Aircraft Arrival Receiving Procedure is a standard operating procedure in Line Maintenance that ensures aircraft are received safely and efficiently upon arriving at the parking bay. These procedures are defined in compliance with Airport Authority Regulations, airline operator policies, and guided by authoritative references such as:
- Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM)
- Airport Operations Manual
- ICAO Standard Operating Procedures
- Civil Aviation Publications
- Aviation Incident & Accident Investigation Reports
This guide explains the arrival process for transit aircraft, primarily focusing on those taxiing under their own power, and provides practical insights for both operative and inoperative APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) scenarios.
What Is the Aircraft Arrival Procedure?
An aircraft arrival refers to the moment an aircraft approaches and parks at a designated bay, either for a transit stop or maintenance. This involves precise coordination between the flight crew and ground personnel, especially line maintenance engineers, who are responsible for ensuring aircraft safety before any servicing or turnaround activities begin.
Pre-Arrival Safety Checklist
Before engaging with any arriving aircraft, ground personnel must follow safety protocols, including:
- Wearing high-visibility vests, safety shoes, and ear protection
- Carrying gloves when handling any equipment or materials
- Ensuring bay area is clear of FOD (Foreign Object Debris) and hazards
⚠️ Safety First – Always approach the bay 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival and inspect the surroundings thoroughly.
Two Aircraft Arrival Scenarios
We will examine the Aircraft Arrival Receiving Procedure under two conditions:
Case 1: Aircraft with Operative APU
Case 2: Aircraft with Inoperative APU
What is an APU?
The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is a small turbine engine that provides electrical and pneumatic power during ground operations when the main engines are off. It powers:
- Aircraft lighting, cabin systems, and cargo PDU
- Hydraulic pumps
- Air-conditioning
- Engine start (via bleed air)
An operative APU enables the aircraft to function independently while on the ground.
Case 1 – Aircraft Arrival Receiving Procedure with Operative APU
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Arrive at Bay (T -15 mins):
- Conduct a bay inspection
- Report any abnormalities or hazards to airport operations
- Marshalling or VDGS Docking:
- Use Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) when available
- In absence of VDGS, an authorized marshaller will guide the aircraft
- Wait for Complete Stop:
- Aircraft stops via cockpit brakes
- Engines shut down
- Anti-collision lights are turned off (confirm visually)
- Verify Parking Position:
- Confirm correct alignment with aircraft type markings
- Wrong alignment can hinder jet bridge connection or fuel truck access
- Apply Wheel Chocks:
- Chock main wheels to prevent accidental movement
- Protect structure while steps, loaders, or bridges are in use
- Establish Communication with Flight Deck:
Mechanic: Ground to flight deck, good afternoon
Flight Deck: Go ahead
Mechanic: Chocks in position
Flight Deck: Thank you, parking brakes released
Mechanic: Copied - Inspect Aircraft Doors & Adjacent Areas:
- Look for damage before allowing bridge or steps to connect
- Avoid liability for prior unnoticed dents or structural faults
- Conduct Walk-Around Inspection:
- Follow airline SOPs for exterior visual inspection
Case 2 – Receiving an Aircraft with Inoperative APU
What Happens Without an APU?
Without a functioning APU, the aircraft cannot generate its own:
- Electrical power (for lighting, avionics, hydraulic pumps)
- Pneumatic power (for air-conditioning and engine start)
Thus, external ground support units are mandatory.
Required Ground Equipment
- Electrical Power:
- Fixed (bridge or ground-mounted)
- Mobile GPU (Ground Power Unit)
- Pneumatic (Air-Conditioning & Bleed Air):
- Preconditioned Air Unit (mobile or fixed)
- Air Start Unit (mobile, used during engine start)
💡 Always confirm the airline’s specific requirements, as partial APU functionality (electrical only or pneumatic only) may require mixed support.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Inoperative APU
- Aircraft Taxis to Bay:
- Confirm clearance and bay readiness
- Apply Nose Wheel Chocks:
- Extra precaution due to engine hazards
- Connect External Electrical Power Before Shutdown:
- Communicate to flight deck to confirm power receipt:
Mechanic: Ground to flight deck
Flight Crew: Go ahead
Mechanic: Confirm you’ve received ground power
Flight Crew: Affirm
Mechanic: Copied - Engines Shut Down
Confirm visual stop and anti-collision light is OFF.
- Chock Main Wheels:
Follow airline procedures.
- Confirm Chocks and Release Brakes:
Notify flight deck:
Mechanic: Ground to flight deck
Flight Crew: Go ahead
Mechanic: Chocks in position
Flight Crew: Thanks, brakes released- Inspect Doors & Adjacent Areas:
As in Case 1, check before connecting bridge or steps
- Connect External Air-Conditioning:
Cool cabin & cockpit pre-boarding
- Prepare for Pushback:
Ensure air start unit is ready for engine start during departure
Final Thoughts: Aircraft Arrival Receiving Procedure Summary
| Step | Operative APU | Inoperative APU |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Chocking | After engine shutdown | Nose wheel chocking before engine shutdown |
| Ground Power Connection | Not Required | Must be connected before engine shutdown |
| Communication with Flight Deck | After chocks applied | Confirm power, then chocks |
| External Air Source | APU provides | Requires air start unit and air-conditioner |
| Engine Start Assistance | APU provides bleed air | Requires external air start unit |