Towing aircraft at the airport: equipment, rules and technique

Aircraft towing is a critically important operation at an airport, on which flight safety, airfield efficiency, and the safety of multimillion-dollar equipment depend. It is impossible to imagine modern aviation without properly organized towing: every day thousands of aircraft move between parking lots, hangars and runways without starting their own engines. This procedure requires not only special equipment, but also strict adherence to international standards, such as recommendations ICAO and IATA.

Unlike towing cars, where a cable and a simple tow truck are enough, moving aircraft weighing from 20 to 500 tons is a complex engineering process. Factors taken into account here include: wingspan, alignment, weather conditions and even type of apron covering. An error during towing can lead to damage to the landing gear, fuselage or, in the worst case, to an emergency situation on the apron. In this article we will look at how aircraft towing works, what equipment is used and what rules ensure its safety.

Types of aircraft towing: when and why it is needed

Towing an aircraft is not just moving from point A to point B. Depending on the purpose and conditions, there are several types of this operation, each of which has its own characteristics.

The most common type is scheduled towing. It is carried out in the following cases:

• 🛫 Moving to the parking lot after landing — when the plane clears the runway for the next flight.
• 🔧 Transport to hangar for maintenance (for example, to replace the chassis or engine).
• ✈️ Preparing for departure - when the aircraft is being towed to a refueling or preliminary inspection site.
• 🌧️ Shelter from adverse weather conditions (hail, hurricane wind).

In addition to the planned one, there is emergency towingwhich is carried out in emergency situations:

• ⚠️ The plane cannot move on its own due to chassis failure or engine damage.
• 🚨 The airliner blocks the runway or taxiway, interfering with other flights.
• 🔥 The need for urgent evacuation due to a fire or fuel leak.

It is worth highlighting long distance towing - for example, ferrying an aircraft between airports or transporting a new aircraft from the manufacturer (as is the case with Airbus A380, which is delivered by water and land). In such cases, specialized transport platforms and even barges are used.

Towing equipment: from tractors to towbars

To tow aircraft, a whole range of specialized equipment is used, which is developed taking into account the weight, dimensions and design features of the aircraft. Main types of equipment:

1. Tractors (towing vehicles)

This is the heart of the towing operation. Modern tractors are divided into several types:

• 🚜 Conventional tractors - drive up under the nose landing gear and lift it (used for aircraft weighing up to 200 tons, for example, Boeing 737 or Airbus A320).
• 🔄 Towbarless tractors — they do not lift the plane, but engage with the front landing gear through a special grip (suitable for heavy airliners like Boeing 777 or Airbus A350).
• 🏗️ Specialized tractors for large aircraft - for example, Goldhofer AST-1X, capable of towing Airbus A380 (maximum weight up to 560 tons).

2. Towbars

These are metal or composite structures that connect the tractor to the front landing gear. The rods are:

• 🔗 Universal - adjustable in length and angle (for example, for Boeing 737/767).
• 🎯 Specialized — designed for a specific model (for example, for Antonov An-124).
• 🔄 Flexible (with hinges) - for maneuvering in cramped conditions.

3. Additional equipment

In addition to tractors and rods, the following are used:

• 🔦 Lamps and signal lights - for work in the dark.
• 📡 Walkie Talkies and Communication Systems — for coordination between the tugboat, dispatcher and crew.
• 🛑 Stoppers and pads — fix the wheels of the aircraft in the parking lot.
• 📏 Laser rangefinders - for precise positioning of the liner.

Interesting fact: some modern tractors are equipped automatic driving systems, which allow you to tow an aircraft along a pre-programmed route with centimeter accuracy. For example, at the airport Amsterdam Schiphol robotic towing vehicles are used Taxibot, which save up to 85% fuel compared to traditional methods.

Towing Safety: What You Need to Know

Towing an aircraft is a high-risk operation. According to statistics ICAO, about 27% of incidents on the apron are associated with towing errors. To avoid accidents, strict rules are followed:

⚠️ Attention! It is prohibited to tow the aircraft when the wind speed is more than 50 km/h (for light aircraft) or 30 km/h (for heavy liners). Strong winds can push the plane off course or overturn the tractor.

Basic safety measures:

1. Checking connection — all participants in the operation (tugboat, dispatcher, flight attendants) must be in touch by radio.
2. Visual inspection — before towing, check the condition of the chassis, the absence of foreign objects under the wheels and the correct fastening of the rod.
3. Speed limit — maximum towing speed:
   • 🐢 Before 5 km/h - on turns and in cramped conditions.
   • 🚗 Before 20 km/h - on straight sections of the apron (for heavy aircraft - no more than 10 km/h).

