EAWS - Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Aircraft Handling and Marshaling Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A plane director needs to signal the pilot to engage the aircraft's brakes. According to NAVAIR 00-80T-113, what is the correct hand signal for this command?
- Raise both arms above the head and cross the wands.
- Make a circular motion with the right hand pointing downwards.
- Extend an arm horizontally in front of the body with fingers extended, then clench the hand into a fist. (Correct answer)
- Extend the left arm down and point to the left main gear.
Correct answer: Extend an arm horizontally in front of the body with fingers extended, then clench the hand into a fist.
The correct signal for 'set brakes' is to extend the arm and hand horizontally in front of the face or body with fingers extended, and then clench the hand into a fist, simulating the application of pressure.
Question 2: Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for the individual acting as the brake rider during an aircraft tow operation?
- Must be fully qualified and certified on the specific aircraft's brake system. (Correct answer)
- Must be a designated Plane Captain for the aircraft model being moved.
- Must maintain constant radio contact with the tow tractor driver.
- Must wear a brown jersey to signify their role.
Correct answer: Must be fully qualified and certified on the specific aircraft's brake system.
The brake rider's primary and most critical responsibility is to operate the aircraft's brakes in an emergency. Therefore, they must be fully qualified and certified on that specific aircraft's brake system to ensure they can do so safely and effectively.
Question 3: An aircraft has just been parked on the flight line during normal weather conditions. What is the minimum number of tie-down chains required for an initial tie-down?
- 4 chains
- 12 chains
- 8 chains
- 6 chains (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 6 chains
Standard initial tie-down procedures for naval aircraft in normal weather (up to 45 knots of wind) require a minimum of 6 chains. The number of chains increases for intermediate and heavy weather conditions.
Question 4: You are the plane director marshaling an F/A-18 into a parking spot. To signal the pilot to execute a left turn, what is the correct procedure?
- Extend both arms outward and sweep them forward and upward.
- Point with the right-hand wand towards the ground while giving the 'come ahead' signal with the left hand. (Correct answer)
- Cross both wands above your head in a large 'X'.
- Point with the left-hand wand towards the ground while giving the 'come ahead' signal with the right hand.
Correct answer: Point with the right-hand wand towards the ground while giving the 'come ahead' signal with the left hand.
To signal a left turn for the aircraft, the director points their right arm/wand down (indicating the direction the aircraft's nose should turn) while using the left arm/wand to give the 'come ahead' signal, controlling the forward motion into the turn.
Question 5: During night flight operations, what piece of equipment is mandatory for a plane director to use while marshaling aircraft?
- A pair of illuminated wands. (Correct answer)
- A high-intensity flashlight with a red lens.
- A sound-powered telephone headset.
- Standard orange reflective gloves.
Correct answer: A pair of illuminated wands.
Illuminated wands are required for marshaling during night or low-visibility conditions to ensure the director's hand signals are clearly visible to the pilot.
Question 6: An aircraft handling team, consisting of a director, tractor driver, brake rider, and wing walkers, is preparing to tow an aircraft. Who holds the ultimate responsibility for conducting the pre-move safety brief and directing the entire evolution?
- The tow tractor driver.
- The brake rider.
- The most senior wing walker.
- The move director. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The move director.
The move director (or plane director) is the overall leader of the aircraft move. This individual is responsible for the entire evolution, from conducting the safety brief to directing the tractor driver and ensuring all team members perform their duties safely.
EAWS - Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Aircraft Handling and Marshaling Questions and Answers
A plane director needs to signal the pilot to engage the aircraft's brakes.
According to NAVAIR 00-80T-113, what is the correct hand signal for this command?