Private pilot · ACS PA.XII.A
After Landing, Parking, and Securing
After landing, the job is to get the airplane safely parked, shut down, secured and documented, and to get passengers clear of the propeller.
Why this one matters
Propeller strikes, unsecured airplanes in wind, and undocumented problems that the next pilot flies with all happen after the flight is "over". A disciplined shutdown, secure tie-down and honest write-up protect people on the ramp and the next pilot.
Can’t miss
- •The flight isn’t over at touchdown: after clearing the runway, stop beyond the hold line and do the after-landing checklist.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Ground Operations (after landing, parking and securing))
- •Shut down with the checklist: avionics off, a quick magneto grounding check, mixture to idle cutoff, magnetos off once the engine stops, key out, master off.(Your airplane's POH/AFM)
- •Park where the propeller blast won’t hit people, other airplanes or hangars, where the airplane can be tied down, and, whenever possible, headed into the existing or forecast wind.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Ground Operations (after landing, parking and securing))
- •Secure it: control lock, chocks, tie-downs, pitot cover, doors locked. Fuel as your operator wants: full tanks reduce condensation.(PHAK (FAA-H-8083-25C), Aircraft Systems (fuel))
- •Do a postflight walk-around and write up any discrepancies on the operator's squawk sheet, and tell the owner or operator; the maintenance logbooks are for maintenance entries. Don’t leave a problem for the next pilot to discover.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Ground Operations (after landing, parking and securing); 14 CFR 91.405)
- •Passengers stay seated until the propeller stops, and are escorted on the ramp away from propellers.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Ground Operations (after landing, parking and securing))
- •Follow the airport’s security procedures: gates, badges and locking the airplane.(TSA, Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airport Operators and Users)
What you should know
Shutdown, securing and the postflight K1 · K2
- After landing, clear the runway completely, come to a complete stop past the hold line, and only then run the after-landing checklist (flaps up, lights and transponder as appropriate). Identify the flap control positively before you touch it: reaching for controls while still moving has raised landing gear instead of flaps.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Ground Operations (after landing, parking and securing))
- Parking: whenever possible, head into the existing or forecast wind (especially with strong winds forecast or overnight), and let the airplane roll straight ahead to straighten the nosewheel before stopping.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Ground Operations (after landing, parking and securing))
- Shutdown per the POH: parking brake set, throttle to idle (about 1,000 RPM), avionics (and alternator) off, a momentary magneto grounding check at idle, mixture to idle cutoff, magnetos off only once the engine has stopped, key out, master off; note the Hobbs and tach times; then chocks, and the parking brake released or left set as the POH directs.(Your airplane's POH/AFM)
- Secure: control lock, chocks, tie-downs at every available anchor point, pitot and engine covers as needed, doors locked. Chains don't stretch: leave some slack so the airplane can move a little without structural damage; flexible ropes can be snugged.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Ground Operations (after landing, parking and securing))
- Postflight walk-around: oil or fuel streaks at the cowling and breather, fuel stains under the wings and tanks, the gear, tires and brakes (hydraulic leaks), obstructions in the cowling inlets, damage, and anything that changed in flight. Check the oil and service it to the POH level, and note the servicing needed (fuel and oil) with any discrepancies and the Hobbs and tach times.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Ground Operations (after landing, parking and securing))
- Record every discrepancy on the operator's squawk or discrepancy sheet and tell the owner or operator; don't write in the airframe or engine logbooks, whose entries belong to maintenance. The duties: you may not operate an unairworthy airplane (91.7); the owner or operator is responsible for having discrepancies repaired (91.405). If it makes the airplane unairworthy, mark it so.(14 CFR 91.7; 91.405)
Ramp safety and security R1 · R3 · R4
- The ramp is busy and distracting: finish the checklists and the walk-around before talking to people or packing up.(Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2A))
- Keep passengers seated until the engine is stopped, then escort them away from propellers and other airplanes’ paths.(Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Ground Operations (after landing, parking and securing))
- Follow the airport’s security procedures: badges and gates, locking the airplane, and reporting anything suspicious.(TSA, Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airport Operators and Users)
Scenarios
Decide what you would do first, then see the worked answer.
You notice an oil streak on the cowling during the postflight.
What do you do? See the worked answer
Write it up on the squawk sheet and tell the owner or operator. Don’t assume the next pilot will find it.
14 CFR 91.405
Strong winds are forecast tonight.
How do you secure the airplane? See the worked answer
Park into the wind, control lock in, chocks, tie-downs at every anchor point (chains with some slack, ropes snug), and consider a hangar if available.
Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Ground Operations (after landing, parking and securing)
You park facing a hangar with its door open.
What’s the issue? See the worked answer
Your propeller blast at startup or shutdown can blow debris into it or people inside. Park so the blast goes somewhere safe.
Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Ground Operations (after landing, parking and securing)
Common mistakes
Skipping the shutdown checklist.
Magnetos left on make the propeller dangerous.
Instead: Use the checklist every time.
Not documenting a discrepancy.
The next pilot flies with it.
Instead: Write it up and tell the operator.
Rushing passengers off the airplane.
Propeller injuries.
Instead: Wait for the prop to stop, then escort.
Now train it
Say it out loud, hear it asked, and take the quick check in this lesson’s practice pack. It tracks your shaky spots.
Got it?
When it feels solid, practice after landing, parking, and securing out loud with our examiner.
Your progress is saved in this browser. Create a free account to keep it on every device, with your shaky spots and mock oral results in one place.
Go to the source (free)
Teaching this? The instructor lesson plan →
Sources
- Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C): Ground Operations
- 14 CFR Part 91: 91.405
- TSA: Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airport Operators and Users
- Private Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C): Area XII
- Your airplane's POH/AFM: normal procedures (after landing, shutdown, securing)
Study aid, not FAA guidance. Regulations change; check the current text at eCFR and the ACS. Checked against current sources 2026-11-12.