CHAPTER 3
AVIATION SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
Recognize the means to identify different types
Identify the function of the Support Equip-
of support equipment.
ment Training and Licensing Program.
Identify the purpose, operation, and safety
precautions in using both powered and non-
powered support equipment.
As naval aircraft have become more complex,
each year. Each year the Navy spends millions of
the equipment used to support them has become
dollars to repair damaged SE and aircraft
more complex. The Aviation Machinist's Mate
caused by the improper use of SE. Navy personnel
uses many different types of support equipment
are injured, maimed, or killed by improper
(SE) to maintain aircraft in top condition. Some
use of SE because of failure to follow prescribed
support equipment such as tow tractors and power
safety precautions. We must do something to
units are common to many different aircraft.
eliminate these tragedies and costs.
There is also a long list of SE that applies only
to a specific type or model of aircraft. Using SE
This chapter discusses SE identification and
correctly is a challenging, sometimes dangerous,
the use of different types of SE. You will
but never routine operation. The support equip-
learn about the hazards, safety precautions,
ment manuals or the maintenance instruction
and proper procedures to follow when using
manuals (MIMs) cover the proper operating pro-
both powered and nonpowered SE. Finally,
cedures and safety precautions for the use of SE.
you will learn about the SE Training and
Read the manuals, learn to use the equipment,
Licensing Program, as discussed in OPNAV-
and become qualified on it before you are required
INST 4790.2.
to use it.
Over the years safety procedures and precau-
tions for operating SE have developed mainly
IDENTIFICATION OF
from direct experience. Unfortunately, much of
SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
that experience was gained as a result of
accidents. Each of us must be aware that accidents
In previous years, identifying SE has been
don't "just happen." People cause accidents. We
somewhat difficult. You learned the designations
are all capable of having an accident, for any
and applications of the equipment by association.
number of reasons. Carelessness, complacency,
You knew that an MD-3 was a tow tractor; so was
haste, ignorance, shortcuts, fatigue, and stress are
a TA-18 and a JG-75. There were several more
tow tractors, but there was nothing in their
some of reasons given for SE accidents. It's
amazing, and a little sad, that the same type
designations that showed that they had anything
in common. Support equipment is now undergoing
of SE accidents happen over and over again
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