Gear Pins

[Stroker]

Just looking for what other operators do. Does mx at your airline ever remove the gear pins, or is it always a flight crew responsibility? We want to make sure we have the best possible system of checks and balance.

Thanks

 

[ReportCanoa]

Not a crew function, unless they are installed, which they shouldn't be, unless the aircraft is being towed by a tow team who are responsible for removing them in the first place.

 

[Soverytired]

Supposed to be a MX only function . . . they actually have to put a entry in the MX logbook whenever they are installed or taken out. That last bit was added after WAY too many planes were taking off w/pins installed.

Sounds incredible, no? Well, most of the "gear pin incidents" happened after some grease-monkey installed his own personal set . . . a set that had NO flags attached, making them very difficult to see . . . almost impossible on the CRJ9 (also the CRJ2, where crews aren't supposed to be opening the forward nose doors . . . also a MX function.)

Occasionally still happens though.

 

[ImbracableCrunk]

On the SAAB at Mesaba, the gear pin/nose steer lockout clamp is in and out all day long. But if MX taxis the plane, they actually make an entry in the logbook for the main gear pins.

 

[Stroker]

Follow up question: Is there anybody out there who can see being a pilot function?

We sometimes have airplanes at the gate overnight. In this situation, MX is reluctant to taxi the plane from the hangar to the gate, release an airplane for flight (iow remove the pins) and have the plane sit there all night without pins. Seems like, if that's the case, perhaps a second trip to the gate by mx may be in order. They could remove the pins then.

Personally, I am a fan of the 3 check method.

1. Mx removes pins
2. Pilot preflighting verifies pins removed
3. Other pilot verifies 3 pins installed in the cockpit holsters

If you can, please mention your operator. Otherwise, the type of airplane. Your input is most appreciated.

 

[ceo_of_the_sofa]

At PDT, it's on the receiving/originating checlist. Make sure they're stowed, because MX puts them in to prevent gear retraction. Gear won't go up and you get a trip to the Kremlin.

 

[AirCanon04]

every RON here at CHQ on the 145 we - the crew - put the pins in...and then take them back out in the morning.

 

[SXMp2c]

At CHQ we (flight crew) have to put the pins in at night and we pull them in the morning. This is at every overnight, be it maint or not.

 

[SXMp2c]

damnit cannon, i type too slowly

 

[saab fixr]

Hey SOvery whats with the name calling, you cry like babies when we Mx folks call you bus drivers and other names. I believe we MX folks are still called Mechanics. Not grease monkeys!!! and as for the gear pin thing most airlines ive worked for removed when doing the release after over night maint except the Ole shuttle America folks they made the Pilots remove those greasy parts to get some kind of kick out of it, and believe me those slaabbbs were dirty to the point most FO"s used trash bags over their hands to take them out.