BetaDraxon VR Training SyllabusPart 2: Executing the Pushback
Virtual RealityDescription
This lesson trains the headset communication and coordination procedures during aircraft pushback operations. Trainees practice coordinating with the pushback driver using standard hand signals, clearing the cockpit for engine start, and maintaining safe distances from aircraft engines and equipment throughout the maneuver. The training emphasizes continuous hazard monitoring, precise phraseology, and strict adherence to safety zones.
Lesson Overview
- 1Inform the cockpit that pushback may commence and walk alongside the aircraft while monitoring for hazards
- 2Verify area clearance and clear the cockpit for engine start under safe conditions
- 3Continue walking alongside the aircraft and tractor while maintaining safe distance from engines
- 4Complete pushback at the final position and coordinate parking brake set with cockpit and driver
- 5Repeat the sequence in advanced mode, selecting correct phraseology from multiple options
Skills Acquired
- Coordinate pushback operations between cockpit and pushback driver using standard hand signals and phraseology
- Maintain safe distances from aircraft engines and equipment while walking alongside during pushback operations
- Clear the cockpit for engine start only after verifying area conditions are safe
- Monitor surroundings continuously during pushback to identify and respond to potential hazards
Lesson procedure
- The lesson starts at the gate with pushback approval received from air traffic control; parking brake release is confirmed with the cockpit using standard phraseology.
- Facing the pushback driver, the brakes off signal is given, followed by an "All clear" signal to authorize pushback commencement.
- Walking alongside the aircraft and tractor, the trainee follows a designated path while maintaining safe distances from the engine danger zones and equipment.
- The area around both engines is checked for clearance; once safe sorroundings are verified, the cockpit receives engine start clearance from the trainee.
- The trainee continues walking alongside the aircraft and tractor, with constant attention to maintaining safe distance from the engine danger zones, the pushback tractor and aircraft.
- During the pushback, a simulation demonstrates the fatal consequences of entering the engine danger zone during pushback operations.
- At the final position on the taxiway centerline, the pushback driver signals set brake with a closed fist.
- The cockpit is informed about pushback completion using standard phraselology and the driver receives confirmation via hand signals.
- The sequence is repeated in advanced mode where correct phraseology and procedures must be selected from multiple options.
Safety Scenarios & Learnings
Moving hand away during brakes off hand signal
Error and retry; reinforces that hand signals must be held clearly visible until acknowledged by the colleague.
Error and retry; reinforces that hand signals must be held clearly visible until acknowledged by the colleague.
Incorrectly assessing area clearance for engine start
Correction; reinforces that engines may only be started when the area around both engines is verified clear of people, equipment, and obstacles.
Correction; reinforces that engines may only be started when the area around both engines is verified clear of people, equipment, and obstacles.
Entering the engine danger zone during pushback
Danger warning and simulation of fatal accident; demonstrates that entering the red zone around running engines can result in suction into turbine blades with fatal consequences.
Danger warning and simulation of fatal accident; demonstrates that entering the red zone around running engines can result in suction into turbine blades with fatal consequences.
Using non-standard phraseology for communication
Correction; highlighting that standard aviation phraseology is required for communication.
Correction; highlighting that standard aviation phraseology is required for communication.
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