BetaDraxon VR Training SyllabusPreparing the Pushback
Virtual RealityDescription
This lesson trains the headset communication procedures required before aircraft pushback can begin. Trainees practice setting up a headset system, establishing contact with the cockpit, and conducting mandatory pre-pushback safety checks using standard aviation phraseology. The training emphasizes strict communication procedure discipline, exact phraseology, and verification of safety-critical conditions including parking brake status and steering bypass pin insertion.
Lesson Overview
- 1Setting up the headset system and positioning at the headset master position
- 2Radio quality check and communication with the cockpit using standard phraseology
- 3Communicate pre-departure checks and readiness for pushback
- 4Repeat the complete communication sequence in advanced mode by selecting correct phraseology from multiple options
Skills Acquired
- Connect the headset communication systems to the aircraft and position correctly for tractor and cockpit visibility
- Execute the standard pre-pushback communication sequence
- Use exact aviation phraseology for radio checks, equipment identification, and safety confirmations to prevent miscommunication
- erify safety-critical conditions before confirming "Pushback readiness" status to the cockpit
Lesson procedure
- The lesson starts at the gate with an Airbus A320 ready for departure; a colleague approaches and hands over the and hands over the headset and bluetooth transmitter.
- After putting on the headset, the trainee walks to the nose gear access panel, plugs the bluetooth transmitter into the headset socket, and moves to the headset master position.
- Facing the cockpit, the trainee initiates communication and completes the radio quality check.
- The pushback configuration is declared to the cockpit, specifying two-person pushback with towbar equipment, followed by confirmation that the parking brake is set.
- When the cockpit requests to confirm steering bypass pin insertion, the trainee walks to the steering bypass socket to visually verify the pin is inserted, returns to position, and confirms status to the cockpit.
- The trainee then communicates that pre-departure checks are completed and declares readiness for pushback to the cockpit.
- The cockpit responds with standby while awaiting air traffic control clearance.
- The complete communication sequence is repeated in an advanced mode where correct phraseology must be selected from multiple options.
Communication Sequence
Cockpit | Headset Master |
|---|---|
Ground from Cockpit. Radio check, how do you read? | |
Cockpit from Ground. Affirm, I read you loud and clear. How do you read? | |
Affirm, I read you loud and clear as well. | |
Expect 2-person pushback with towbar equipment. | |
Affirm, 2-person pushback with towbar equipment. | |
Confirm parking brake set. | |
Parking brake set. | |
Confirm steering bypass pin inserted. | |
Steering bypass pin inserted. | |
Pre-departure checks completed. | |
Ready for pushback. | |
Standby. |
Safety Scenarios & Learnings
Dropping the headset
Error and rewind; reinforces secure handling of communication equipment to prevent damage and maintain operational readiness.
Error and rewind; reinforces secure handling of communication equipment to prevent damage and maintain operational readiness.
Incorrectly identifying bypass pin status
Correction and guidance to physically verify; demonstrates the critical importance of visual confirmation before reporting safety-critical information to the cockpit.
Correction and guidance to physically verify; demonstrates the critical importance of visual confirmation before reporting safety-critical information to the cockpit.
Using non-standard phraseology for communication
Correction; highlighting that standard aviation phraseology is required for communication.
Correction; highlighting that standard aviation phraseology is required for communication.
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