Chock extension requests come from whom and when?

• A. From Ops Sup/Texan Ops; normally 1 hour 45 minutes before scheduled TO time
• B. From Maintenance, 30 minutes before scheduled TO time
• C. From the Tower, a TO time
• D. From Dispatch, the day before scheduled TO time

Answer: (B)

Chock extension requests are tied to aircraft readiness and maintenance needs. The best practice is that maintenance personnel request an extension about 30 minutes before the scheduled takeoff time. They are the ones closest to the aircraft’s condition and can determine if additional time is required to complete necessary maintenance, checks, or safety tasks without compromising safety. Giving this request a 30-minute lead lets operations coordinate the change smoothly—informing the ramp, the tower, and the flight crew as needed and updating the departure timing without creating unnecessary delays.

Other roles aren’t typically the source of these requests because they’re more involved with scheduling or clearance than the actual readiness of the aircraft. For example, the ops supervisor handles coordination and timing, but the extension itself is driven by maintenance needs. The tower doesn’t grant extensions; they manage takeoff clearance based on the approved schedule. Dispatch planning changes the day before don’t address the current readiness state and the immediate need for additional time.