Which aircraft requires the use of a tail stand?

The B737-900 is the aircraft that requires the use of a tail stand. Tail stands are essential for providing stability and support to the aircraft when it is in maintenance or ground operation modes, especially when there’s a risk of imbalance due to the weight distribution or the structural design of the aircraft. The B737-900, being a longer variant than the B737-800, has a different weight and balance distribution which can necessitate the use of a tail stand to prevent the tail from lifting and ensure safe operations.

In the context of the other aircraft listed, while they all have their own specific operational and maintenance requirements, they do not specifically mandate the use of a tail stand in the same way that the B737-900 does. Other models may rely on different support mechanisms, or their structural design may not create the same need for tail support during ground operations. This distinction is important for ramp agents and ground crews to ensure safety and adhere to maintenance protocols effectively.