Free aviation GSE inspection checklist

• The MapTrack aviation GSE inspection checklist contains 29 checks across 5 sections. Sections covered: Tyres, body & aircraft protection, Operator station & lighting, Stabilisers & aircraft attachment, Hydraulics & working functions, Brakes & steering.
• Unit identification: GSE type fleet number OEM make and model engine or battery serial last service hours operator name licence or airside permit number and date and time of inspection.
• Pre-operational walk-around: tyre condition mudflap aircraft-protection bumper edge guard body damage from previous shift and any leak or fluid below the unit.
• Fuel battery and engine: fuel level coolant level oil level for diesel units battery state of charge for electric units electrolyte level for flooded lead-acid and battery connector pin condition.

Learn more about maintenance and work orders in MapTrack.

• Aircraft damage prevention: stabiliser interlocks aircraft-protection bumpers edge guards and bridge-clearance tests catch the failures that cause the high-cost ramp impacts insurers price into the annual handler premium.
• Ramp safety verification: deadman switches seat interlocks emergency stop and anti-collision sensors are the engineered barriers that keep operators and ramp personnel safe at the live aircraft stand.
• Operational availability: catching belt-loader belt wear stair-lift hydraulic leak GPU output instability or tug brake fade before dispatch keeps the unit available through the next bank of arrivals and departures.
• IATA SGHA compliance: signed inspection records are the evidence airlines and airport operators expect from handlers under the Standard Ground Handling Agreement and the airport ramp safety manual.
• CASA and FAA audit readiness: documented inspections aligned to CASA CAAP 92-2 and FAA AC 00-34A satisfy aerodrome operator audits and the regulator request the moment a ramp incident is investigated.
• OEM warranty defence: a documented daily and periodic inspection history aligned to the OEM service manual is the evidence required to keep the warranty position intact on multi-hundred-thousand-dollar high-lift loaders and tugs.

• Unit identification: GSE type fleet number OEM make and model engine or battery serial last service hours operator name licence or airside permit number and date and time of inspection.
• Pre-operational walk-around: tyre condition mudflap aircraft-protection bumper edge guard body damage from previous shift and any leak or fluid below the unit.
• Fuel battery and engine: fuel level coolant level oil level for diesel units battery state of charge for electric units electrolyte level for flooded lead-acid and battery connector pin condition.
• Cab controls and visibility: seat seatbelt mirrors windscreen wipers horn lights all dash gauges reversing camera and anti-collision strobe.
• Aviation-specific safety devices: stabiliser deployment and interlocks on a high-lift loader towbar shear-pin and aircraft-attachment on a pushback tug deadman pedal and seat-switch interlocks on a baggage tractor platform-clearance and roll-over guard on passenger stairs.
• Hydraulic and mechanical systems: hydraulic hose condition cylinder leak boom or lift operation through full range belt drive condition on a belt loader winch operation on a stair unit and tow connection on a tug.
• Electrical output (powered GSE only): GPU output voltage frequency and ground-loop test air starter pressure and flow ACU output temperature airflow and the equipment status indicator panel.
• Brakes steering and parking: service brake feel parking brake holding ability steering tightness and tow-pintle or coupling integrity.
• Documentation airside compliance and PPE: airside permit displayed reflective strips intact unit signage operator licence current high-visibility PPE worn and fire extinguisher charged with current service tag.
• Sign-off: defect list severity escalation path owner target close-out date operator signature and supervisor counter-sign for safety-critical defects.

1. Confirm the unit is parked safely and capture identification at the top of the form

   park clear of aircraft stands and other traffic apply the parking brake lower any boom platform or stair to its stowed position shut down the engine record GSE type fleet number OEM make model serial last service hours operator name and airside permit number.

2. Perform the walk-around starting at the front-left and working clockwise

   check tyres for damage tread depth and pressure inspect mudflaps aircraft-protection bumpers edge guards and any body damage from the previous shift look underneath for leaks of oil fuel coolant or hydraulic fluid and clean any debris from beneath the unit.

3. Inspect the cab fuel battery and engine

   enter the cab and check the seat seatbelt mirrors windscreen wipers horn lights and dash gauges open the engine bay (diesel) or battery compartment (electric) and check fuel coolant oil battery state of charge electrolyte level and battery connector pin condition.

4. Verify aviation-specific safety devices

   deploy the stabilisers on a high-lift loader and confirm interlocks prevent boom movement until set test the towbar shear-pin and aircraft-attachment on a pushback tug confirm deadman pedal and seat-switch interlocks stop the drive on a baggage tractor test platform clearance and roll-over guards on passenger stairs and verify anti-collision strobe and reversing alarm function.

5. Operate hydraulic mechanical and electrical systems then complete electrical output checks where applicable

   run the boom belt platform or stair through its full operating range listening for unusual noise and confirming smooth motion on a GPU run the output to load and record voltage frequency and a ground-loop test on an air starter check pressure and flow on an ACU check airflow and temperature record any defect against severity and sign the checklist with a counter-sign from the supervisor for any safety-critical defect.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• IATA AHM 600 (GSE Equipment Specifications)
• IATA AHM 630 (GSE Functional Specifications)
• CASA CAAP 92-2 (Guidelines for aerodrome vehicles)
• FAA AC 00-34A (Aircraft Ground Handling and Servicing)
• WHS Act 2011 (Part 2 Health and safety duties)

• Model Work Health and Safety Act (Safe Work Australia)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

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