Raytheon PREMIER 1 - User Manual

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Summary

Aircraft Towing Practices

Aircraft Towing Information

Provides information on towing procedures for the Model 390 airplane.

Nose Gear Towing Procedures

Details the procedures for towing the aircraft using the nose gear.

Main Gear Towing Procedures

Details the procedures for towing the aircraft using the main gear.

Summary

Aircraft Towing Practices

Aircraft Towing Information

Provides information on towing procedures for the Model 390 airplane.

Nose Gear Towing Procedures

Details the procedures for towing the aircraft using the nose gear.

Main Gear Towing Procedures

Details the procedures for towing the aircraft using the main gear.

This document outlines the procedures and considerations for towing the Raytheon Premier 1 Model 390 airplane, focusing on both nose gear and main gear towing methods. The primary function of these procedures is to facilitate the ground movement and positioning of the aircraft without engine operation, which is the preferred method for such maneuvers.

Function Description

The core function described is the safe and efficient towing of the Raytheon Premier 1 aircraft. This involves moving the airplane on the ground using a powered tug, primarily from the nose wheel. However, provisions are also made for main gear towing, particularly when the aircraft is situated on challenging surfaces like rough, muddy, or snow-covered ground. Nose wheel steering during main gear towing is achieved through the use of a tow bar. The procedures emphasize maintaining the aircraft's structural integrity and ensuring the safety of personnel involved in the towing operation.

Usage Features

The manual details several key usage features and operational guidelines for towing the aircraft:

Towing Methods: The document clearly distinguishes between two primary towing methods: nose gear towing and main gear towing. Nose gear towing is the standard procedure, while main gear towing is a contingency for specific ground conditions.
Equipment Identification: A table (TABLE 201) lists the necessary tools and equipment, including tow bars (standard and portable), a tow vehicle, a towing adapter belt assembly, and tow cables. This ensures that ground crews are equipped with the correct items for the task.
Pre-Towing Checks: Before any towing operation, several critical checks are mandated. These include ensuring that the nose and main gear struts are not flat and that the tires are in proper serviceability and condition. References to "LANDING GEAR SERVICING procedures" highlight the importance of these pre-checks.
Torque Link Management: A crucial step in both towing methods is ensuring the torque link is in the "fully collapsed position" before towing. This is explicitly stated as a CAUTION, as failure to do so can lead to damage to the nose landing gear door and the torque link itself. The procedure involves removing a safety clip and quick release pin, disconnecting the lower end of the torque link from the nose gear fork, rotating the torque link, and then resecuring it.
Tow Bar Attachment: The tow bar is attached to the nose wheel axle, and a lock pin is installed to secure it. Specific item numbers from TABLE 201 are provided for the tow bar.
Crew Assignment and Observation: For safety, a ground crew member is assigned to operate the airplane brakes as required. Additionally, observers are to be stationed at each wing tip and at the tail, especially when backing the airplane or maneuvering in congested areas near buildings or other aircraft. This multi-personnel approach enhances situational awareness and prevents collisions.
Aircraft Configuration: Prior to towing, the passenger door and any other open doors or panels must be closed and secured. All wheel chocks must be removed, and the static ground wire disconnected.
Parking Brake Status: It is imperative to verify that the parking brake is released before towing. This involves depressing a button on the parking brake handle and placing the handle in the stowed position.
Speed Restrictions: A strict CAUTION is issued regarding towing speed: "Do not exceed the towing speed of 5 mph." This limit is crucial for preventing damage to the aircraft and ensuring safety.
Handling Precautions: Several CAUTIONS emphasize proper handling: "Never push, pull or lift the airplane by the elevators, flaps or other control surfaces." and "Avoid sudden starts or stops during towing operations." These guidelines protect the delicate control surfaces and structural components of the aircraft.
Obstacle Clearance: When moving the airplane in and out of a hangar, a CAUTION advises ensuring the airplane is clear of all overhead obstacles. This highlights the need for careful planning and observation in confined spaces.
Nose Wheel Centering: A NOTE advises attempting to center the nose wheel before bringing the airplane to a full stop. This practice helps reduce stress on the nose landing gear during subsequent movements.
Parking Brake and Temperature: Specific CAUTIONS are given regarding the use of the parking brake in certain conditions: "Do not set the parking brake when the ambient temperature is at or below 32° F, as any moisture within the brake assembly will freeze and prevent brake release." and "Do not set parking brake if the brakes are hot." These warnings prevent potential damage to the brake system and operational issues.
Main Gear Towing Specifics: For main gear towing, additional steps involve the use of towing adapter belt assemblies and tow cables. CAUTIONS specify that tow cables should not be wrapped directly around the main landing gear to prevent damage, and that the adapter belt assembly must be attached to the main gear strut outer tube in a specific manner, with the padded side against the strut and buckles outboard. The tow cables are then connected to these belt assemblies and the tow vehicle, ensuring sufficient length to clear the airplane.
Steering during Main Gear Towing: During main gear towing, the tow bar is used to steer the airplane, indicating a different steering mechanism compared to nose gear towing where the tow vehicle directly controls the nose wheel.

Maintenance Features

While the document primarily focuses on operational procedures, it implicitly touches upon maintenance considerations through its emphasis on preventing damage and ensuring proper aircraft condition:

Damage Prevention: The numerous CAUTIONS throughout the document serve as a preventative maintenance feature. By adhering to these warnings (e.g., regarding torque link position, towing speed, handling of control surfaces, and parking brake usage), operators can significantly reduce the risk of damage to the landing gear, brake system, and other aircraft components, thereby minimizing the need for corrective maintenance.
Strut and Tire Servicing: The repeated references to "LANDING GEAR SERVICING procedures" for struts and tires indicate that these components require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they are in a serviceable condition for towing. This highlights the importance of routine checks as part of a broader maintenance program.
Ballast for Center of Gravity: A CAUTION regarding towing the airplane with seats, cabinetry, or avionics removed specifies the need to "compensate for the component weight loss by adding temporary ballast to the airplane to maintain the center of gravity." This is a critical maintenance-related consideration to prevent instability and potential damage during towing, ensuring the aircraft remains balanced.
Equipment Integrity: The requirement to use specific tools and equipment, such as the towing adapter belt assembly, and the warnings against improper attachment (e.g., wrapping tow cables around the main landing gear) underscore the importance of using correctly designed and maintained equipment to prevent damage to the aircraft.
Post-Towing Actions: Steps like chocking all wheels securely and grounding the airplane after positioning are essential for safety and for maintaining the aircraft's static condition, preventing unintended movement or electrical discharge.
Disassembly and Reassembly: The procedures for disconnecting and reconnecting the torque link, removing and reinstalling the tow bar, and disconnecting the tow cables and belt assemblies are essentially mini-maintenance tasks that require careful execution to ensure components are correctly aligned and secured, preventing wear or damage.

In summary, the document provides a comprehensive guide for the safe and effective towing of the Raytheon Premier 1 aircraft, integrating operational instructions with critical safety warnings and implicit maintenance considerations to ensure the longevity and airworthiness of the aircraft.