TM 1-1500-204-23-9
9-9. Types of Ground Support Equipment . The
following paragraphs will describe various types of
ground support equipment used to perform aircraft
maintenance. In general, principles of operation, safety
practices
and
procedures,
operating
procedures,
inspection, and maintenance will also be covered.
a.
General. Ground support equipment is both
powered and nonpowered. It can be as simple and
small as a hand-powered, level-operated grease
(lubricating) gun to as large and complex as an aircraft
towing vehicle. Whatever the size, shape, or intricacy,
each piece of ground support equipment has a function
and needs to be maintained to perform that function.
b.
Maintenance
Workstands,
Maintenance
workstands are used wherever aircraft maintenance is
performed, both on the flightline and in hangars.
Workstands come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Four types of workstands will be discussed herein.
(1)
Maintenance platform, type B-1. The B-1
maintenance platform, as shown in figure 9-1, is a
portable, variable-height, stair and platform assembly.
The work platform is hydraulically raised and lowered,
and is accessed by an adjustable stair assembly.
(a)
Purpose. The B-1 maintenance
platform has a working range of 3 to 10 feet. It will
support a maximum of 500 pounds on the work
platform.
(b)
Principles
of
operation.
The
maintenance platform consists of a main base and a
platform surface. The platform surface is above and
connected to the base by a stair assembly. A hand-
operated hydraulic pump is used to draw fluid from a
reservoir and force it into the hydraulic cylinder
assembly, causing the cylinder to extend. The cylinder
assembly is connected to the stair assembly and as it
extends, causes the platform surface to raise. When
the platform is raised to the desired height, the cylinder
assembly is manually locked by turning the cylinder lock
assembly. The platform is lowered to the down position
by normally opening the bypass valve, allowing the fluid
from the cylinder assembly to bypass the hand pump
and return to the reservoir, causing the upper structure
to lower.
(c)
Safety practices and procedures.
The following special precautions should be observed
when using the B-1 maintenance platform:
· Rotate the hydraulic cylinder lock so the
fingers engage the slots in the cylinder
barrel before ascending the platform.
· Lower and engage the immobilizing
jacks to keep the platform from rolling.
· Use the handrails when ascending or
descending the stairs.
· Leave the handrails on the maintenance
platform in place unless they interface
with the work area.
(d)
Operating
procedures.
The
following procedures pertain to the operation of the B-1
platform:
1
Place the maintenance platform in
the location where it is to be used.
2
Depress
the
levers
of
the
immobilizing jacks to the locked position.
3
Close the hand pump by-pass valve
by turning it in a clockwise direction.
4
Operate the pump handle until the
platform is at the required height.
5
Engage the hydraulic cylinder lock
on the hydraulic barrel.
6
Climb the stairs and do the task.
7
Reverse these procedures to lower
the platform when the task is complete.
(e)
Inspection.
Detailed
inspection
requirements
can
be
found
in
the
applicable
maintenance
manual.
The
following
operator
inspections
should
be
made
before
using
the
maintenance platform.
1
Visual inspection. Look over the
entire maintenance platform to see if it is in good
condition, correctly assembled, and secure.
2
Leaks. Inspect the hydraulic fittings
and lines for leaks.
3
Hydraulic fluid. Check the fluid
level and service if necessary.
4
Tampering.
Inspect
the
maintenance platform for signs of tampering or damage.
9-24
