Pins
DC10 pushback was done with NLG downlock pin and steering bypass pin installed. Downlock pin was a "hockey stick" - 5 odd foot long pole with pin and trigger operated retaining lever, bypass pin was attached to the stick by wire lanyard. The whole thing was bright red painted and had a 4 foot flag attached with remove before flight on it. Onboard pins were not used for push. The whole was displayed to crew after push when all equipment was removed and clear of the aircraft.
And as a note of interest, B747 pins ate stowed withing lower 41 hatch (between avionic bay floor and fuse skin) and thus are not checked by FD crew.
Engineering make log entry for installation of pins for any reason. Handling agents do not and they are wholely responsible for towing aircraft from/to departure stands. They do not make any log book entries.
A pin with a flag missing is U/S and shoud be repaired/replaced - can be controlled by Non Ops DD raised if aircraft com,pliment. If its an off aircraft pin (tooling) with missing flag this also should be made U/S and rejected if flag missing - or fit one - it's not hard if flag available!
Oh yes - and they won't get stuck 1/2 way up, or up - downlock pins do what they say on the tin - the nose wheel is the one most oft left in, as its used on some aircraft during the tow - whereas all pins (nose and mains) are fitted for heavier or hangar check visits - to avoid inadvertant gear retraction on ground.
Last edited by virginpaul; 2nd Nov 2014 at 12:34.
Reason: Add data