"Edward A. Falk" wrote in message
...
If the plane is on an incline, or there's any chance someone will lean
on it and start it rolling, set the brakes. Otherwise, I can't imagine
that it makes the slightest difference.

--
-Ed Falk,
http://thespamdiaries.blogspot.com/

And, therein lies the real issue.

I don't recall whether I even did put self service fuel in a high wing
Cessna, and the ones I flew all had the optional inspection steps in any
case. But your post makes a more than sufficient case for setting, and
testing, the brakes before climbing up the ladder and leaning over the wing
with the hose!

Actually, I was taught that the parking brakes were essentially useless and
were difficult to set and worse to release; and AFAIK, I never did try
setting and releasing them.

I hereby resolve to do better.

Peter