What must team members do before applying ground power when an aircraft has an INOP APU?

Prior to applying ground power when an aircraft has an inoperative Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), team members must communicate with the flight crew. This step is essential because the flight crew needs to be informed of the situation regarding the APU and is responsible for ensuring that the necessary protocols and safety measures are in place before ground power is used.

The flight crew may have specific procedures or checks that need to be performed in this scenario, including monitoring systems and ensuring that the aircraft's status is safe for the application of ground power. Open communication helps to prevent potential issues and ensures that both the ground crew and flight crew are aligned in their operational activities, maintaining safety and efficiency.

Other considerations, such as contacting maintenance or checking weather conditions, are important in aviation protocols but do not take precedence over the necessity of coordinating with the flight crew when dealing with power sources for the aircraft. Ensuring all passengers are seated is also crucial, but this specifically pertains to readiness for departure rather than the immediate actions related to applying ground power.