During the pre-use inspection of aerospace ground equipment (AGE), what action must the operator perform?

The correct action during the pre-use inspection of aerospace ground equipment (AGE) is to cycle the unit completely through its range of capabilities. This comprehensive approach ensures that all systems and functionalities of the equipment are working as intended and that there are no hidden issues that could cause problems during operation. By cycling through its range of capabilities, the operator can observe how the equipment performs under typical conditions, identify any irregularities, and ensure all components are functioning properly.

Other options may seem plausible but don’t address the thoroughness required in a pre-use inspection. Simply inspecting the exterior or checking fluid levels only would not provide insight into the operational capabilities of the equipment, which is crucial for safety and efficiency. Testing each function individually could be time-consuming and might miss issues that could arise when the equipment is used in its full capacity. Thus, cycling the unit completely offers a holistic view of its operational integrity.