Aircraft Marshalling and Ground Handling Flashcards

Before a towbar pushback, why must the nose-wheel steering bypass pin be installed?

Answer: To depressurize the nose-wheel steering so the tug can turn the nose gear without fighting the aircraft's hydraulics

The bypass pin disables hydraulic nose-wheel steering so the tug can steer without damaging the steering system.

After pushback is complete and the towbar is disconnected, what should the ground crew do with the steering bypass pin?

Answer: Remove it and show it to the flight crew

Showing the removed pin to the flight crew confirms that nose-wheel steering is restored before taxi.

What is the main purpose of a shear pin on an aircraft towbar?

Answer: To break under excessive force and protect the nose gear from damage

Shear pins are designed to fail before overload can damage the nose landing gear structure.

During a pushback, the tug turns the nose gear past the turn-limit markings on the gear. What is the correct action?

Answer: Stop and report the over-steer so maintenance can inspect the gear before flight

Over-steer can cause hidden damage to the steering components and must be reported for a maintenance inspection.

Before a pushback, what confirmation does the ground crew need from the flight deck before releasing the brakes and moving the aircraft?

Answer: Confirmation that the parking brake is released and the crew is ready for pushback

Pushing against a set parking brake can damage the towbar, the gear, or the tug, so brake release must be confirmed first.

At the end of pushback, what must the ground crew confirm with the flight deck before disconnecting the tug?

Answer: That the parking brake is set

With the parking brake set, the aircraft cannot roll once the tug is disconnected.

Why are wing walkers often required when towing an aircraft into or out of a hangar or a tight gate area?

Answer: To watch wingtip and tail clearance from obstacles that the tug driver cannot see well

Wing walkers watch the extremities of the aircraft and signal the driver to stop if clearance becomes unsafe.