Why Is It Necessary for Aircraft to be Towed and Pushed?
If you have ever been on an airplane, you might remember the feeling of getting pushed back from the gate before the pilots start the engines. While some airports always push the planes back, others simply let the aircraft turn away from the gate. Moreover, airplanes are also towed around airports prior to engine start up as well. This is all achieved without the help of the engines, but why is this case?
Airplanes are towed or pushed by tractors and tugs instead of being moved around with the jet blast from their engines or the prop wash from their propellers because these can create a hazard for nearby buildings, ground crew, and other aircraft and ground handling equipment. It is worth noting that aircraft do not necessitate pilots if they are being towed from hangers to aprons. Moreover, depending on the airport, these aircraft movements must be carried out with additional assistance to ensure safety.
Why Do Airplanes Get Towed?
Aircraft get towed when the thrust of their engines pose a threat to the immediate area surrounding them. They are also towed for maintenance purposes; thus, pilots are not required to move the airplane while aircraft mechanics are trained in the use of the aircraft brakes during towing. When an aircraft is not being serviced or used for flight, it can be moved to the gate with a tow vehicle. Doing this gives airlines, ground control, and maintenance teams some time as pilots are not needed to start the engines.
During towing operations, only trained and authorized maintenance personnel are allowed on board to release and control the brakes to aid the tow vehicle operator. Keep in mind that some airplanes will need their Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) started by the maintenance personnel, enabling the electrical and hydraulic systems to operate the braking systems and aircraft light when towing at night. Some tow vehicles can be hooked up directly to the aircraft, negating the need to start the APU.
Why Do Airplanes Get Pushed From the Gate?
Airplanes are usually pushed back from the gate to avoid the need for reverse thrust from the engines. Reverse thrust requires high engine power to create a high-speed jet blast. This blast can distribute debris that can damage airport terminals, jetways, and ground vehicles. It is important to note that pilots also cannot see behind them, making reversing very dangerous.
Large planes in particular, need a lot of force to get moving from a dead stop; therefore, there are two main ways to get a plane moving. The aircraft can either use the engines to provide reverse thrust or use a tow vehicle to push the airplane back. To create reverse thrust with the engines, deflector scoops are used on each engine, allowing them to channel the thrust airflow sideways and partially forwards. This is done to slow the aircraft down during landing while allowing it to reverse. Nonetheless, the safest method is to use a tow vehicle as it does not require the engines.
What Vehicles Tow Airplanes?
Based on the size of the aircraft, different towing vehicles are used. Commonly called tractors or tugs, these tow vehicles are the workhorses of major airports around the globe.
Farm Tractors are used for smaller aircraft at private residencies, small airports, or at aviation companies. They are low-speed, high-torque machines that are ideal for maneuvering small aircraft out hangers and onto aprons.
Tugs & Towbars serve as the most common towing vehicles. Generally, towbars are connected to the axle of the aircraft’s front landing gear and to the front or rear of the tug. Once it has been connected, the driver of the tug can maneuver the airplane from the gate and out onto the taxiway.
Towbarless Tugs are popular in large airports and are designed to move any aircraft without the need for additional machinery. To use them, a driver reverses up to the nose landing gear, the front tires of the plane are then placed against a stop, and a bar or locking arm secures them in place. This allows the towbarless tug to move with ease around the plane once the pilots have released the brakes.
Conclusion
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