L3Harris Technologies : The Need for Pushback Simulators

Airplanes are powerful modern machines that can do the impossible by flying through the air despite their massive size. Although these machines can harness incredible power and move at great speed rates, they have one problem: Airplanes cannot drive in reverse without potentially causing damage to surrounding buildings, equipment or people. This is due to the engine thrust of jet engines and limited visibility.

Passengers often feel aircraft back away from the gates at which they were parked for loading. But in each instance, the plane didn't make that maneuver on its own. Instead, it relied on help from a small vehicle called an aircraft tractor, also known as a tug.

Find out about aircraft tractors and their role in aviation, plus the importance of pushback training simulators in the industry.

What Is An Aircraft Tractor and What Does It Do?

An aircraft tractor or tug shares a similar job with a tugboat in a harbor. Just like a tugboat helps larger ships get in and out of the harbor safely, an aircraft tug helps airplanes move backward at an airport, ensuring they get to the runway safely for takeoff.

As powerful as airplanes are, their design is for flying, not driving. Many aircraft have no way to reverse at a low rate of speed, making it impossible to leave a gate on their own. The unique design of an aircraft tractor allows it to push an airplane away from a gate.

How Do Aircraft Tugs Work?

Aircraft tugs are small, low-profile vehicles that share some similarities with golf carts. But despite its appearance, a tug has an important responsibility in the aviation industry: Pulling an aircraft from the parked position to the taxi position.

The engineering process ensures that the airplane tractor can push the weight of an aircraft, just as a small tugboat can push the weight of a boat that's many times its size. Each tug uses a cradle-like mechanism that attaches to the tires of an aircraft's nose side. The cradle then lifts up, placing the aircraft's weight on the tug and allowing for backward movement.

While the tug is pushing the aircraft back, the pilots inside the plane have no control over the plane. Instead, they must trust the tug operator to safely back the aircraft away from the gate.

What Is a Pushback Training Simulator?

A pushback training simulator is a driving simulator specifically designed for aircraft tugs. The simulator provides a safe, controlled environment for drivers to learn how to use a tug properly without risking damage to an airplane or airport. Using a pushback simulator is an essential part of the training process for tug operators.

Why Do You Need a Pushback Simulator?

Driving an aircraft tug isn't the same as driving a normal vehicle. This job comes with a lot of responsibility and requires a unique skillset, including the ability to pay attention to the smallest details. Using an aircraft pushback simulator allows one to build those skills and become a safe driver.

A simulator is the best option for several reasons:

• It can also expose drivers to a wide variety of unique situations: The first time a tug driver faces an icy tarmac or heavy winds shouldn't happen when the tug has an aircraft attached to it. A simulator can recreate various weather conditions to help drivers learn how to manage any situation they may face without putting real passengers or aircraft at risk
• It can provide more training opportunities: Even when airplanes and tugs aren't available, crew members can practice and improve their skills. The low-risk training environment offers access to more consistent training, helping tug drivers get more hands-on experience and improving their success rates
• It can reduce accident rates: Investing in additional training reduces accident rates by ensuring that tug drivers have extensive experience before they connect to an aircraft costing millions of dollars

Choose L3Harris' Pushback Sim™

L3Harris' PushbackSim™ is a safe and effective training solution for aircraft ground handling crews. It provides a controllable and realistic environment where crew members can practice and gain essential skills. This simulator also provides direct and immediate feedback, ensuring more standardized training.

If you're considering the addition of a pushback simulator for your crew, the L3Harris' PushbackSim™ is one of the best in the industry. Request more information about our products and driver training services today.