Originally Posted by
Matt48
As a non pilot, was wondering who 'owns' the pitot covers and gear pins and where are they normally kept, common sense says they would live in the cockpit when not in use... but.
Matt, the pitot covers and as well gear locking pins are stored on the flightdeck. If you play by the rules only the aircraft-paired, one specific set is used to dress the sensors. Exclusively.
There is a stowage box, you will find a photo in the report. Checking for the covers removed is task of fatal importance.
That is why the engineers need to make a written entry to the logbook when installing them.
That is why each of the pilots should check, independently, as per procedure
- the one on the flight deck will verify all pins and covers are inside
- the one on the outside will inspect there are no pins or covers left installed outside.
This is pretty standard setup for critical items, but wait for the good part....
.
.
additionally there is a written check list, challenge-response, which pilots need to read and answer aloud before pushback. Our concern here is the item:
GEAR PINS AND COVERS? ..... REMOVED (both).
Where each declares doing his part.