aircraft tiedown

Picketingblockmadeofconcreteareusedasaircrafttie-downatlocationswheremooringringsarenotavailable.Positionsonthegroundsurfacethatareavailableforsecuringaircraft.Mooringringsarenormallyprovidedinthepavementforthispurpose.Picketingblocksmaybeusedforlightaircraftwheretiedownpointsarenotavailable.Tie down kitModel: TIEDOWNKITScrew-type stainless-steel tie down kit, pickets with turning handle & ropes, designed to be used and re-used as required.

Small enough to stow in the baggage compartment in transit, but strong enough for a secure tie-down.

FlyTies Tie Downs Rated "Top Choice" by Aviation ConsumerFlyTies unique design allows quick insertion and quick removal using the easy-out extraction tool provided. Rugged, die-cast steel rods are 3/8" x 14" for deeper penetration into subsoil. Cumulative load capacity is 3,600 lbs. Kit includes 3 ea. aluminum hubs, 9 ea. steel rods, 3 ea. 3/8" x 10 ' ropes, easy-out removal tool, and rugged compact canvas tote bag. Complete kit weighs only 6 lbs. (less than 1 gal of Avgas) and has a lifetime warranty.

Advanced Aircraft Anchoring System The Claw Aircraft Tiedown kit comes complete with three earth anchors, rope, spikes, hammer and canvas carry bag. The Harder You Pull, The More It Grips The Earth.N-type cable assembly N connectors, N pigtails, in stock, pricing, low cost and high quality

aircraft picketingSecuringaircraftwhenparkedintheopentorestrainmovementduetoweatherorconditionoftheparkingarea.Alsocalledaircrafttie-down

Set consists of three x 20 long screw pickets with wooden twist-handle and polyester ropes. Supplied in carry-bag. Suitable for soft ground with no stones. For touring and land-away purposes, not recommended for permanent tie-down installation.

Ground support equipmentGround Support Equipment (GSE)is the support equipment found at anairport, usually on theramp, the servicing area by theterminal. This equipment is used to service the aircraft between flights. As its name implies, ground support equipment is there to support the operations ofaircraftwhilst on the ground. The functions this equipment plays generally involve ground power operations, aircraft mobility, and loading operations (for both cargo and passengers).1)Refuelers

Hydrant truck aircraft refueler.

Tank truck aircraft refueler.Aircraft refuelers can be either a self-contained fuel truck, or a hydrant truck or cart. Fuel trucks are self-contained, typically containing up to 10,000 US gallons of fuel and have their own pumps, filters, hoses, and other equipment. A hydrant cart or truck hooks into a central pipeline network and provides fuel to the aircraft. There is a significant advantage with hydrant systems when compared to fuel trucks, as fuel trucks must be periodically replenished.2)Tugs and tractorsThe tugs and tractors at an airport have several purposes and represent the essential part of ground support services. They are used to move all equipment that can not move itself. This includes bag carts, mobile air conditioning units, air starters, and lavatory carts.

3)Ground power units

Ground power unit that needs towing.A ground power unit (GPU) is a vehicle capable of supplying power to aircraft parked on the ground. Ground power units may also be built into thejetway, making it even easier to supply electrical power to aircraft. Many aircraft require 28Vofdirect currentand 115V 400Hz ofalternating current. The electric energy is carried from ageneratorto a connection on the aircraft via 3 phase 4-wire insulated cable capable of handling 261 amps (90 kVA). These connectors are standard for all aircraft, as defined inISO 6858.A so-called "solid state unit" converts power from AC to DC along with current separation for aircraft power requirements. Solid state units can be supplied stationary, bridge-mounted or as a mobile unit.4)BusesMain article:Airport bus

Soviet apron busBusesat airports are used to move people from theterminalto either an aircraft or another terminal. The specific term for airport buses that drive on the apron only is apron bus. Apron buses may have a low profile like theGuangtaiorNeoplanaircraft buses because people disembark directly to the apron. Some airports use buses that are raised to the level of a passenger terminal and can only be accessed from a door on the 2nd level of the terminal. These odd-looking buses are usually referred to as "people movers" or "mobile lounges". Airport buses are usually normal city buses or specialized terminal buses. Specialized airport buses have very low floor and wide doors on both sides of the bus for most efficient passenger movement and flexibility in depot parking. The biggest producers of airport buses are in China (Weihai, Shenyang, Beijing, Jinhua), Portugal and Slovenia.

