AEROPRAKT-32 Pilot Operating Handbook
A32-060-POH
53
8
Aircraft Ground Handling and Servicing
8.1 Introduction
This section contains recommendations on aircraft ground handling and servicing
important for safe and efficient operation of this aircraft. Besides owners/pilots should keep
contact with the aircraft manufacturer in order to obtain in time all service bulletins relevant
to their aircraft.
8.2 Towing, parking and tie-down instructions
A-32 may be towed manually or using any suitable towing device (tow power bar, car,
etc.).
Before towing the airplane, make sure that the parking brake is off and the wheels are not
blocked by chocks or anything else.
When towing use strong areas of the airplane structure for pulling/pushing, e.g. propeller
blades near the spinner, wing struts near their attachment points, nose wheel axle for
attaching a towing bar.
Avoid maneuvering the airplane by pushing against its fuselage/wing/empennage skins or
cockpit glazing to prevent damaging them.
The best way to move the aircraft backward is to raise the nose wheel up by pressing the
tail boom down near the fin (prior to that make sure there is no heavy load in the cockpit)
and pull the aircraft by holding the tail boom and fin (do not apply load the horizontal tail).
Airplane parking and tie-down shall be done with its nose into the wind (preferably) or at
least across the wind but never tail to the wind to avoid damaging the control surfaces.
For tying the airplane down use the wing struts near their attachment points to the wing
and propeller shaft.
Use suitable clamps to fix the ailerons and elevator when the airplane is tied down outside.
When storing the airplane outside it is recommended to protect the cockpit glass with
suitable covers.
Never left the cockpit doors open even for a shortest time in a windy weather! Wind may
shut the door abruptly and damage it.
8.3 Servicing fuel, oil and coolant
Pilots must check level of fuel, oil and coolant during preflight checks.
Use only those grades of fuel, oil and coolant that are recommended by the Rotax engine
operation manual.
Fuel tank inlets in A-32 are not fitted with a fuel filter/strainer therefore fuel must be filled
into the tanks using fuel pumps or/and funnels with a fine mesh.
Fuel residue must be drained regularly from the tanks via the drain valve into a clean
transparent container for checking.
WARNING: At all times take care not to spill fuel on the cockpit glass
– fuel may cause
glass dimness and cracks.
When checking oil and coolant level follow the instructions of the Rotax engine operation
manual.
