AIRPORT TERMINAL SERVICES, Inc.

PUSH BACK MODULE

*Revised 11/05
 Introduction

This training module is designed to familiarize you with the operational aspects of a Push
Back Tractor. You are responsible for reading and understanding the content contained
within this module. If there is any information that you do not understand, please consult
your trainer, supervisor, or manager for assistance. Upon completion of this module, if
you successfully:

1. Complete module test with a score of 85% or better And

2. Demonstrate to your trainer, supervisor, or manager the safe operation of the Push
Back by performing 6 satisfactory check rides And
NOTE: 1 Recurrent check ride required annually
3. Have your training file signed off by your trainer, supervisor, or manager AND
yourself. And

4. Have Valid Drivers License, airport ID and applicable airport driving

test/designation/authorization

You will then be qualified and permitted to operate a Push Back tractor

PRE-OPERATIONAL CHECKS

Each day the vital fluids inspection should be performed on the push back tractor. Each
station has a copy of a pre operational checklist that covers both mechanical and vital
fluids inspection.

The following areas should be given attention BEFORE operating the push back tractor
by completing a walk around inspection. A supervisor should be notified immediately if
any discrepancies are noted:
• Hitch Pin condition (front/back) worn, bent or missing
• Headset
• Operating lights
• Wheel chock missing
• Corner Bumpers (units with cabs) missing
• “By pass pin” placard
• “ Caution Low Clearance” placard (units with cabs)
• “Caution hand pinch” placard at hitch (front/back)
• Tire condition worn/ flat
• Obvious body damage

PAGE 1
 PB WITH CAB
4 CORNER Bumpers
PLACARD

1 Chock Req.

NOTE: CHECK THE MAX A/C WEIGHT

Page 2 YOUR PUSH TRACTOR CAN HANDLE-
WEIGHTS WILL VARY
 PRE-POSITIONING
Prior to operating unit complete a
walk around inspection.

Ensure Push Back tractor has

wheel chock.

Hitches in good condition

Prior to connecting Push back

tractor to tow bar, verify “By-
pass” pin has been inserted and
tow bar is properly connected.

NOTE: Steering By-pass pin is

ALWAYS the first thing in, last
out when
connecting/disconnecting the
tow bar

The Push Back tractor must be

marshaled to the tow bar to be
connected. After the tow bar has
been connected, the marshaler is
then responsible to chock the
Push Back tractor.

Page 3
 An Aircraft “walk around”
inspection must be made to
ensure all doors and panels have
been closed, that there is no A/C
damage prior to departure, and
inspect the By-pass pin/tow-bar
for safe connection.

“Ground to The Head set needs to be tested to

Loud Flt Deck- ensure it works prior to pushing
and clear Radio Check” back the aircraft.

After completion of a F.O.D.

walk, the Push Crew MUST
perform a “Plane Talk” Huddle
to confirm that a safe Push will
occur. All crewmembers must be
present. If a new crewmember
will be used another “Plane
Talk” huddle MUST be
performed.
NOTE: A Minimum of 2 Wing
walkers are required during
ALL push outs.

Page 4
 PRIOR TO PUSHING ANY AIRCRAFT
CONSIDER:

1. Plan where the aircraft will be pushed to, keeping in

mind Runway(s) in use, apron congestion, de-icing.

2. During the push what you will do if you lose

communication with the aircraft? STOP immediately and
reestablish communication. Never continue with push as
alternate instructions maybe given or an emergency may
arise.

3. During the push what you will do if the “shear pins”

break or the tow bar separates? Quickly inform Flight
deck of problem, depending on tow bar conditions you
may be able to stop the A/C with the push back tractor or
the flight crew may need to apply A/C brakes. This
decision needs to be made rapidly as the communication
cord may become severed in worst case scenarios.

TURN LIMITS IDENTIFIED BY RED

VERTICLE MARK ON OR NEAR NOSE
GEAR DOOR.

4. Never Exceed Turn Limits! If

during the push you come to close STOP! Alert flight
crew and reposition to stay within turn limits.

5. In cold weather cities traction may be a problem at the

start, what options are available to you. EXAMPLE is
gate sanding available, larger push tractor?

Page 5
 PUSHING AIRCRAFT
PRE-CLEARANCE

LIGHTS OFF, Push Back

Operator awaits verbal
clearance to push aircraft
and confirmation that
aircraft brakes are released
from flight deck

Wing Walkers standing-by,

displaying “hold” signal,
while awaiting signal from
Push back operator that
aircraft is ready for push

Page 6
 CLEARANCE GIVEN/BRAKES RELEASED

“Ground copies-clear to
Flt deck to Push, brakes are released”
ground
“Brakes
released”-“Your
clear to Push”

FLASH
HEADLIGHTS

After receiving
clearance from Flight
Deck to push and that
A/C Brakes are
released, The operator
flashes head lights to
signal Wing Walkers.

Once the Wing Walkers witness

the Flashing lights, they ensure
the area behind the A/C is clear

Page 7
 PATH CLEAR

LIGHTS ON

Once the Wing Walkers

have visually checked that
the path is clear, they will
give the “clear to proceed”
Signal, as shown.
• Ease the Push
back tractor
fwd to take up
any slack.
• Slowly increase
power until no
more than a
walking pace is
achieved.
Always push in
first gear.

Page 8
 FINAL POSITION/DISCONNECT

Upon reaching desired push

back point gradually ease
back the throttle, then
steadily apply brakes until
the aircraft has come to a
complete stop.
Request “Brakes Set” from
the flight deck.
Once the Flight deck has
confirmed to you that the
aircraft brakes are set
indicate this to the wing
walkers by showing the
“Brakes Set” signal

Wing walkers are to remain

AT LEAST 10ft away from
the tow bar until the “brakes
set” signal is given.

Next the wing walker will

disconnect the tow bar from
the Push back tractor. Once
disconnected the tractor will
back up slightly to allow
removal of the tow bar from
the aircraft and allow room
to connect to the rear of the
tractor.
NOTE: REFER TO SPECIFIC
AIRLINE PROCEDURES AT
YOUR STATION.
PROCEDURE MAY VARY BY
AIRLINE
Page 9
 Wing walkers will then
disconnect the tow bar from
the aircraft

One wing walker will next

remove the steering “By-
pass” pin from the nose gear
and await signal from the
push back operator to
disconnect the
communication cord from
the aircraft.
NOTE: ENSURE COMMUNICATION
PANEL IS PROPERLY CLOSED
AFTER REMOVING
COMMUNICATION CORD

The Communication cords

are to be placed on the push
back and NEVER thrown.

Page 10
 The tow bar is then attached
to the rear hitch of the push
back tractor

The second wing walker

will then hold the aircraft by
crossing their wands until
all crewmembers and
equipment are clear

Lastly the push back tractor

is returned to gate, the tow
bar removed and staged for
the next flight.

Page 11
 PUSH BACK SAFETY

1. You must always maintain visual contact with your wing walkers,
if at anytime during the push out you lose visual contact you
MUST STOP the push back until re-established.

2. Prior to completing the push out the tow bar should be straight, in
line with the aircraft and push tractor.

3. The Push back tractor must come to a complete stop PRIOR to

shifting gears.

4. During push out never exceed a walking pace and always push in
first gear.

5. The push tractor should be started 10 minutes prior to use to

allow engine to warm up and on some tractors air pressure to
reach sufficient levels for braking.