Draxon VR Training SyllabusPreparing the Pushback
Virtual RealityDescription
This lesson trains the complete pushback preparation sequence at a live aircraft, including inserting the steering bypass pin, coupling the towbar to the nose gear, and coupling the tractor to the towbar. Trainees practice following the Headset Operator hand signals during the tractor approach and confirming all connections are secure. The focus is on correct sequencing, straight-line alignment, and hand signal compliance to prevent equipment damage and unsafe conditions.
Lesson Overview
- 1Insert the steering bypass pin into the aircraft nose gear to disable the hydraulic steering system
- 2Maneuver the towbar into position and couple it to the nose gear tow fitting
- 3Prepare the tractor and drive forward following the Headset Operator hand signals to couple tractor to towbar
- 4Confirm the coupling connection is secure while the Headset Operator lifts the towbar wheels
Skills Acquired
- Execute the full pushback preparation sequence in correct order to protect the aircraft steering system
- Maneuver and couple the towbar with precise straight-line alignment to prevent nose gear damage
- Interpret and respond to Headset Operator hand signals to ensure safe tractor approach
- Verify coupling connections through physical confirmation to prevent equipment failure during pushback
Lesson Procedure
- The trainee starts at the gate with the steering bypass pin in hand. The aircraft is boarding its last passengers and the pushback equipment is staged nearby.
- At the nose gear, the trainee pulls the bypass socket lever to align the holes, then inserts the steering bypass pin until it locks in place.
- The trainee moves to the rear of the towbar, lifts it by the handle, and pushes it forward toward the nose gear. The towbar head must stay low and aligned straight to hook into the tow fitting from below.
- The Headset Operator secures and locks the towbar connection at the nose gear using the safety pin and locking lever, confirmed with a shake check.
- The trainee opens the tractor front coupling by pulling the lever, then enters the cabin.
- From the driver seat, the trainee releases the parking brake, sets the gear to forward, and drives toward the towbar following the Headset Operator hand signals. The Headset Operator signals stop, lifts the towbar to coupling height, then signals to continue. The trainee approaches slowly until the towbar eye hooks into the front coupling.
- The trainee exits the tractor and performs a shake test on the front coupling lever to confirm the connection is secure.
Safety Scenarios & Learnings
Releasing the lever before bypass pin insertion
Rewind; pin cannot lock without the lever held
Rewind; pin cannot lock without the lever held
Towbar collision with nose gear or misaligned coupling attempt
Rewind; straight-line alignment required to prevent nose gear damage
Rewind; straight-line alignment required to prevent nose gear damage
Driving past the Headset Operator stop signal
Rewind; immediate response to hand signals prevents equipment damage and injury
Rewind; immediate response to hand signals prevents equipment damage and injury
Approaching the towbar too fast
Rewind; controlled speed required during coupling approach
Rewind; controlled speed required during coupling approach
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