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Wing Walkers, Wing Talkers

There's an art to moving airplanes on the ground.

While moving aircraft on the ground is not the most glamorous of aviation jobs, it is necessary and is a skill that should be learned and practiced. [Credit: Bogert Aviation]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Ground movement of aircraft is a critical aviation skill requiring teamwork, adherence to strict procedures, and careful attention to detail to ensure safety and prevent damage, especially in confined hangar spaces or adverse weather.
  • This essential skill, though not glamorous, serves as a valuable teachable moment for CFIs and learners, encompassing proper towbar use, steering techniques, and clear communication to navigate aircraft safely.
  • Incidents resulting from improper or solo aircraft handling highlight the necessity of mandatory ground movement training and policies requiring multiple personnel for safe and efficient aircraft repositioning.
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“If you can, find someone to help you move an aircraft.” I have heard this from flight school owners, CFIs who were training me, and have read it in aviation literature. But sometimes, finding someone is a challenge.

On this day, the airport was rapidly emptying of people. A storm that promised thunder, lightning, and hail was approaching from the west. It was supposed to be me, another CFI, and the dispatch person on duty, but they had taken off early because people had canceled flights. The aircraft, although tied down with their noses facing into the wind, were straining against the ropes as the wind picked up.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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