Post-Flight Procedures and Runway Safety

Post-Flight Procedures: After Landing

• After-landing checklist items should only begin after the airplane stops completely beyond the runway holding position markings
• Prematurely performing after-landing checks has led to pilots mistakenly retracting the landing gear instead of the flaps while the airplane is still moving

Runway Clearance

• An airplane is clear of the runway when all parts are beyond the runway edge, with no restrictions on further movement past the runway holding position marking
• This determination can be made by either a pilot or a controller

Collision Avoidance During Taxi

• Prior to taxiing, pilots should familiarize themselves with the parking, ramp, and taxi environment
• Airport diagrams should be kept in view at all times
• Pilots should scan outside the airplane, looking near and far, from side to side, to assess routing and identify potential conflicts
• Pilots should ensure the airplane clears all obstructions
• Stop the airplane and check the clearance if there is any doubt about safe clearance from an object
• Maintain a safe taxiing speed, slow enough to stop the airplane promptly when the throttle is closed
• When present, visually place the yellow taxiway centerline stripe under the center of the airplane fuselage

Ramp Approach and Maneuvering Precautions

• When approaching the ramp for parking and maneuvering with power, pilots must ensure the tail is not pointed at an open hangar door, a parked automobile, or a group of bystanders
• The blowing dirt, small rocks, and debris can cause personal injury and property damage

Tie-Down Spot Inspection

• Prior to parking and shutdown on an unfamiliar ramp, pilots should inspect the tie-down spot
• Foreign Object Debris (FOD) and other unknown objects can significantly damage the aircraft and endanger other aircraft or people nearby

Securing the Aircraft

• Pilots should consider several factors when securing the aircraft after parking and shutdown

Aircraft Parking Considerations

• Unless parking in a designated, supervised area, choose a location and heading that prevents propeller or jet blast from affecting other aircraft
• Park the aircraft headed into the wind, considering existing and forecast conditions
• Allow the airplane to roll straight ahead to straighten the nosewheel or tailwheel, if possible

Tie-Down Method Evaluation

• Evaluate whether the tie-down method adequately secures the aircraft
• Check the integrity of ropes, chains, and hooks
• If using ropes, consider the effectiveness of the knot

Enhancing Safety and Security

• After the aircraft is safely hangared or tied down, secure flight controls and install security locks
• Other actions include utilizing pitot tube covers, cowling inlet covers, rudder gust locks, window sunscreens, and propeller security locks

Post-Flight Inspection

• Pilots should follow the recommended procedures in the airplane's POH/AFM when conducting a post-flight inspection
• A post-flight inspection is similar to a preflight inspection

Post-Flight Inspection Items

• Inspect near and around the cowling for oil or fuel streaks and around the oil breather for excessive oil discharge
• Inspect under wings and other fuel tank locations for fuel stains
• Inspect landing gear and tires for damage and the brakes for any leaking hydraulic fluid

Passenger Safety

• The engine must be shut down before passengers board or deplane
• Ensure that passengers arrive and depart the vicinity of the airplane safely, by stopping the engine, or providing a definite means of keeping them clear of the propeller if it is left in motion

Aircraft Security Measures

• Always lock your aircraft
• Keep track of door and ignition keys and never leave them in unattended aircraft
• Use secondary locks such as prop, tie down, throttle, and wheel locks, or aircraft disablers
• Lock the hangar when unattended

Security Identification Display Area (SIDA)

• Security Identification Display Areas (SIDAs) are limited access areas that require a badge, as per 49 CFR Part 1542
• A SIDA can include the air operations area (AOA), such as the aircraft movement area or parking area, or a secured area where commercial passengers enplane
• AOA is not always a SIDA, but a secured area is always a SIDA
• Movement through or into a SIDA is prohibited without authorization and proper identification

Security Protocol

• If you are unsure of a SIDA's location, contact the airport authority for additional information
• Airports with a SIDA have a description and map detailing boundaries and pertinent features

Airport Security Procedures

• Regularly review airport security procedures to prevent unauthorized access to aircraft

Measures to Review

• Limitations on ramp access for individuals other than instructors and students
• Standards for securing aircraft on the ramp
• Securing access to aircraft keys
• Using auxiliary security items for aircraft like prop locks, throttle locks, and locking tie downs
• Implement after-hours or weekend access procedures

Suspicious Activity Examples

• Aircraft with unusual modifications or activity
• Unfamiliar individuals loitering for extended periods near parked aircraft
• Individuals making threats
• Events or circumstances that don't fit the pattern of lawful activity
• Pilots appearing to be under the control of others

Reporting Suspicious Activity

• If safe, question the individual involved in suspicious activity
• If the response is unsatisfactory and the behavior continues suspiciously:
  • Alert airport or FBO management
  • Contact local law enforcement if the activity poses an immediate threat
  • Contact the 866-GA-SECURE hotline to document the event

866-GA-SECURE Hotline

• The 866-GA-SECURE hotline is a toll-free service operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Operations Center
• TSA personnel document reported suspicious activity, collect contact numbers, and forward the information to the appropriate regulatory office within the TSA

Emergency Protocol

• Calling 866-GA-SECURE will not dispatch local law enforcement
• In an immediate emergency, contact 911 or local law enforcement first

Additional Aviation Security Resources

• Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airports: Federally endorsed guidelines with options for airport operators, sponsors, tenants, and users to enhance security in GA facilities
• Flight School Security Awareness Training for Aircraft and Simulators: An online training course designed to raise security awareness among employees in the flight training industry