Which term describes a portable unit attached to the aircraft on the ground that provides electrical power to the aircraft when the engines are not operating?

• A. GATE
• B. GALLEY
• C. GROUND SPEED
• D. GROUND POWER UNIT

Answer: (D)

When the engines aren’t running, the airplane still needs a source of electrical power on the ground to run lights, avionics, and cabin systems. A Ground Power Unit is a portable external power source that attaches to the aircraft while it’s parked, supplying the aircraft’s electrical system without using the aircraft’s own engines or APU. This is exactly what you’d use to power the plane during preflight and boarding.

The other options don’t describe a power source: a gate is a location where the aircraft stands at the terminal, a galley is the kitchen area inside the aircraft, and ground speed is simply how fast the aircraft is moving relative to the ground.