Free Safe Operating Procedure (Aircraft Tyre Change) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Aircraft Tyre Change) Template

Changing an aircraft tyre is a high-risk maintenance task that involves significant hazards, including stored energy in pressurised tyres, manual handling of heavy components, and the use of specialised tooling. A structured Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) is essential for ensuring this task is performed safely and consistently.

This free Safe Operating Procedure (Aircraft Tyre Change) template provides a documented framework for maintenance organisations to outline the required steps, identify potential hazards, and implement effective risk controls.

By formalising the process, you create a reliable reference for technicians, standardise work methods, and demonstrate a commitment to workplace health and safety. A well-developed SOP helps prevent catastrophic failures, personal injury, and damage to the aircraft.

The procedure should be integrated into your broader safety framework, forming a key part of a comprehensive WHS management system that protects both your people and assets.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Aircraft Tyre Change) Template

This template is a starting point designed to be adapted to your specific operational context. It is not a complete, ready-to-use document.

To use it effectively, download the DOCX file and customise it with details relevant to your organisation, including the specific aircraft types you service, the ground support equipment available, and your unique site conditions. It is critical to consult the relevant Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) for the specific model, as it contains the authoritative procedures, torque values, and specifications.

Important: This is a generic template that we have created as a starting point. You must customise this document to reflect the specific hazards, equipment, and processes in your workplace.

The end user is solely responsible for ensuring the final document is fit for purpose and provides a safe system of work. Procedures for other ground support equipment, such as a FREE Telehandler SOP Template, should also be customised for your site.

Key Sections to Customise:

• PPE Requirements: Specify the exact Personal Protective Equipment needed, such as safety glasses, steel-capped boots, and gloves.
• Tools and Equipment: List all required tools, including calibrated torque wrenches, tyre deflation tools, wheel dollies, and jacks.
• Step-by-Step Procedure: Detail every action from aircraft preparation and deflating the tyre to wheel removal, installation, and inflation. Ensure steps align with the AMM.
• Hazard Identification and Risk Control: Review and expand upon the listed hazards, adding controls specific to your environment. This might include procedures for high-pressure systems like those outlined in a Free Air Compressor SOP.
• Emergency Procedures: Outline the steps to take in case of an emergency, such as a tyre explosion, hydraulic leak, or personal injury.

When to use it

This SOP should be the primary reference document whenever a scheduled or unscheduled aircraft tyre change is required. It serves as a critical tool during the initial and recurrent training of aircraft maintenance technicians, ensuring they understand the approved methodology.

It should also be used as a checklist during the task itself to prevent steps from being missed. Furthermore, the SOP is a vital document during safety meetings and for activities related to WHS compliance auditing to review and improve maintenance procedures.

Who should use it

This Safe Operating Procedure is intended for use by qualified and authorised personnel within an aviation maintenance organisation. This includes Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs), Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, and apprentices under direct supervision.

WHS managers and Maintenance Supervisors should also use this document to oversee operations, conduct training, and ensure that safety standards are consistently met. Documenting procedures for all workshop tasks is crucial, extending even to seemingly simple tasks involving basic access equipment like step ladders.

Spire Safety provides a wide range of templates and documents to assist in building a robust safety system. You can explore our complete free WHS resources library for more templates to support your operations.