Safety Principles to Follow While Operating Aircraft Tugs
Aircraft tugs are specialized towing vehicles that are designed to move aircraft. As aircraft weigh hundreds of thousands of tons, aircraft towing vehicles are required to be incredibly durable machines. Due to the enhanced risks of using aircraft tugs, we will be covering the safety hazards associated with such equipment, alongside the best safety practices to follow to avoid injury or harm to any aircraft or personnel.
As airports are very busy places, the likelihood of getting hurt while operating aircraft tugs increases if not used properly. Aircraft towing and push-back assistance should only be carried out by trained professionals. Prior to aircraft tugs being developed, the most popular piece of machinery for towing operations was a traditional farm tractor. With increased availability around the world, low gear ratios, a heavy steel frame, durable connections, and optimal rigging abilities, a farm tractor was a feasible option.
A great aircraft tug will have the aforementioned characteristics with specific emphasis on its heavy construction. An aircraft tug should weigh 10%-15% of the total weight of the aircraft. Moreover, unlike other heavy industrial equipment, aircraft tugs should be low to the ground, providing a low center of gravity with a wide stance and long wheelbase. While farm tractors fit these parameters, they are not equipped to handle the daily demand of aircraft towing.
Aircraft towing procedures are straightforward, consisting of connecting the tug to the aircraft, releasing the brakes, towing the vehicle to its intended location, and carrying out the same process in reverse. While simple in retrospect, it is important to understand the dangers associated with towing procedures. Traditional aircraft tugs utilize a tow bar to mount the tug onto the aircraft, usually on the nose landing gear assembly. This mounting point provides an easy opportunity to injure one's fingers, potentially leading to permanent bodily damage .
Towbar mounting and dismounting first requires attaching a towbar to the aircraft, moving the tug into position, and securing the tug and towbar with a drop pin or pintle hitch. If performed incorrectly, this process also creates the opportunity to damage one’s hands.
Diesel aircraft tugs are one type of towing vehicle that is designed with three steering modes, allowing for optimal efficiency and maneuverability while towing aircraft. These steering modes include standard front-steer, coordinated four-wheel steering, and crab steering which allows a tow tug to move laterally. These four-wheel drive vehicles provide positive traction on all surface conditions, enabling them to operate in varying environments.
Operating an aircraft tug is no easy task, so understanding how they work is paramount. For years, traditional tugs which implemented tractor tugs and tow bars have been reliable tools, but they do have a few disadvantages. The first disadvantage is the danger presented by connections and pivot points, and the second is the learning curve associated with such equipment.
Most aircraft tugs on the market today feature a carriage and heavy hydraulic rams to support the nose landing gear tires, helping them to retract. As the nose gear is lifted up, the tug can maneuver more easily than a standard tug and a towbar. Without a towbar, towing operations can be achieved with additional ease.
There are a few electric towbarless tugs available, all of which necessitate a vehicle operator to be seated on the unit. The problem with this option relies on the fact that this approach requires a supervisor and a separate driver to be in constant communication during the entire towing procedure.
If you find yourself in need of towbars, hydraulic rams, landing gear equipment, or other related components to perform towing procedures, rely on AOG Purchasing. AOG Purchasing is a one-stop-shop for aviation parts, electrical connectors, IT hardware, and more. With an inventory of over 2 billion items, all of which have been vetted for quality assurance, you never have to worry about the reliability and authenticity of our parts and components. Kickoff the procurement process with a competitive quote, and see how AOG Purchasing can serve as your strategic sourcing partner.Share
