1.13.5 – Production Release

New Module: Pushback (Towbar): Equipment 101

Basics

• Introduces the equipment used in a towbar pushback setup: pushback tractor, towbar, and steering bypass pin
• Familiarizes with key components of the tractor including the automatic front coupling and inching systems
• Shows essential towbar parts, like shear pins and the hydraulic hand pump
• Explains the purpose of the steering bypass pin during a pushback

Coupling Towbar to Aircraft

• Teaches the full sequence for coupling a towbar to an aircraft nose gear using a nose-gear dummy, including inserting the steering bypass pin, coupling the towbar to the dummy, and securing the towbar.
• Covers the critical steering bypass step: pull the bypass socket lever, then insert the pin until it locks. Includes warning and error cases for releasing the lever too early.
• Trains controlled towbar handling: prepare the towbar head, move it forward aligned and without collisions, then hook it under the nose gear mount with a guided, controlled motion.
• Finishes with securing: lock the latch, reinsert the safety pin, and perform a mandatory "shake check" to confirm proper attachment.

Coupling Towbar to Tractor

• Covers the tractor-side connection to a towbar that's already attached to the aircraft nose-gear dummy.
• Focuses on correct setup and alignment: trainees set the towbar height via the hand pump, then approach the towbar eye with the tractor slow and straight aligned, using the tractor's front mirror for distance and angle control.
• Finishes with securing the towbar to the tractor: trainees confirm the tractor's front coupling is properly locked and then lift the towbar wheels off the ground to prepare for pushback.

Detaching Towbar

• Teaches the complete towbar detachment sequence after pushback operations, emphasizing the critical order: detach from tractor first, then from aircraft, then remove steering bypass pin.
• Covers operating the hand pump to lower towbar wheels and create clearance for coupling release.
• Trains opening the tractor's front coupling and coordinating tractor separation using hand signals to the pushback driver.
• Includes proper towbar head unlocking with safety pin procedures and moving the towbar safely away from the nose-gear dummy.

Walkaround

• Introduces a new checklist-based walkaround methodology. Trainees independently locate, inspect, and mark each component as operational or faulty.
• Covers systematic inspection of pushback tractor (exterior and cabin), towbar, and steering bypass pin across 18 critical checkpoints including tires, fluid leaks, shear pins, and coupling mechanisms.
• Features randomizable fault scenarios such as deflated tires, missing shear pins, cracked windows, and broken wheel suspensions that trainees must identify to prevent equipment failures during aircraft operations.

Exam

• A 15-question exam (pass: 12/15) evaluating understanding of all Pushback (Towbar) Equipment 101 procedures.
• Topics include identifying pushback setup components, understanding front coupling and inching system functions, shear pin safety purposes, steering bypass pin operation and timing, proper coupling sequences, walkaround inspection importance, and correct detachment procedures.
• Confirms trainee competence in pushback equipment operation, coupling procedures, and safety protocols before live aircraft operations.

Enhanced Tracking Data and Usability — Trainer Portal

Detailed lesson and exam tracking:

• Trainers can now view a detailed history of all logged-in trainee lesson attempts including date, duration, and status (In Progress, Completed)
• Exam attempts include score and outcome (Pass, Fail, Abandon) for performance tracking.

Improved usability of Observer Feature:

• When trainees are logged in to the VR app, the username will be shown next to the DDID in the trainer's observer feature.

Various Further Improvements — VR App

• Enhanced realism in Tractor: At the Aircraft — Towing Carts on the Apron lesson with background movements of other GSE and ground personnel creating a busy, realistic apron environment
• Improved player positioning system ensuring accurate VR positioning after fades, transitions, and headset removal, with new "recenter view" button in main menu
• Updated Belt Loader At the Aircraft — Approaching the Aircraft lesson: simplified lesson flow skipping the engine start procedure to focus on the aircraft approach
• Updated Towable Stairs At the Aircraft — Operating at the Aircraft lesson: extendable handrails are extended further, minimizing the gap between the handrails and the aircraft fuselage
• Added headset battery status display to VR app main menu
• Prominent trainee login screen on app start if device is connected to the internet
• Improved lighting across all lessons for a more realistic apron environment
• In-menu notice for trainees to take a break after 20 minutes of usage
• Bug fixes and localization updates for several lessons