Name: Eric T.

Hardy II

Hand Signals
Level 2

Approximate time needed to complete:

2 shop hours

Materials needed to complete:

AC 65-9A
Shop partner

Instructions: Answer the questions that follow. Write the meaning of each hand signal below
the pictures on the following page. Study and practice the signals with your partner until you
know them all. When you feel you are ready, ask the instructor for a checkout. You will be
asked to demonstrate a number of hand signals (chosen by instructor) for your partner. Your
partner must correctly name the signals you are demonstrating. Your partner will then be asked
to demonstrate a number of hand signals (chosen by the instructor) for you. You must be able to
correctly identify the signals your partner is demonstrating. The purpose is to show that you
know how to both give the proper hand signals and to understand the signals given to you.

1. How is movement of large aircraft usually accomplished? By towing with a tow tractor
sometimes called a mule or tug.

2. What auxiliary devices can be used for ground operation communications? Signal lights and
headsets.

3. Is it acceptable to tow an aircraft without someone in the cockpit to operate the brakes? Why
or why not? No, A qualified person should occupy the pilot's seat of the towed aircraft to observe
and operate the brakes as required.

4. What should the signalman do to assure that he will be visible from the cockpit at all times?
The Signalman should keep eye contact with the pilot.

5. What is used by the signalman at night to assure that his/her signals will be visible from the
cockpit? Wands with flashlights attached to them.

6. Aircraft with tailwheels are generally towed in what manner? Aircraft equipped with
tailwheels are generally towed forward by attaching the tow bar to the tow rings on the main
landing gear.

7. How will the taximan know who the signalman is? The flagman will direct to the signalman.
8. What special precautions should be taken before and after towing aircraft with steerable
nosewheel? The person in charge of the towing operation should verify that, on aircraft with a
steerable nosewheel, the locking scissors are set to full swivel for towing.

9. What should the towing speed of the aircraft never exceed? The towing speed of the aircraft
should not exceed that of the walking team members or brisk walking pace.

10. What is a wing walker? A safety walker who walks in front of or along side of the aircraft to
ensure adequate clearance of any obstruction in the path of the aircraft.

11. What things should be checked prior to towing any aircraft? Prior to towing any aircraft,
check all tires and landing gear struts for proper inflation.

12. What should be used on aircraft control surfaces while the aircraft is parked outside?
Internal and External control Locks, gust locks, and blocks.

13. List the standard taxi light signals and their meanings:
1. Flashing Green: Cleared to taxi.
2. Steady Red: Stop.
3.Flashing Red: Taxi clear of runway in use.
4. Flashing White: Return to starting point.
5. Alternating Red and Green: Exercise extreme caution.

14. What is the standard position for a signalman? The standard position for a signalman is
slightly ahead of and in line with the aircraft's left wingtip.

15. What should the signalman do to assure that the pilot does not confuse the meaning of the
signals being given? The signalman should use exaggerated signals for the pilots, and if there is
miscommunication, the Stop signal should be used to start over.

16. What is the standard stop signal used at night? The emergency stop signal is used.

17. If there is any doubt about a signal or if the pilot dos not appear to be following the signals,
what should be done? The signalman should use the stop signal to start over to make sure the
pilot and signalman understand one another.

18. Who is ultimately responsible for the aircraft until the engine is stopped? The pilot

19. What should be done to an aircraft brake system before each towing operation? The aircraft
brake system should be charged before each towing operation.

20. Where should wheel chocks be placed? Wheel chocks should be placed fore and aft of the
main landing gear of the parked aircraft.
1. Flagman directs pilot to signalman if traffic conditions require.
2. Signalman’s position
3. Signalman directs towing
4. Stop
5. Come ahead
6. Pull chocks
7. Insert chocks
8. Emergency Stop
9. Cut Engines
10. Start Engines
11. Slow down
12. All Clear (ok)
13. Left Turn
14. Right Turn
15. Night Operations
16. Move Back
17. Move Forward
18. Start Engines
19. Engage Rotor
20. Stop Rotor
21. Stop
22. Move Left
23. Move Right
24. Take off
25. Landing Direction
26. Go Up
27. Go Down
28. Swing tail to the left
29. Swing tail to the right.