CHAPTER 11
LINE OPERATIONS AND SAFETY
One of the busiest, most important, and dangerous divisions in a squadron is the line division. Upon
reporting to a squadron, no matter your rate or paygrade, you may be assigned to the line division. As
an Airman, or third class petty officer, you may become a plane captain. A plane captain has many
responsibilities in flight operations and the day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of modern aircraft.
You will be required to operate support equipment and handle, secure, and service aircraft. You must
also be aware of the related safety precautions to reduce personal injury, avoid aircraft and
equipment damage, and prevent a loss of operational readiness due to ground accidents. This
chapter outlines some of these crucial responsibilities.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
When you have completed this chapter, you will be able to do the following:
1. Describe the proper procedures for operating ground support equipment near or around
aircraft, the safety precautions and hazards involved, and support equipment color
identification.
2. Recognize fixed wing aircraft handling procedures to include signaling, spotting, launching,
landing, securing, and general safety precautions on board aircraft carriers.
3. Define aircraft handling signals aboard ship, to include those for fixed and rotary winged
aircraft.
4. Explain securing procedures of aircraft and support equipment aboard ship, during normal and
heavy weather conditions.
5. Identify aircraft-handling accessories.
6. Identify the safety precautions to be followed while handling aircraft aboard a carrier and the
persons responsible for safety.
7. Recognize aircraft handling operations ashore, including spotting, securing, and operating
vehicles on flight lines and around aircraft.
8. State the hazards associated with working around aircraft.
9. Describe helicopter securing procedures and safety precautions.
OPERATING EQUIPMENT AROUND AIRCRAFT
When mobile equipment is used around aircraft, certain operating techniques, handling procedures,
and safety precautions are followed to reduce the number of accidents, to prevent damage to aircraft
and equipment, and to ensure the safety of personnel. The following operating techniques and
handling procedures should be followed:
Vehicles should not pass under any part of a parked aircraft. Where such passing is absolutely
necessary, the vehicle must come to a complete stop and, before proceeding, a visual check must be
made to ensure that sufficient clearance exists.
Vehicles carrying passengers must stop only at the boarding entrance and clear of aircraft while
loading or unloading passengers.
Riding on fenders, hoods, running boards, or any place not intended for passengers is strictly
prohibited.
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