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Pushback Operations. The pushback operation will require several trained and qualified individuals as follows: 1. Pushback Operator 2. Pushback Assistant 3. Headset Operator 4. Wing-walkers 5. Flight Deck.

Communication and Safety Protocols. Vital Communication: Pushback tractor operator Pushback assistant Headset operator Pre-Push/Tow Briefing: Inform all personnel of their duties Operational Roles: Always use a pushback operator and a separate headset operator IMPORTANT: All ground crew members (pushback operator, headset operator, wing-walkers) can stop the push if they see an unsafe situation.

Headset Safety During Pushback. Danger of Using Headsets on Pushback Tractor: Risk increases while pushing or towing an aircraft Cord Movement: Headset cord moves with the turn of the aircraft Cord can shorten or elongate Risks: Cord may be pulled by the nose gear Potential danger to the headset operator and other personnel Safety Tip: Headset operator should stay well clear of the tractor and tow bar during aircraft movement.

Procedures When Headset is Unavailable. Pre-Push/Tow Briefing: Conduct a briefing with the flight crew to discuss hand-signals and procedures before starting the operation. Night Operations: Use lit wands to ensure clear communication and prevent miscommunication during night operations. ASAK Affiliated Aircraft: Ensure direct verbal communication is established and maintained to safely move the aircraft. Equipment for Pushback and Towing Standard Equipment: Typically, a tow bar and a pushback tractor are required for most pushback and towing operations. Tow Bar Selection: Choose the appropriate tow bar based on the specific aircraft type to ensure compatibility and safety. Pushback Tractor Selection: Select the pushback tractor based on the weight of the aircraft to ensure it has the necessary power and capacity..

Aircraft Weight Considerations. Push Back Tractor Operation.

Tow Bar Selection and Inspection. Blue objects on the ground Description automatically generated with medium confidence.

Pushback Tractor Safety Procedures. Parking Brake Requirement: The pushback tractor should have the parking brake set when it is unattended. Use of Chocks: If the pushback operation is on an uneven surface, ensure the pushback tractor is chocked to prevent movement..

Aircraft Arrival and Chocking Procedures. Preparation Before Arrival: Ensure you have the correct number of chocks available according to conditions and local procedures. Chocking Procedure: After Engine Shutdown: Once engines are shut down and the anti-collision beacon is off, chock the nose wheel. Nose Wheel Chocking: Place at least two chocks (one forward and one aft) on the same nose wheel. Main Gear Chocking: After the nose wheel is chocked, chock the main gear. Chock the set of wheels closest to the centerline on the wing gear. Minimum Chocks Required: Use a minimum of six chocks to properly secure the aircraft. Special Conditions: On a Slope: Place the down-slope chock against the tire to prevent movement. Chocking Guidelines: Follow these procedures as the minimum required for safety. Chock Removal: Do not remove chocks until the appropriate step in the pushback procedure. Ensure the pushback tractor and tow bar are connected to the aircraft nose gear with the tractor parking brake set before removing chocks. Pushback Operations: Notify the flight deck to set the brakes during pushback. Confirm that the brakes are set with the flight deck before proceeding..

Pushback Tractor Maintenance and Safety. Pre-Operation Check: Ensure the following components are in good working order: Brakes Engine Lights Gauges Hitches Do Not Operate If: Any components are inoperative In such cases, immediately call your leadership and maintenance team Emergency Features: Emergency Engine Shutoff: Cuts power to the engine Emergency Steering Mode: Allows for steering control in emergency situations.

Parking Brake System. The parking brake switch, located next to the gear shift, serves as the emergency braking system during pushback procedures. It activates spring-applied calipers to halt the pushback tractor..

Tow Bar and Shear Bolts. The tow bar is equipped with shear bolts in its head, which is the end that connects to the aircraft. These shear bolts are designed to break or snap at a specific stress level to prevent damage to the aircraft. Regular inspection of the shear bolts is essential to ensure their integrity and proper functioning..

Tow Bar Handling Guidelines. Never push a tow bar by itself using the pushback tractor. Never reverse with a tow bar attached to the back of the pushback tractor..

