Aircraft Parking

The terms Parking refer to leaving an aircraft out in the open,In a safe condition.

The conditions likely to be experienced over the duration of this period will depend on whether or not the aircraft is to be left in one of two conditions:

·         Brakes ‘on’ wheels chocked.

·         Brakes ‘on’ wheels chocked with additional tie-down security and covers fitted.

However, the minimum requirements should always relate to the prevailing or forecast wind-conditions, as the aircraft is of a streamlined shape with a large fin, designed to fly into the airflow.

On the ground, gusts of wind from varying directions may create a wind-vane damaging effect on the aircrafts structure therefore aircraft should be parked into the wind to prevent any incident .

When an aircraft is out of service and in the open, it should be secured against inadvertent movement and protected against adverse weather conditions.

The operations, which are recommended in the relevant Maintenance Manual, depend on the type of aircraft, the length of time it will be out of service and the prevailing or forecast weather conditions.

Between flights it is usually sufficient to apply the parking brakes, lock the control surfaces and chock the wheels, but even in a light wind light-aircraft must also be headed into wind and the wheels chocked front and rear.

Flying controls on many aircraft are locked by the movement of a lever in the cockpit/cabin, which is connected to locking pins at convenient positions in the control runs - the system of cables and levers connecting the pilot's controls to the control surfaces.

When this type of lock is not fitted, locking attachments may have to be fitted to the control column and rudder pedals.

A more positive method frequently used on light-aircraft, is the fitting of external control surface locks, which prevent control surface movement and thus prevent strain on the control system. 

All external locks should have streamers attached in order to make them clearly visible to make sure locks are engaged.