BetaDraxon VR Training SyllabusCoupling Carts to a Tractor
Virtual RealityDescription
This lesson trains the coupling of a baggage cart train to a tractor on the live apron. Trainees practice positioning precisely and connecting the tractor using the tow hitch and inching system. The exercise focuses on precision control, awareness, and safety checks to prevent damage or injury.
Lesson Overview
- 1Start-up and positioning the tractor in front of the cart train
- 2Activate the inching system and complete precise alignment for coupling
- 3Hitch the first baggage cart to the tractor, incl. inserting and securing the tow pin
- 4Review safe coupling behavior and crush-zone awareness
Skills Acquired
- Drive the tractor to the correct position and connect the tractor and connect baggage carts with accuracy
- Use the inching system effectively for precise adjustments near the hitch
- Secure the tow pin and apply mandatory safety checks
- Maintain constant awareness of personnel, equipment, and no-go zones
Lesson Procedure
- The trainee begins behind the tractor with a clear view of the apron, the nearby aircraft, and the baggage cart train awaiting coupling.
- Guided steps lead the trainee to enter the cabin, verify the control layout, and start the engine following the correct two-step ignition process.
- The tractor is driven forward and stopped precisely in front of the first cart, keeping safe clearance from the train and surrounding GSE.
- The trainee sets the gear to neutral, applies the parking brake, and enables the inching system to prepare for safe external operation.
- Exiting the cabin, the trainee walks to the tractor’s rear and adjusts the front cart’s drawbar into a preliminary position for hitching.
- Using the inching system, the tractor is slowly reversed in short, deliberate movements until the tow hitch and drawbar are properly aligned.
- The trainee removes the tow pin, inserts the drawbar into the correct middle hitch level, and reinstalls the pin before completing the shake check to ensure security.
- With the coupling verified, the trainee stands upright to observe the connected cart train and completes the lesson with confirmation feedback.
Safety Scenarios & Learnings
Failure to apply parking brake or set gear to neutral
Causes unintended movement; demonstrates the need for stable vehicle setup before exiting.
Causes unintended movement; demonstrates the need for stable vehicle setup before exiting.
Incorrect drawbar positioning
Triggers reposition guidance, reinforcing accurate height and level alignment before coupling.
Triggers reposition guidance, reinforcing accurate height and level alignment before coupling.
Prolonged inching button press
Rewinds with warning; shows how continuous input increases crush risk.
Rewinds with warning; shows how continuous input increases crush risk.
Standing between tractor and carts during inching
Immediate stop and safety alert; teaches awareness of the crush zone.
Immediate stop and safety alert; teaches awareness of the crush zone.
Tow pin not fully inserted or shake check skipped
Triggers warning and rewind, highlighting the importance of mechanical security.
Triggers warning and rewind, highlighting the importance of mechanical security.
Driving too close or contacting the carts
Resets scenario, reinforcing controlled stopping and spatial judgment during approach.
Resets scenario, reinforcing controlled stopping and spatial judgment during approach.
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