SECURING AIRCRAFT ASHORE The parking areas on air stations are usually equipped with tie-down pad eyes, which are sunk into the surface of the concrete aprons on the "line." One end of the tie-down chains or securing line assemblies are attached to the aircraft tie-down fittings, and the other end is secured to the pad eyes and properly adjusted. CAUTION When you are securing aircraft with manila line, leave sufficient slack for shrinkage that occurs when the line becomes wet. NOTE: Most aircraft are equipped with their own special securing accessory equipment, such as intake, exhaust, canopy, and external flight instrument covers, propeller or rotor blade restraints and tie-downs, flight control and landing gear lock pins, etc. The fundamental rules for securing aircraft ashore are as follows: 1. Direct or locate the aircraft to a protected spot. 2. Park the aircraft into the wind if possible. 3. Place chocks both in front of and behind each main landing gear wheel. 4. Ground the aircraft. 5. Place all controls in neutral position and lock or secure. 6. Tie the aircraft down. 7. Install the protective covers. 8. Secure propellers and rotor blades as required 9. Ensure brakes are set. CAUTION Do not install intake or exhaust engine covers when the engine is hot. When high winds threaten, move the aircraft inside the hangar if possible. If not, ensure tie-downs or lines and anchorages are doubled and control surfaces are secured with battens. Multiengine aircraft are usually tied down at six points. These points are the landing gear, the tail, and each wing. Detailed information concerning securing a particular aircraft may be found in the "General Information and Servicing" section of the MIM. Q10-15. On air stations ashore, what is the area called where a particular group of aircraft is spotted or parked? Q10-16. What is the purpose of color coding flight line fire extinguishers? Q10-17. Why should sufficient slack be left in manila line when used for securing aircraft? HELICOPTER HANDLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize helicopter handling signals, activities, securing procedures, and general safety precautions. Helicopters are used on CV/(N)/LHD/LHA/LPH/ LPD type vessels. They are also used on destroyers, fast frigates, replenishing ships, cruisers, and, of course, shore stations. There are areas that differ between handling fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Unique flight characteristics and aircraft operation require special handling procedures. HELICOPTER TIE-DOWN AND SECURING PROCEDURES With the exception of the main rotor blade tie-downs, helicopter tie-downs and securing procedures are similar to those for conventional fixed-wing aircraft. Tie-downs for the main rotor blades are used to prevent damage that might be caused by gusty and turbulent wind conditions when the blades are in a spread position. This type of tie-down usually consists of a canvas boot with an attached length of manila line; however, some helicopter rotor blades have special fittings and attachment accessories to accomplish this task. The canvas boot is placed over the tip of the rotor blade, and the boot line is then secured either to a deck fitting or to an aircraft fitting on the helicopter itself. NOTE: Rotor blade securing lines should be taut enough to hold the blades without applying excessive bending force. Check lines for security and shrinkage when wet, and readjust lines when required. 10-35