BetaDraxon VR Training SyllabusCoupling Towbar to Aircraft
Virtual RealityDescription
This lesson trains coupling a pushback towbar to an aircraft nose gear using a training dummy in a parking-lot environment. Trainees practice installing the steering bypass pin to protect the steering system, then positioning, aligning, coupling, and securing the towbar using correct handling technique. The exercise focuses on controlled movement, correct sequencing, and final attachment verification to prevent equipment damage and unsafe conditions.
Lesson Overview
- 1Insert the steering bypass pin into the nose gear dummy without releasing the lever prematurely
- 2Observe a colleague demonstration of towbar positioning, coupling, and securing (animation)
- 3Prepare and move the towbar in a straight line into correct position in front of the dummy mount
- 4Couple and secure the towbar at the mount, including reinserting the safety pin and performing a shake check
Skills Acquired
- Install the steering bypass pin correctly to protect the steering system before towbar attachment
- Handle and position a towbar with stable control and correct alignment to the nose gear mount
- Couple the towbar under the mount using controlled lift/lower technique without collisions
- Secure the latch mechanism with the safety pin and confirm attachment using a mandatory shake check
Lesson procedure
- The lesson starts with the trainee in front of the aircraft nose gear dummy, with the towbar positioned between the trainee and the dummy.
- A colleague approaches, hands over the steering bypass pin, and the trainee walks to the nose gear dummy.
- The trainee must pull the bypass socket lever with the right hand and insert the steering bypass pin straight until it locks in place.
- The trainee watches a short animation of a colleague that demonstrates the full coupling workflow: preparing the towbar, positioning it, coupling it to the towbar mount, and securing it correctly.
- The trainee begins at the towbar front by removing the safety pin, pulling the lever to open the locking mechanism, and reinserting the safety pin.
- Moving to the rear handle, the trainee lifts the towbar slightly onto its wheels and pushes it forward slowly in a straight line, stopping with the towbar positioned directly in front of the nose gear mount.
- For coupling, the trainee uses controlled handle movement to adjust the towbar head height, guides the towbar head under the mount in one smooth forward motion, and hooks in from below.
- The lesson concludes with securing the towbar at the nose gear: the trainee removes the safety pin, pushes the locking lever down and reinserts the safety pin. He confirms with a shake-check on the locking lever that the towbar is firmly attached.
Safety Scenarios & Learnings
Dropping the steering bypass pin
Error and rewind; reinforces secure handling of the pin to avoid unsafe conditions and delays.
Error and rewind; reinforces secure handling of the pin to avoid unsafe conditions and delays.
Releasing the bypass socket lever before the bypass pin is fully inserted
Error; prompts correction to push the pin fully into the socket before continuing.
Error; prompts correction to push the pin fully into the socket before continuing.
Dropping the towbar head safety pin
Error and rewind; reinforces keeping control of the pin during handling and re-securing steps.
Error and rewind; reinforces keeping control of the pin during handling and re-securing steps.
Bumping into the tow fitting
Error and rewind; reinforces controlled approach and collision avoidance during positioning/coupling.
Error and rewind; reinforces controlled approach and collision avoidance during positioning/coupling.
Dropping the towbar
Error and rewind; reinforces controlled lifting/handling and highlights serious injury risk.
Error and rewind; reinforces controlled lifting/handling and highlights serious injury risk.
Gallery