Signal signs — flashing lights must be turned on on the tractor, and a signal flag or light beacon on the tail of the aircraft.

Particular attention is paid towing in winter conditions. On an icy apron, the risk of skidding or loss of control increases significantly. In such cases:

• ❄️ Tractors with all-wheel drive and winter tires.
• 🧊 The apron is processed before towing de-icing reagents.
• 🚧 Speed is reduced to 3–5 km/h.

What happens if you tow an airplane with the flaps not retracted?

When towing with flaps or slats extended, there is a risk of damage due to wind loads or accidental impact with obstacles. In addition, unretracted flaps increase the aircraft's windage, which can lead to loss of control of the tractor at high speed. In emergency situations (for example, hydraulic failure), towing with flaps extended is permitted, but only at minimum speed and with additional precautions.

Towing schemes: how to maneuver on the apron

Moving an aircraft around an airport requires clear route planning. There are several standard towing schemes, the choice of which depends on the location of stands, taxiways and the type of aircraft.

1. Straight towing

The simplest option is that the plane moves in a straight line from point A to point B. It is used when:

• 📍 The parking lot is located next to the taxiway.
• 🚦 There is no need for turns (for example, when transporting to a hangar).

2. Towing with a turn

If the aircraft needs to be turned 90° or 180°, special turntables or technology "pushback" (reverse push). For example:

• 🔄 Rotate 90° - to move the aircraft from a narrow parking area onto the taxiway.
• 🔙 180° turn ("pushback") — when the plane is pushed away from the gate with its tail forward (a tractor with a push rod is used).

3. Difficult maneuvering

At major airports (eg. Dubai or Heathrow) sometimes you have to tow a plane along a winding route, avoiding other airliners or infrastructure. In such cases:

• 🗺️ Used GPS navigation system for tractor.
• 👷 Attracted signalmen (people with light sticks coordinating the movement).
• 📹 Installed video cameras on the tractor to monitor blind spots.

Frankfurt Airport uses a unique system to tow the Airbus A380 "Docking Guidance System", which positions the airliner at the jet bridge with an accuracy of 10 cm, eliminating the risk of collision with infrastructure.

Aircraft type	Max. towing speed	Tractor type	Minimum turning radius
Boeing 737	15 km/h	Conventional	12 m
Airbus A320	12 km/h	Conventional or towbarless	10 m
Boeing 777	10 km/h	Towbarless	18 m
Airbus A380	5 km/h	Specialized (eg. Goldhofer)	25 m

ICAO and IATA requirements: international standards

Aircraft towing is regulated by international organizations such as ICAO and IATA. Their documents define:

• 📜 Doc 9137 (ICAO) — standards for aerodrome services, including towing.
• 📄 IATA AHM (Airport Handling Manual) — rules for handling aircraft on the apron.
• 🛂 Local airport regulations - for example, in Sheremetyevo or Domodedovo There may be additional requirements.

Key Requirements:

1. Personnel certification — tugboats must undergo training and certification (for example, a course "Aircraft Marshalling").
2. Equipment marking — all tractors and booms must have clear identification marks.
3. Towing Log — the date, time, aircraft model, name of the tugboat and features of the operation are recorded.
4. Compatibility check — the tractor must correspond to the weight and dimensions of the aircraft (for example, for Boeing 747 You cannot use a tractor designed for Embraer E-Jet).

⚠️ Attention! According to ICAO Annex 14, towing an aircraft without the presence of at least one crew member (pilot or flight engineer) on board is prohibited unless this is provided by special permission from the airport.

In Russia, additional requirements are established Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), as well as internal instructions of airfield services. For example, in Pulkovo must be carried out before towing briefing with the participation of the dispatcher, tugboat and airline representative.

Check the compatibility of the tractor and the aircraft|Make sure there is no ice on the apron|Wear safety vests|Check radio communications|File documentation-->

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced towing operators sometimes make mistakes that can lead to serious consequences. Let's look at the most common of them and ways to prevent them.

1. Incorrect attachment of the rod

If the bar is not properly secured, it may come off during movement, resulting in:

• 💥 Damage to the front landing gear.
• 🚗 Tractor overturning.
• ⚠️ Emergency stop of the plane on the taxiway.

How to avoid: always use safety rope and check the fixation of the rod visually and by tension.

2. Speeding

Too high a towing speed can cause:

• 🌀 Airplane skidding (especially on wet or icy surfaces).
• 🔧 Failure of the chassis hydraulic system.
• 🚨 Collisions with other objects on the platform.

