AIRFIELD PROCEDURE part 02

UNIT-01

GROUND HANDLING AND SAFETY 

02 TOWING AIRCRAFT

MOVEMENT OF LARGE AIRCRAFT IS ACCOMPLISHES BY TOWING WITH A TOW TRACTOR CALLED A MULE OR TUG. SMALL AIR-CRAFT MOVING IS ACCOMPLISHED BY HAND PUSHING ON CERTAIN AREAS OF THE AIRCRAFT SURFACE.WHEN TOWING AIRCRAFT PROPER TOW BAR MUST BE USED.

WHEN TOWING LARGE AIRCRAFT ,TOWING BAR DESIGNED FOR THE PURPOSE IS ATTACHED TO THE AIRCRAFT,AND THE OPERATOR OF THE TOWING VEHICLE MUST BE IN CONSTANT COMMUNICATION WITH OPERATOR OF THE AIRCRAFT IN THE COCK-PIT.

ALL PERSONAL INVOLVED IN TOWING OPERATION MUST BE ALERT.WHEN AIRCRAFT IS STOPPED.THE MAN IN THE COCK-PIT SHOULD COORDINATE THE USE OF AIRCRAFT BRAKES WITH THOSE OF TOWING VEHICLE.

DURING TOWING OF AIRCRAFT,MAKE SURE FOLLOWING PRECAUTION ARE FOLLOWED.

(i) When a SMALL AIRCRAFT  is being moved manually,care must be taken to apply HAND PRESSURE to the Aircraft on those areas.that have structural strength sufficient to with-stand the pressure without damage.

(ii) The towing vehicle is responsible for operating his vehicle in a safe manner and obeying emergency stop instruction given by any team member.

(iii) The person in charge should assign team personnel as wing walkers,.A wing walker should be stationed at each wingtip in such a position,that he can ensure adequate clearance of any obstruction in the path of the aircraft.A tail walker should be assigned,when sharp turns are to made.or when the aircraft is to be backed into position.

(iv) A qualified person should occupy the pilot’s seat of the towed aircraft to observe and operate the brake as required,when necessary ,another qualified person is stationed to watch and maintain aircraft hydraulic system pressure.

(v) The person in charge of the towing operation should verify that,on aircraft with a steerable nose wheel,the locking scissors are set to full swivel for towing.the locking device must be reset after the tow bar has been removed from the aircraft.persons stationed in the aircraft should not attempt to steer or turn the nose wheel,when the tow bar is attached to the aircraft.

(vi) under no circumstances,should anyone be permitted to walk or ride between the nose wheel of an aircraft and the towing vehicle,nor ride on the outside of a moving aircraft or on the towing vehicle.in the interest of safety,no attempt to board or leave a moving aircraft or towing vehicle should be permitted.

(vii) The towing speed of the aircraft should not exceed that of the walking team members.The aircraft engines usually aren’t operate when the aircraft is being towed into position.

(viii) The aircraft brake system should be charged before each towing operation.Aircraft with faulty brakes should be towed into position,only for repair of brake system and then only with personal standing -by,ready with chocks for emergency use.chocks must be immediately available in case of an emergency throughout any towing operating.

(ix) To avoid possible personal injury and aircraft damage during towing operations,entrance doors should be closed,ladders retracted,and gear down locks installed.

(x) prior to towing any aircraft,check all tires and landing gear struts for proper inflation.

(xi) when moving aircraft,do not start and stop suddenly.For added safety,aircraft brakes must never be applied during towing,except in emergencies,and then only upon command by one of the tow team members.