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AIRCRAFT TOWING PROCEDURES AND PRECAUTIONS

TOWING :



Towing is necessary to enable the aircraft to be 
moved without engine power The procedure 
required will vary greatly dependent on the type 
of aircraft to be moved.

In the case of light aircraft  with a tail wheel a flexible
 towing bridle can be used and a steering arm 
attached to the tail wheel. The towing vehicle is
 used to pull the bride which has been attached to
strong points of the aircraft, these are usually located
 at the main undercarriage legs.

As the vehicle pulls the aircraft forward, the tail wheel
 steering arm is held to direct the aircraft,as the 
vehicle turns in the direction required, the bridle can
 ride round in the pulley. The turning circle is limited 
by the stop plates on the bridle. This method ensures
 that an even pull is maintained on both sides of the
 bridle.

The same method can be employed on light aircraft 
with a nose wheel by towing the aircraft backwards.

Light Aircraft can also be towed using a towing frame
 this is similar method to the bridle except the towing 
frame is rigid and so can be used to steer the aircraft
 as well as tow it.

On larger aircraft tractors or tug are used to tow the aircraft using a tow bar attached to the nose undercarriage, the tow bars used are parts of the aircraft's ground equipment, they incorporate a shock absorber system normally a large spring to avoid snatching movements being transmitted to the aircraft structure. The tow bar also incorporates a shear pin to prevent excessive loads occurring between the tractor and nose undercarriage.

 

 

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS :


The following precautions must be observed when
 towing operations are in progress, reference must be made to the aircraft manual for specific instructions.


(a) Aircraft must not exceed walking pace while 
being towed (in closed area). 

(b) Oleo-leg and tyres must be correctly inflated 
prior to moving the aircraft, and sufficient brake
 pressure available for an emergency stop.

(c) Undercarriage ground locks must be fitted 
prior to towing 

(d) At night Aircraft navigation lights must be “ON” 

(e) By-pass pin or towing pin must be fitted before 
connecting the tow bar. 

(f) A person in charge with all other team members 
in his sight.

(g) Personnel must be stationed on the wing tip and 
tail to ensure clearance round obstacles.

(h) There must be a competent person occupying the 
pilot set to operate the aircraft brakes in case of 
emergency.

 

 

SOME POINTS TO NOTE :

(a) When manhandling light aircraft by pushing, 
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.

(b) To avoid unnecessary stress to tyres and 
undercarriage the maximum turning angle should 
never be exceeded the manufacture’s maximum 
turning angle is normally painted on the side of the 
aircraft nose. Try to terminate towing by leaving the
aircraft in a straight line, this will prevent side loads 
remaining on the tyres when the aircraft comes to 
stop.

(c) Do not operate the aircraft brakes while the 
aircraft is being towed, allow the tractor or tug to 
keep the aircraft under control.

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5 comments:

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

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Unknown said...

There are towing services for cars, trucks, aircraft and so on.

steward said...

It's really a beneficial article about airplane tow bar.
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Gennie said...

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