Nose Gear Steering Bypass Pin. The Nose Gear Steering Bypass Pin, or Bypass Pin, must be inserted before connecting the tow bar to the nose gear. The bypass pin disables the nose gear steering controls, preventing steering inputs from the cockpit..

Nose Gear Steering Bypass Pin. The Nose Gear Steering Bypass Pin, or Bypass Pin, must be inserted before connecting the tow bar to the nose gear. Ensuring the bypass pin is inserted is crucial; without it, the nose gear cannot be turned with the tractor or tow bar. The bypass pin features a red streamer labeled "Remove before flight" for visibility and safety..

Danger. The Nose Gear Steering Bypass Pin, or Bypass Pin, must be inserted before connecting the tow bar to the nose gear. Ensuring the bypass pin is inserted is crucial; without it, the nose gear cannot be turned with the tractor or tow bar. The bypass pin features a red streamer labeled "Remove before flight" for visibility and safety. Activating the steering system from the cockpit while a tow bar is attached without a steering bypass pin can cause serious injury or death, as the tow bar can strike personnel in the vicinity..

Ground and Weather Conditions. Ground conditions play an integral role in the pushback operation. Slippery ground conditions significantly increase the danger of an already hazardous procedure. During pushback or towing, substantial stress and force are exerted not only on the tractor and tow bar but also on the tractor’s tires..

Ground and Weather Conditions. Ground conditions play an integral role in the pushback operation. Slippery ground conditions significantly increase the danger of an already hazardous procedure. During pushback or towing, substantial stress and force are exerted not only on the tractor and tow bar but also on the tractor’s tires. A slippery surface can cause the tractor’s wheels to slip, increasing the risk of jackknifing or losing control of the aircraft. Jackknifing occurs when the tractor’s tires lose grip and the tractor slides sideways. If not stopped, the aircraft’s weight will push the tractor until it jackknifes on the tow bar. Snow, ice, and rain are the most common causes of slippery ground conditions. USE EXTREME CAUTION while pushing or towing an aircraft in these conditions. In the event of snow or ice, chains may be fitted to the pushback tractor for increased traction, if your airport allows snow chains..

Understanding the Impact of Ramp Conditions on Aircraft Pushback.

CAUTION. Equipment Limits: Never exceed the prescribed limits of the pushback or towing equipment during operations. Consult Manuals: Refer to the tractor’s operating manual for recommended gear settings and operational guidelines. Prioritize Safety: Adhere to safety protocols to ensure smooth and risk-free aircraft pushback or towing procedures..

Knowledge Check. What following ground conditions can affect the pushback tractors performance? Ice and snow Slope of the ramp Painted lines and deicing fluid All of the above.

Fire Response Protocol:. Flight Deck Alert: Fire warning originates from the flight deck. Initial Action: Use engine internal fire extinguishers as instructed. Ground Crew Role: Flight deck may request the ground crew to use ramp extinguishers before the airport fire department arrives..

Tailpipe Fire Protocol:. Immediate Action: Stop the pushback tractor if a tailpipe fire is observed. Communication: Inform the headset operator, stating, “Tailpipe flames observed, number XX engine.” Flight Deck Notification: The headset operator will inform the flight deck and advise them of any changes due to motoring of the engine..

Ramp Fire Protocol (Fuel Release):. Immediate Action: Stop or move the pushback tractor to stay clear of the fire. Inform Flight Deck: Notify the flight deck and request shutdown of any started engines. Notify Fire Services: Immediately alert airport fire services. Use of Extinguishers: Ramp extinguishers may be used if it is safe for ramp personnel..

Hot Brakes or Wheel Fire Protocol:. Approach with Caution: Always approach from the fore and aft of the tire, never from the side, due to the risk of rim failure. Risk Awareness: Be aware that hot brakes can lead to a wheel fire. Natural Cooling: Hot brakes typically cool by themselves without the need for external aid..

Aircraft Hold Fire Protocol:. . Indications of Fire or Smoke: If fire or smoke is detected in the aircraft holds, do not open the hold doors. Fire Services: Hold doors should only be opened by fire services personnel..

Knowledge Check. If a fire is observed while pushing an aircraft, what do you do? Increase speed to finish the push quickly Stop the tractor Inform the headset operator and flight crew Both A and B Both B and C.