How to avoid: observe speed limits and use tractors with speed limiter.

3. Ignoring weather conditions

Towing in strong winds, rain or snow requires additional precautions. Common mistakes:

• ❄️ Lack of treatment of the platform with de-icing reagents.
• 💨 Failure to take into account side winds (can move the plane off course).
• 🌧️ Poor visibility (no signalers or light beacons).

How to avoid: at wind speeds more than 40 km/h towing should be postponed or carried out with a reinforced team of signalmen.

4. Communication failure

Lack of clear coordination between the tugboat, dispatcher and crew can lead to:

• 📵 Wrong route (for example, entering a busy taxiway).
• 🔕 Untimely stop (if the dispatcher gave a command, but the towing vehicle did not hear it).

How to avoid: use walkie-talkies with noise reduction and duplicate commands with gestures (system hand signals).

The Future of Towing: Automation and Innovation

Modern airports are actively introducing new technologies to make aircraft towing faster, safer and more environmentally friendly. Here are some key trends:

1. Robot towing

Companies like Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and TLD Group are developing autonomous tractors, which:

• 🤖 Controlled without human intervention (via GPS or laser sensors).
• 🌱 Reduce CO₂ emissions by 90% compared to diesel tractors.
• ⚡ Use electric motors (for example, Mototok Spacer).

2. Remote control systems

Some airports are testing towing from the control panelwhen the operator controls the tractor from a distance. This allows you to:

• 🎮 Improve visibility (cameras provide panoramic view).
• 🛡️ Reduce the risk for personnel (no need to be near the aircraft).

3. Hybrid and electric tractors

Traditional diesel tractors are being replaced by electric (for example, Charlatte Manutention) or hybrid (like TLD TBL 320). Their advantages:

• 🔋 Charging from solar panels on the platform.
• 💰 Save on fuel up to 70%.
• 🌿 Compliance with standards "Green Airport".

4. Artificial intelligence for routing

Systems based AI (for example, SITA OptiClimb) analyze:

• 📊 Congestion of the platform.
• ⏱️ Optimal towing time.
• 🚦 Traffic flows of other aircraft.

This allows you to reduce towing time by 20–30% and avoid traffic jams on taxiways.

At the airport Changi (Singapore) already testing the system "Autonomous Tractors", where towing robots work in conjunction with drones monitoring the apron from the air. By 2030, up to 40% of towing operations worldwide are expected to be fully automated.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about towing aircraft

🔹 Is it possible to tow an airplane without a pilot on board?

According to standards ICAO, towing without a crew is permitted only in exceptional cases and with special permission from the airport. Typically there must be at least one crew member (pilot or flight engineer) on board who can manually brake the aircraft in the event of an emergency. At some airports (for example, Heathrow) are used for this emergency braking systems, which are activated remotely.

🔹 How are aircraft weighing more than 300 tons (for example, Airbus A380) towed?

For super-heavy airliners, specialized tractors with hydraulic suspension (for example, Goldhofer AST-1X or KAMAG). They are equipped with:

• 🔧 By the system automatic load distribution.
• 📏 Laser sensors for precise positioning.
• 🛑 Emergency brakes on all wheels.

Towing is carried out at a speed no more than 5 km/h, and the route is agreed in advance with the dispatch service.

🔹 What to do if the brakes fail during towing?

In such cases it applies emergency protocol:

1. Immediately radio the dispatcher and crew.
2. Activate hand brake on the tractor (if there is one).
3. Use emergency stops (special wedges for aircraft wheels).
4. If necessary, unhook the boom to avoid damage to the aircraft.

At many airports there are installed on the apron emergency barriers, which can stop the plane in case of uncontrolled movement.

🔹 How much does it cost to tow an airplane?

The cost depends on:

• 📏 Airplane type (for example, towing Boeing 737 costs $100–$200, and Airbus A380 - up to $1000).
• 🕒 Time of day (night towing is 30–50% more expensive).
• 🌍 Airport (in Dubai or Zurich prices are higher than at regional airports).

On average, towing takes 10–30 minutes, and its cost is included in airfield charges, which are paid by the airline.

🔹 Is it possible to tow an airplane with passengers on board?

Yes, but only in exceptional cases and subject to strict rules:

• 🚪 All doors must be closed and locked.
• 💺 Passengers must wear seat belts and be informed about the upcoming towing.
• 📢 The crew is obliged to announce over the loudspeaker: "Attention, towing begins, please remain in your seats".

Passengers are usually asked to leave the aircraft before towing, especially if it involves maintenance.