Ground handling & engine-running safety

Three ground hazards, each with its own legal test: fuelling, starting, leaving unattended.

Fuelling with engine running (CAR 602.09):

• Prohibited if passengers are on board, embarking, or disembarking.
• Unless applicable exception complied with, by operation type: 604.84(1), 704.33(4), 705.40(3).

Starting engine (CAR 602.10(1)), needs ONE of:

• Pilot's seat occupied by person competent to control aircraft, OR
• Precautions taken to prevent aircraft moving, OR
• Seaplane only: location where any movement will not endanger persons or property.

Leaving engine running (CAR 602.10(2)), needs ONE of:

• Pilot's seat occupied by person competent to control aircraft, OR
• All three: no persons on board, AND precautions taken to prevent movement, AND aircraft not left unattended.

Trap: seaplane-location exception is starting-only (602.10(1)(c)); none for leaving engine running, where the alternative to pilot in seat is the three-part combination (602.10(2)(b)).

Practice