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Standing clear of released tire pressure

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 6 of 17 on Landing Gear Systems. ACS element AM.II.E.R2 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhere should a technician be positioned when releasing the air from an aircraft tire before wheel removal?

  1. ABroadside to the wheel, at arm's length
  2. BDirectly in line with the valve stem
  3. CAhead of or behind the wheel
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Ahead of or behind the wheel

  • A — incorrect Approaching broadside is exactly what the handbook warns against, because a failing assembly releases its energy sideways.
  • B — incorrect A valve core propelled by tire pressure can seriously injure anyone standing in its trajectory.
  • C — correct The handbook directs the technician to approach the wheel assembly from the front or rear, not broadside, and to stay out of the path of released air and any valve core trajectory.

BACKGROUND

Aircraft tires and shock struts hold energy that can injure or kill. The tire must be deflated before the wheel assembly is removed from the aircraft, because wheel assemblies have been known to explode while the axle nut is being removed, especially with high-pressure, high-performance tires; the torque of the nut may be the only thing holding a defective wheel or one with broken tie bolts together. Tires should also be allowed to cool for 3 hours or more before removal. The same reasoning applies to shock struts, where the technician is told to stay to the side of the trajectory of any valve core that could be propelled by strut air pressure.

STUDY TIP

For any high-pressure component, the safe answer is release the pressure first and keep your body out of the line of fire.

KEY POINTS

  • Deflate the tire before removing the wheel assembly from the aircraft.
  • Approach the assembly from the front or rear, never broadside.
  • Stay clear of the path of released air and of any valve core.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch13 "Off Aircraft Wheel Inspection"
  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch13 "Servicing Shock Struts"
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MORE ON LANDING GEAR SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.