BetaDraxon VR Training SyllabusTowing Carts on the Apron
Virtual RealityDescription
This lesson trains the safe towing of baggage carts across an active apron. Trainees plan their route, drive safely, and position the cart train at the belt loader for unloading. It reinforces key apron safety rules, including forward-only movement, brake checks, and avoiding restricted zones.
Lesson Overview
- 1Orientation on apron layout and route planning for safe towing
- 2Engine start-up and departure with attached baggage carts
- 3Forward-only driving with attention to traffic and brake testing before ERA entry
- 4Precise alignment and parking of carts beside the belt loader
- 5Secure shutdown, unhitching, and repositioning around the aircraft
Skills Acquired
- Tow multiple carts safely in active apron conditions
- Plan and maintain a forward, controlled route
- Perform required brake tests before entering restricted areas
- Position carts accurately and safely
- Operate with constant awareness of aircraft, personnel, and GSE
Lesson Procedure
- The trainee is seated inside the tractor with three carts attached, facing the apron and aircraft. The surrounding area represents an active airport apron, featuring ground support equipment (GSE) such as a belt loader and ground power unit (GPU), as well as multiple ground crew members actively engaged in servicing the aircraft.
- First he must select between multiple route options to the belt loader, reinforcing the need to plan ahead for forward-only movement and avoiding driving under the aircraft wings.
- The trainee performs the standard start-up procedure. Turning the engine on, releasing the brake, and set the gear drive. However they must wait for nearby traffic to clear before proceeding. Attempting to move prematurely triggers a rewind and warning.
- The trainee must drive along the selected route toward the aircraft stand. The trainee practices smooth acceleration, turns, and speed control while maintaining awareness of ground traffic and signals.
- Before entering the Equipment Restraint Area, a mandatory brake test must be completed. Missing the test triggers a simulated incident and corrective feedback.
- The tractor and carts are then positioned parallel to the aircraft and belt loader for unloading. Visual guidance supports correct alignment.
- The trainee secures the tractor by applying the parking brake and setting the gear to neutral, exits the cabin, and performs the uncoupling sequence. They must remove the tow pin, move the drawbar, reinsert the pin, and perform a shake check.
- The lesson concludes with a brief summary, once the decoupling process is successfully completed and confirmed.
Safety Scenarios & Learnings
Starting to drive before traffic clears
Causes a rewind and highlights the importance of situational patience and awareness.
Causes a rewind and highlights the importance of situational patience and awareness.
Attempting to reverse with carts attached
Triggers an error and restart, reinforcing the rule of forward-only towing.
Triggers an error and restart, reinforcing the rule of forward-only towing.
Skipping the brake test before ERA entry
Plays a simulated crash, demonstrating the critical role of brake checks.
Plays a simulated crash, demonstrating the critical role of brake checks.
Driving under the wing
Immediate stop and warning, stressing prohibited movement in restricted zones.
Immediate stop and warning, stressing prohibited movement in restricted zones.
Incorrect cart positioning or unhitching sequence
Prompts corrective feedback, showing the importance of precision and order during unloading.
Prompts corrective feedback, showing the importance of precision and order during unloading.
Gallery