5)Container loader

Photo of aircraft container and pallet loader showing its numerous powered rollers for shifting and rotation of containers.

Photo showing a ULD loader lifting aULDfrom apron dollies level to aircraft cargo bay level.Unit Load Device(ULD) is standardized size air cargo container. All are apron Ground support equipment.Members ofNaval Mobile Construction Battalion Four(NMCB-4) load TriCon containers loaded with construction equipment destined for field testing in Iraq, into a U.S. Air Force, Air Mobility Command,C-5 Galaxytransport aircraft.Container loaders, also known as cargo loaders or "K loaders", are used for the loading and unloading of containers and pallets into and out of aircraft. The loader has two platforms which raise and descend independently. The containers or palettes on the loader are moved with the help of built-in rollers or wheels. There are different container and pallet loaders. 3.5 T 7 T (standard version, wide-body, universal, high) 14 T 30 TFor military transport planes special container and pallet loaders are used. Some military applications use airborne loaders, which are transportable within the transport plane itself. Container and pallet loaders are mainly produced in France, Germany, Estonia, Spain, Canada, Brazil, Japan, China, and the United States.

6)Transporters

Container transporterTransporters are cargo platforms constructed so that, beside loading and unloading containers, they can also can transport the cargo. These transporters are not typically used in the United States.7)Air Start Unit (ASU)

Volkswagen Type 2 (T3)jet air starterAn air start unit is a vehicle with a built-ingas turbineengine which gives the necessary quantity of high-pressure air to start the engine. This unit is typically used when the aircraft'sAPUis not operational. An air starter blows air in by one or two hoses attached to the aircraft.

8)Potable water trucksPotable watertrucks are special vehicles that provide reliability and consistency in the delivery of quality water to an aircraft. The water is filtered and protected from the elements while being stored on the vehicle. A pump in the vehicle assists in moving the water from the truck to the aircraft.

9)Lavatory service vehicles

A man connects the waste suction hose to the lavatory service outlet on the underbelly of a C-17 Globemaster III, enabling him to suck the waste into a tank in the truck shown in the background.Lavatory service vehicles empty and refill lavatories onboard aircraft. Waste is stored in tanks on the aircraft until these vehicles can empty them and remove the waste. After the tank is emptied, it is refilled with a mixture of water and a disinfecting concentrate, commonly called 'blue juice'. Instead of a self-powered vehicle, some airports have lavatory carts, which are smaller and must be pulled by tug.10)Catering vehicle

Photo showing two Aircraft Catering Vehicle serving an aircraft

Mercedes-Benz Econicaircraft catererCatering includes the unloading of unused food and drink from the aircraft, and the loading of fresh food and drinks for passengers and crew. The meals are typically delivered in standardized carts. Meals are prepared mostly on the ground in order to minimize the amount of preparation (apart from chilling or reheating) required in the air.The catering vehicle consists of a rear body, lifting system, platform and an electro-hydraulic control mechanism. The vehicle can be lifted up, down and the platform can be moved to place in front of the aircraft.In-flight food is prepared in the flight kitchen which is completelyHACCPcertified facility where food is made in sterile and controlled environments. The packed food is then placed in trollies and wheeled into the Catering truck at the flight kitchen, which can be located within a 5km radius of the airport.Thereon the vehicle drives to the airport and is parked in front of the plane. The stabilizers are deployed and the van body is lifted. The platform can be fine controlled to move left-right as well as in-out so that it is aligned with the door correctly.The body is made of insulated panels and is capable of maintaining temperatures of 0 degrees by means of refrigeration unit.A special higher type of catering truck has been designed for theAirbus A380because of its unique height.11)Belt loaders

Belt loaderBelt loaders are vehicles with conveyor belts for unloading and loading of baggage and cargo on aircraft. A belt loader is positioned at the door sill of an aircraft hold (baggage compartment) for the operation. Belt loaders are used fornarrow body aircraftand bulk hold ofwide body aircraft. Baggage stored without containers is known as bulk loading.

