Draxon VR Training SyllabusFinishing the Pushback
Virtual RealityDescription
This lesson trains the complete post-pushback procedure: waiting for the Headset Operator to disconnect the towbar from the tractor, repositioning the tractor, and driving the equipment clear of the taxiway. Trainees practice precise tractor repositioning while the disconnected towbar lies on the ground, and waiting for the Headset Operator's thumbs-up at every stage before moving. The focus is on signal compliance and situational awareness to prevent collisions with personnel or equipment during the disconnection sequence.
Lesson Overview
- 1Wait for the Headset Operator to decouple the towbar from the tractor and signal all-clear
- 2Reposition the tractor by reversing and turning to a holding position in front of the aircraft
- 3Wait while the Headset Operator detaches the towbar from the nose gear and attaches it to the tractor rear tow hitch
- 4Drive the equipment clear of the taxiway and observe the final clearance sequence
Skills Acquired
- Execute post-pushback tractor repositioning while maintaining awareness of ground equipment and personnel
- Follow the Headset Operator's signals at every stage to prevent premature movement during disconnection
- Reposition the tractor with precision while the towbar lies on the ground as a collision hazard
- Recognize the complete pushback clearance sequence including bypass pin removal and final all-clear
Lesson Procedure
- The trainee starts seated in the tractor after a completed pushback. The aircraft is on the taxiway centerline with both parking brakes set.
- The Headset Operator lowers the towbar wheels using the hand pump, opens the tractor front coupling, and signals thumbs-up to indicate the tractor is decoupled.
- The trainee releases the parking brake, sets the gear to reverse, and drives backward with a turn to an intermediary position, then shifts to forward and drives to the holding position.
- The trainee secures the tractor and waits while the Headset Operator unlocks the towbar from the nose gear, moves it away from the aircraft, and attaches it to the tractor rear tow hitch.
- The Headset Operator signals thumbs-up. The trainee releases the parking brake, sets the gear to drive, and drives the tractor and towbar clear of the taxiway to a designated waiting position.
- From the waiting position, the trainee observes the Headset Operator removing the steering bypass pin, disconnecting the headset transmitter, and giving the final all-clear signal to the cockpit.
Safety Scenarios & Learnings
Starting to drive before the Headset Operator's all-clear signal
Rewind; premature movement risks collision with personnel or equipment during disconnection
Rewind; premature movement risks collision with personnel or equipment during disconnection
Collision with the towbar during repositioning
Rewind; awareness of ground equipment required when reversing
Rewind; awareness of ground equipment required when reversing
Driving off the designated path
Rewind; controlled repositioning prevents unsafe positioning on the taxiway
Rewind; controlled repositioning prevents unsafe positioning on the taxiway