Demonstrate knowledge of and compliance with fueling and defueling procedures, and follow the applicable safety instructions. Demonstrate ability to use the methods of aircraft security required for various weather conditions and shipboard operations. Give particular attention to the security of control surfaces and the correct points for attaching tie-downs. Demonstrate, in writing and by practical application, knowledge of the procedures for riding brakes and any peculiarities of the braking system of the assigned aircraft, as well as a knowledge of the standard signals (including those contained in NATOPS, both hand and wand) used for controlling aircraft on the ground or flight deck. Q1. To what department is the line division assigned? Q2. What branch is responsible for the support equipment used by the squadron? Q3. In most squadrons, 75 to 95% of the personnel assigned to the line division are assigned to what branch? Q4. After demonstrating your abilities as a plane captain, who has the final authority to designate you a plane captain? AIRCRAFT SERVICING LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize safety procedures and the proper equipment used in servicing aircraft. Aircraft servicing is an important part of daily and turnaround inspections that plane captains perform, Even when plane captains do not personally perform the servicing, they must still ensure that it is done correctly. A typical daily/turnaround record is shown in figure 5-2. However, the aircraft may require servicing at more frequent intervals. Daily and turnaround inspections are covered later in this chapter. The servicing of an aircraft includes replenishing fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, and other consumable materials. Also, the tires are checked for proper inflation, struts for proper extension, and the various air storage units for proper pressure. GENERAL SAFETY PRACTICES This section lists some general safety practices that are important in day to day maintenance operations. 5-3 Fire Hazards Smoking is not permitted around the aircraft during fueling. Also, smoking or naked lights (such as oil lanterns, candles, matches, exposed electric switches, slip rings or commutators, dynamos or motors, any spark-producing electrical equipment, or any burning material) are not permitted within 100 feet of an aircraft that is being refueled or the fuel storage tanks. No lights other than approved explosionproof lights are permitted within 50 feet of refueling operations. No light of any sort may be placed where it can come in contact with spilled fuel. Warning signs should be posted as a precautionary measure. All accidental spillage of aircraft fuels or other combustible liquids must be contained and removed immediately with absorbent material, by covering with a foam blanket, or by neutralizing by other means to prevent ignition. Notify the proper fire authorities anytime a large amount of aviation fuel is spilled. Nonspark tools must be used when work is done on any part of a system or unit that is designed for storing or handling combustible liquids. The use of leaky tanks or fuel lines is not permitted. Repairs must be made upon discovery. Always keep in mind the hazards involved. Aircraft should be fueled in a safe place. Shore-based aircraft may not be fueled or defueled in a hangar or other enclosed space except in an emergency. Aircraft should be free from fire hazards, have the engine switches in the OFF position, and have chocks placed under the wheels before fueling or defueling operations are begun. CAUTION You should guard against breathing hydro- carbon (fuel) vapors. They may cause sick- ness, or they may be fatal. Do not let fumes accumulate. Use adequate ventilating meas- ures. Also, avoid getting fuel on your clothes, skin, or eyes because of the high lead content. If your clothing becomes saturated with fuel, remove them as soon as possible. The parts of your body that are exposed to fuel should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. Clothing saturated with fuel creates a danger- ous fire hazard. Also, painful blisters similar to fire burns may be caused by direct contact of the skin with fuel. If fuel gets in your eyes, flush them with water and obtain medical at- tention.