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CAUTION. Avoid Overturning: Turning the nose gear too far in either direction can cause the tow bar to fail and may damage the aircraft. Consequences of Exceeding Limits: If nose gear turning limits are exceeded, the shear bolts in the head of the tow bar will snap, rendering the tow bar inoperative..

Pushing and Towing the Aircraft – Travel Route:. Nose Gear Movement: When pushing or towing an aircraft, the nose gear turns in the opposite direction of the steering input. Tail Movement: Conversely, the tail of the aircraft will turn in the same direction as the pushback steering wheel..

Maneuvering Aircraft – Key Considerations:. Aircraft Size and Maneuverability: Larger aircraft are easier to maneuver due to their larger wheelbase. Smaller, narrow-body aircraft are more challenging; slight movements can cause drastic changes in direction. Travel Path Planning: When pushing or towing via taxiways, plan your travel path carefully. Ensure there is enough room for turns to avoid any complications..

Safety Precautions During Pushback and Towing:. Handling Difficult Situations: If you find the aircraft in a challenging position, stop immediately and call for assistance. Speed Control: Always keep your speed low to react promptly to any situation, whether in a busy, confined area or on an open taxiway. Prioritize Safety: The safety of personnel and equipment is paramount..

Safety Alert: Aircraft Pushing and Towing. Risk of Damage: Severe damage can result if an aircraft contacts any structure or obstruction during pushing or towing. Pre-Operation Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of the area before initiating aircraft movement to ensure there are no potential hazards..

Pushback Tractor Steering Modes:. Front Wheel Steering: The tractor is steered using only the front wheels. Rear Wheel Steering: Steering is controlled solely by the rear wheels. Four-Wheel Steering: Both front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions, reducing the turning radius of the tractor. Crab Steering: All four wheels turn in the same direction, allowing the tractor to move sideways while maintaining its original orientation..

Effective Pushback Operations:. Preferred Steering Mode: Two-wheel steering is generally sufficient and safe for most pushback operations. Safety Caution: Adequate space is crucial during pushback or towing operations. Additional Safety Measures: If uncertain about clearance near structures, place additional marshallers or wingwalkers next to the structures and in the pushback operator's view..

Pre-Pushback Checklist:. Tires: Ample tread depth. Tire pressure within recommended limits. Chains installed as necessary. Engine: Operates properly and smoothly. Equipment: Lights, brakes, and gauges in proper working condition. Brakes: Parking and foot brakes functioning normally. Hitches and Pins: Hitches and hitch pins properly mounted and attached to the tractor. Hitches and hitch pin in good condition with no damage. Cab Area: Clean and free of Foreign Object Debris (FOD)..

Additional Pre-Pushback Checks:. Push Back Tractor Operation.

Pre-Operations Inspection Protocol:. Problem Reporting: If any issues are detected during the pre-ops inspection, notify your leadership and maintenance department promptly. Non-Operational Equipment: Do not operate equipment that has deficiencies or may not function at maximum safe capabilities..

Tow Bar and Equipment Inspection:. [image] A hand lever.

IATA Aircraft Movement – Headset to Pushback Operator.

Headset operator to pushback operator Brakes off,- raise right hand just above shoulder height with closed fist and ensuring eye contact with pushback then open palm..

Clear to push hand signal; hold arm straight out at a 90° angle from shoulder and display hand with thumbs up. This indicated to the pushback operator that all equipment are cleared from aircraft, chocks have been removed, the brakes are off and the flight crew has given the clearance to commence pushback..

Negative/Hold signal; Hold arm strength out at a 90° angle from shoulder and display hand with thumbs down this indicates that the aircraft is not ready for pushback and to hold position..

Vehicle Brakes on/ stop; raise hands just above shoulder height with open palm and ensure eye contact with the pushback operator, the pushback operator should return hand signal to the headset operator to confirm vehicle brake set..

Slow Down hand signal; with hand at a 45° angle downward to the side, making a fanning motion..

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IATA Aircraft Movement – Wingwalker to Headset Operator/Aircraft Marshaller/Flight Crew (as applicable).