12)Passenger boarding steps/ramps

Passenger boarding stairsPassenger boarding stairs, sometimes referred to as 'air-stairs', 'boarding ramps', 'stair car' or 'aircraft steps', provide a mobile means to traverse between aircraft doors and the ground. Because larger aircraft have door sills 5 to 20 feet high, stairs facilitate safe boarding and deplaning. While smaller units are generally moved by being towed or pushed, larger units are self-powered. Most models have adjustable height to accommodate various aircraft. Optional features may include canopy, heat, supplementary lighting and red carpet.13)Pushback tugs and tractors

Photo shows a pushback tug carrying a towbar on apron.

A conventional tractor hooked up to aUnited AirlinesBoeing 777-200ERatDenver International AirportMain article:PushbackPushback tugs are mostly used to push an aircraft away from the gate when it is ready to leave. These tugs are very powerful and because of the large engines, are sometimes referred to as an engine with wheels. Pushback tugs can also be used to pull aircraft in various situations, such as to a hangar. Different size tugs are required for different size aircraft. Some tugs use a tow-bar as a connection between the tug and the aircraft, while other tugs lift the nose gear off the ground to make it easier to tow or push. Recently there has been a push fortowbarless tractorsas larger airplanes are designed.14)De/anti-icing vehicles

A de/anti-icing vehicle de-icing the wing of aCroatia Airlinesaircraft.The procedure ofde/anti-icing, protection from fluids freezing up on aircraft, is done from special vehicles. These vehicles have booms, like acherry picker, to allow easy access to the entire aircraft. A hose sprays a special mixture that melts current ice on the aircraft and also prevents some ice from building up while waiting on the ground.15)Aircraft rescue and firefighting

Firefighters at theDsseldorf International Airport, 2013Aircraft rescue and firefighting(ARFF) is a special category of firefighting that involves the response, hazard mitigation, evacuation and possible rescue of passengers and crew of an aircraft involved in (typically) an airport ground emergency.

JACKING AIRCRAFTThe aviation technician must be familiar with the jacking of aircraft in order to perform maintenance and inspection. Since jacking procedures and safety precautions vary for different types of aircraft, only general jacking procedures and precautions are discussed. Consult the applicable aircraft manufacturer's maintenance instructions for specific jacking procedures.

Extensive aircraft damage and serious personal injury have resulted from careless or improper jacking procedures. As an added safety measure, jacks should be inspected before use to determine the specific lifting capacity, proper functioning of safety locks, condition of pins, and general serviceability. Before raising an aircraft on jacks, all workstands and other equipment should be removed from under and near the aircraft. No one should remain in the aircraft while it is being raised or lowered, unless maintenance manual procedures require such practice for observing leveling instruments in the aircraft.The aircraft to be jacked must be located in a level position, well protected from the wind. A hangar should be used if possible. The manufacturer's maintenance instructions for the aircraft being jacked should be consulted for the location of the jacking points. These jacking points are usually located in relation to the aircraft center of gravity so the aircraft will be well balanced on the jacks. However, there are some exceptions to this. On some aircraft it may be necessary to add weight to the nose or tail of the aircraft to achieve a safe balance. Sandbags are usually used for this purpose.Tripod jacks similar to the one shown in figure 11-38 are used when the complete aircraft is to be jacked.

A small single base jack similar to the one shown in figure 11-39 is used when only one wheel is to be raised. The jacks used for jacking aircraft must be maintained in good condition; a leaking or damaged jack must never be used. Also, each jack has a maximum capacity, which must never be exceeded.

Jacking Complete AircraftPrior to jacking the aircraft, an overall survey of the complete situation should be made to determine if any hazards to the aircraft or personnel exist. Tripod jacks of the appropriate size for the aircraft being jacked should be placed under the aircraft jacking points and perfectly centered to prevent them from cocking when the aircraft is raised. The legs of the jacks should be checked to see that they will not interfere with the operations to be performed after the aircraft is jacked, such as retracting the landing gear.At least three places or points are provided on aircraft for jacking purposes; a fourth place on some aircraft is used to stabilize the aircraft while it is being jacked at the other three points. The two main places are on the wings, with a smaller one on the fuselage near either the tail or the nose, depending on the landing gear design.

