Definition
The methods used to move, position, secure, and protect an aircraft while it is on the ground, including taxiing, towing, parking, tying down, chocking, and securing controls against wind and weather.
Plain English
How you safely handle an aircraft when it's not flying — moving it around the ramp, parking it, and tying it down so it doesn't get damaged.
Context Anchor
Seen in preflight, postflight, ramp, hangar, parking, towing, and aircraft servicing discussions.
Why Pilots Care
Correct procedures prevent propeller strikes, collisions, and aircraft damage during ground movement.
Grounding Statement
On the ground, an aircraft still has to be controlled, protected, and handled carefully even though it is not flying.
Intuition Check
Do not read “handling” here as only flying the controls. In this context, it means the safe physical care and movement of the aircraft while it is on the ground.
Example Sentence 1
Before leaving the aircraft overnight, the pilot followed standard ground handling procedures by chocking the wheels, installing the control lock, and securing the tie-down ropes.
Example Sentence 2
After landing, the crew used proper ground handling procedures to park and tie down the airplane.