Parking Overnight

If an aircraft has to be parked overnight or for longer periods in the open, then additional precautions should be taken to guard against ingress of foreign object damage (FOD) and the effects of adverse weather as follows:

• The undercarriage ground locks must be fitted.

• Pitot Tubes –small probes, which are open to external dynamic pressure, are covered.

• Static vents -small holes in the fuselage, which are open to external static pressure, are covered.

• Engine intakes are covered.

• Engine exhausts are covered.

• Cooling air intakes are covered.

In addition to the above and dependant on the prevailing climatic conditions of hot and cold it may also be necessary to fit additional covers such as cockpit covers and wheel covers.

Blanks or covers are fitted to protect the aircraft from the ingress or taking in of:

• Dirt

• Birds

• Insects

• Rain

• Snow

• Slush

• Ice

All orifices (holes) should be covered.

Blanks and covers for all the above components are specially designed for each particular aircraft and, if not visually obvious, are fitted with streamers to guard against their being left in position when the aircraft is prepared for service.

Servicing instructions should, however, include a pre-flight check to ensure that all covers and locks have been removed.