven gyro instruments are inspected for signs of hazing.
  • Avionics master is OFF.
  • Circuit breakers are checked IN.
  • Landing gear handle is in the DOWN position, and the master switch is ON.
  • Fuel quantities are checked on the fuel gauges and compared to the tank level by visual inspection.
  • Fuel pumps may be placed in the ON position to verify fuel pressure.
  • Lights for both interior and exterior airplane positions are operating.
  • Annunciator panels are checked.
  • Flight instruments are checked:
    • Airspeed should read zero.
    • Altimeter should indicate the field elevation within 75 feet for IFR flight.
    • Magnetic compass should indicate the airplane's direction accurately.
    • Compass correction card should be legible and complete.

This quiz covers the essential aspects of ground operations in aviation, including safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and pilot responsibilities. Learn how to ensure a safe and successful flight.