What equipment is used to ground the aircraft during a tail wheel emergency?

The grounding rod is used to safely discharge static electricity from the aircraft during a tail wheel emergency. When dealing with emergencies, especially those involving aircraft, ensuring that the aircraft is properly grounded is essential to prevent static discharge that can ignite flammable vapors or fuel. The grounding rod is specifically designed to establish a secure connection to the ground, allowing any accumulated static charge to dissipate safely.

Other options, while they may have applications in different contexts, are not as effective or standard for grounding an aircraft in this particular situation. For example, small chains and metal rods might not provide the necessary grounding capabilities or may not be suitable due to their material composition or inadequate connection to ground. Rubber mats, on the other hand, are typically insulative and would not facilitate grounding at all. Thus, the grounding rod is the most appropriate and safe choice for this specific scenario involving aircraft emergency handling.