Most aircraft have jack pads located at the jack points. Others have removable jack pads that are inserted into receptacles bolted in place prior to jacking. The correct jack pad should be used in all cases. The function of the jack pad is to ensure that the aircraft load is properly distributed at the jack point and to provide a convex bearing surface to mate with the concave jack stem.Figure 11-40illustrates two types of jack pads.Prior to jacking, determine if the aircraft configuration will permit jacking. There may be equipment or fuel which has to be removed if serious structural damage is to be avoided during jacking. If any other work is in progress on the aircraft, ascertain if any critical panels have been removed. On some aircraft the stress panels or plates must be in place when the aircraft is jacked to avoid structural damage.Extend the jacks until they contact the jack pads. A final check for alignment of the jacks should be made before the aircraft is raised, since most accidents during jacking are the result of misaligned jacks.When the aircraft is ready to be raised, a man should be stationed at each jack. The jacks should be operated simultaneously to keep the aircraft as level as possible and to avoid overloading any of the jacks. This can be accomplished by having the crew leader stand in front of the aircraft and give instructions to the men operating the jacks. Figure 11-41 shows an aircraft being jacked.Caution should be observed, since on many jacks the piston can be raised beyond the safety point; therefore, never raise an aircraft any higher than is necessary to accomplish the job.The area around the aircraft should be secured while the aircraft is on jacks. Climbing on the aircraft should be held to an absolute minimum, and no violent movements should be made by persons who are required to go aboard. Any cradles or necessary supports should be placed under the fuselage or wings of the aircraft at the earliest possible time, particularly if the aircraft is to remain jacked for any length of time. On collet equipped jacks, the collet should be kept within two threads of the lift tube cylinder during raising, and screwed down firmly to the cylinder after jacking is completed to prevent settling.Before releasing jack pressure and lowering the aircraft, make certain that all cribbing, workstands, equipment, and persons are clear of the aircraft, that the landing gear is down and locked, and that all ground locking devices are properly installed.

Jacking One Wheel of an AircraftWhen only one wheel has to be raised to change a tire or to grease wheel bearings, a low single base jack is used. Before the wheel is raised, the remaining wheels must be chocked fore and aft to prevent movement of the aircraft. If the aircraft is equipped with a tailwheel, it must be locked. The wheel should be raised only high enough to clear the concrete surface.Figure 11-42 shows a wheel being raised using a single base jack.

Aviation Fuelling EquipmentTimely response to our client's product support needs is our number one priority. Fluid Transfer's experienced and technically knowledgeable customer support team has the resources of our field service engineers, backed up by an extensive stock holding of spares and components from our UK base.From routine maintenance and service contracts to emergency repairs and modifications, minimum downtime is guaranteed, resulting in maximum operational availability and efficiency of your equipment.Not only can we supply leading brand spares, but also the expertise of all our customer support team will source all replacement parts for any manufacturer's equipment.

Aviation Fuelling Equipment and Vehicle ServicingThe services of our skilled test engineers are available to interface with the operational requirements of your Aircraft Refuelling Operations. Testing can be done in-situ at a mutually convenient time and location or at our purpose built facility at our works.Our Service Department will liase with your Fuelling Services Management to co-ordinate the test and inspection of your vehicles allowing minimum downtime of your refuelling plant.

Meter Proving, Hose and HEPC Pressure Testing Meter calibration on all levels from small static ground fuel pump/meters to bulk fuel transfer meters Working to all specifications within the Commercial and Ministry of Defence IndustriesNew Meter Installations, Overhauls, Rebuilds and Conversions New fuelling meter installations Annual preventative maintenance programs are available tailored to individual customer requirements All these services can be offered as a complete package on an annual service contract basis, run and monitored by our Service Team to allow minimum paperwork and downtime to the customer or separated into single service tasks on an ad hoc basis as customer services dictate.

Defuel aircraft.

Evidence requirements

1Fuel, containers, and equipment are matched with system to be defuelled in accordance with enterprise procedures.2Aircraft is defuelled in accordance with enterprise procedures. Rangemay include but is not limited to fuel quality tested to determine if disposal is required, bonding attached, defuelling equipment connected, defuelling sequence and quantity monitored and controlled.

3 Initial action to be taken in an abnormal situation is demonstrated in accordance with enterprise procedures.Range may include but is not limited to fire, spillage, personal contamination by fuel.

Complete defuelling related tasks.

Evidence requirements

1Aircraft, system, and work areas are left in a state that enables the next task to begin in accordance with enterprise procedures.

2Resources are checked for serviceability and returned to service or storage in accordance with enterprise procedures.

3Any defects and abnormal situations are reported and documented in accordance with enterprise procedures.

4Documentation is completed in accordance with enterprise procedures.