You’re about to tow an aircraft. How can you make sure it stays put?

Towing an aircraft is a critical task that requires proper preparation, coordination, and safety measures. If you’re about to tow an aircraft, you need to make sure it stays put and doesn’t roll away, damage other equipment, or injure anyone. Here are some tips to help you secure the aircraft before, during, and after towing.

1 Check the brakes

Before you attach the tow bar or tug to the aircraft, you need to check the brakes of both vehicles. The aircraft should have its parking brake set and its wheels chocked. The tug should have its brake system working and its emergency brake engaged. You should also inspect the tow bar and its pins for any signs of wear or damage.

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Aderogba Bamiduro

ADMINISTRATOR
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Utilize the Appropriate Aircraft Tug. ... Test the Aircraft Brake System. ... Prepare the Aircraft to be Transported. ... Ensure Qualified Operators are in Place. ... Operate at a Slow and Steady Speed. ... Park Aircraft Efficiently. ... Utilize the Proper Parking Equipment. ... Maintain Good Communication

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Luciano Esteves

Estudante de Direito e PGE's, PGMs | Gestor de Segurança Privada CRA-RJ 03-04126 | ISO 31000 | Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt | Paraquedista Militar do Exército Brasileiro | Hands-on | Pai de Meninas 👧👧
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Certifique-se de verificar e garantir que os freios da aeronave estejam totalmente acionados e funcionando corretamente antes de rebocá-la. Além disso, siga as orientações específicas fornecidas pelo fabricante da aeronave e utilize os dispositivos de segurança apropriados durante o processo de rebocagem.

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2 Communicate with the crew

Towing an aircraft is a team effort that involves constant communication with the crew. You should have a clear plan and procedure for the towing operation, and assign roles and responsibilities to each member. You should also use radios, hand signals, or marshalling wands to communicate with the pilot, the wing walkers, and the ground crew. You should always follow the instructions of the pilot and the wing walkers, and stop immediately if you encounter any problems or hazards.

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Ishaan Karnataki

Aviator at ISBR University
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Since aircraft don't have a reverse gear, towing is what we use. Once the person in charge on the flight deck of the aircraft has given their confirmation of ‘brakes released’ to the person in charge of the ground crew vehicle who are to carry out the tow, the ground crew become responsible for the safe manoeuvring of the aircraft in accordance with any ATC Clearance which may be required and as may have been specifically agreed beforehand.Ground Crews must be specifically made aware of both these risks and must be fully trained on both ATC practices and the towing of the particular aircraft type involved. The later should include awareness of aircraft dimensions and turning arcs. Aircrafts like A380 need to be towed with great precision.

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Luciano Esteves

Estudante de Direito e PGE's, PGMs | Gestor de Segurança Privada CRA-RJ 03-04126 | ISO 31000 | Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt | Paraquedista Militar do Exército Brasileiro | Hands-on | Pai de Meninas 👧👧
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Certifique-se de comunicar claramente com a tripulação da aeronave antes de iniciar o processo de rebocagem, fornecendo instruções precisas e verificando se estão prontos para a operação. A comunicação aberta é essencial para garantir a segurança durante essa atividade.

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3 Adjust the speed and direction

When you start towing the aircraft, you need to adjust your speed and direction according to the conditions and the terrain. You should never exceed the maximum towing speed of the aircraft or the tug, and always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and obstacles. You should also avoid sudden or sharp turns, and use gentle and smooth movements to steer the aircraft. You should also monitor the aircraft’s nose wheel and landing gear for any signs of stress or damage.

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Luciano Esteves

Estudante de Direito e PGE's, PGMs | Gestor de Segurança Privada CRA-RJ 03-04126 | ISO 31000 | Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt | Paraquedista Militar do Exército Brasileiro | Hands-on | Pai de Meninas 👧👧
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Ao rebocar uma aeronave, ajuste cuidadosamente a velocidade e a direção de acordo com as condições do ambiente. Mantenha uma velocidade moderada e evite movimentos bruscos para garantir a segurança da operação. Esteja atento às orientações específicas do fabricante da aeronave e utilize os controles de direção de forma suave e controlada.

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4 Secure the aircraft

Once you reach your destination, you need to secure the aircraft and detach the tow bar or tug. You should park the aircraft on a level and stable surface, and apply its parking brake and chocks. You should also disconnect the tow bar or tug carefully, and check for any damage or misalignment. You should also report any incidents or issues to the appropriate authority, and complete any required paperwork or documentation.

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Luciano Esteves

Estudante de Direito e PGE's, PGMs | Gestor de Segurança Privada CRA-RJ 03-04126 | ISO 31000 | Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt | Paraquedista Militar do Exército Brasileiro | Hands-on | Pai de Meninas 👧👧
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Assegure-se de proteger a aeronave durante o processo de rebocagem, evitando obstáculos e garantindo que não haja danos à aeronave ou a qualquer pessoa próxima. Utilize equipamentos de proteção adequados, siga procedimentos de segurança e esteja atento a qualquer sinal de problemas durante o processo. A segurança da aeronave é primordial.

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5 Follow the regulations

Towing an aircraft is not only a technical task, but also a legal one. You need to follow the regulations and standards of the aviation authority and the airport operator. You should also comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications for the aircraft and the tug. You should also be aware of the airport’s layout, markings, signs, and signals, and follow the rules of the airfield. You should also wear the appropriate protective equipment and clothing, and be alert and attentive at all times.

Towing an aircraft is a challenging but rewarding skill that can help you move, maintain, or repair an aircraft. By following these tips, you can make sure it stays put and avoid any accidents or injuries.

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Guilherme Guignone

BIM Coordinator | Teacher and Researcher | Airport Safety Professional ACI-ICAO | BIM-LCA Doctoral Student
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The process for towing an aircraft must also consider the criteria of distance between aircraft and object and between taxiing and object. Safety areas in relation to obstacle-free surfaces and the physical characteristics of the aerodrome must be considered. ICAO Annex 14 prescribes fundamental guidelines regarding clearances and physical characteristics of the aerodrome that must be followed. In Brazil we have RBAC 154 which includes guidelines for aerodrome projects. It is also important to consider operational strategies for the transit of equipment and support vehicles in the process of removing the aircraft from the inertia position.

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Luciano Esteves

Estudante de Direito e PGE's, PGMs | Gestor de Segurança Privada CRA-RJ 03-04126 | ISO 31000 | Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt | Paraquedista Militar do Exército Brasileiro | Hands-on | Pai de Meninas 👧👧
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É fundamental seguir rigorosamente todos os regulamentos e procedimentos estabelecidos para a operação de rebocagem de aeronaves. Certifique-se de estar em conformidade com as diretrizes da autoridade de aviação civil local, bem como quaisquer regulamentos específicos do aeroporto. O cumprimento dessas normas é essencial para garantir a segurança e a eficácia da operação.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You’re about to tow an aircraft. How can you make sure it stays put?

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2

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1 Check the brakes

2 Communicate with the crew

3 Adjust the speed and direction

4 Secure the aircraft

5 Follow the regulations

6 Here’s what else to consider

Aviation

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