Towing Procedure 4a4q6n

OBJECTIVE At the end of this lesson the student will be able to appreciate the safety procedures in ground handling of aircraft.

AIRCRAFT TOWING AND ASSOCIATED SAFETY PRECAUTION

Movement of large aircraft on an airport and about the flight line and hangar is usually accomplished by towing with a tow tractor. In the case of small aircraft , most moving is accomplished by hand, by pushing on certain areas of the aircraft surface. Specific instructions for each model of aircraft are detailed in the manufacturer’s maintenance instruction and should be followed in all instances.

The preparation before the aircraft to be towed are as follows:  

Reception Aircraft Positioning Access Path



Readiness off all ground servicing equipment including lighting and power source Selecting qualified persons for specific tasks Briefing

 

AIRCRAFT TOWING Selecting towing bar or bridle method depends on vicinity conditions with safe towing speed if towed with tractor or walking speed if towed by pushing methods. A close watch on wing tips and for radii of turns limitations and aircraft constructed from wood or fabric.

1. Determinedcentre of gravity use, ballast is required 2. References made in accordance with maintenance manual for ground lock, steering, connection pins, switches and “radii of turns” limitations

3. Serviceability of aircraft brakes to be checked. 4. Availability of telephonic communication.

5. Deployment of personnel for wing tips and tail obstruction look up.

In an emergency circumstance relevant maintenance is to be consulted for both light and large aircraft.

SAFETY IN THE HANGAR 

The Hangar Floor 

Hangar floors should be kept clear of rags, small boxes and other debris that could be sucked into the engine or propeller, or thrown into the hangar by prop wash during an engine start.



Working Around Aircraft 

When moving planes in and out of hangars, confirm that the doors are open wide enough to allow comfortable clearance for tail fin caps and navigation lights on the wing tips.



Medical and Fire Equipment 

A first aid kit and fire extinguisher should be kept within easy reach in the hangar.



Coverall and Safety Boot  Use coverall and safety boot when inside the hangar.

PROCEDURE Before towing 1. 2. 3. 4.

One man in the cockpit to operate the brakes All aircraft doors must be locked. Undercarriage pins must be installed. Check for tyre pressure

5. Connect the correct tow bar with the shear pin installed 6. One man overall in charge of the towing operation and be able to communicate with the main in the cockpit. 7. Start APU to ensure sufficient hydraulic pressure for the brakes (if required) 8. Obtain clearance from the tower 9. Set anti collision light “ON”

During Towing:1. One man at each wing tips 2. Tow slowing and never exceed 5mph (8 km/h) 3. The man in the cockpit must be alert at all time and ready to apply the aircraft brakes when commanded.

After Towing:1. Ensure that the wheel have revolved at least one revolution in a straight line to relieve tyre and landing gear stresses. 2. Park the aircraft at the correct position. 3. Insert chocks, reset nose wheel steering. 4. Switch OFF APU and anti collosion light.

HAND TOWING Moving the airplane by hand is accomplished by using the wing struts and landing gear struts as push points. A tow bar attached to the nose gear should be used for steering and maneuvering the airplane. When no tow bar is available, press down the horizontal stabilizer front spar, adjacent to the fuselage, to raise the nose wheel off the ground. With the nose wheel clear off the ground, the airplane can be turned by pivoting it about the main wheels.

PRECAUTIONS FOR TOWING 

A person in charge with all other in sight.



A person must standby in the cockpit to operate the brake in case of emergency. Do not operates the aircraft brake when aircraft is towed.





Do not push on flying control surfaces or other delicate parts such as fabric skin. The leading edges of the wing are normally strongest, so push the aircraft backwards.



Undercarriage ground locks must be fitted prior to towing.



Be sure that the limits of nose wheel movement are observed since the towing stops can be damaged if these limits are exceeded.



When towing the aircraft, never turn the nose wheel more than 30˚ either side of centre or the nose gear will be damaged.



Do not push on control surfaces or outboard empennage surfaces.



When pushing on the tail cone, always apply pressure at a bulkhead to avoid buckling the skin.

CAUTIONS When towing the airplane, never turn the nose wheel more than 30º either side of the centre or the nose gear will be damaged. Do not push on control surface or outboard empennage surfaces. When pushing on the tail cone, always apply pressure at a bulkhead to avoid buckling the skin.