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.