Pushback facts for kids

A special vehicle called a pushback tractor connected to an airplane.

In the world of aviation (which is all about flying planes!), a pushback is a common step at an airport. It's when an aircraft (an airplane) is pushed backward away from its parking spot, called a gate. This is done using powerful, special vehicles known as pushback tractors or tugs. Airplanes can't usually move backward by themselves, so these tugs are super important for getting them ready to fly!

What is a Pushback?

When an airplane lands and parks at a gate, it faces the terminal building. To get ready for its next flight, it needs to move away from the gate and turn around. Since most large airplanes cannot use their own engines to back up safely (it would be too noisy and powerful near the terminal), a pushback tractor connects to the front of the plane. It then slowly pushes the plane backward until it's in a good position to start its engines and taxi (move on the ground) to the runway.

Why Do Airplanes Need Pushback?

Airplanes need pushback for a few key reasons:

• Safety: Using their own engines to back up could be dangerous. The powerful jet blast from the engines could harm people, damage other vehicles, or even buildings nearby.
• Efficiency: Pushback tractors are designed to move planes quickly and safely in tight spaces around the gate. This helps keep the airport running smoothly and on time.
• Engine Start-up: After being pushed back, the plane is in an open area. This is a safe place for the pilots to start the powerful engines without causing any problems.

How Does a Pushback Work?

A pushback involves a team of people working together:

• The Pushback Tractor: This is a very strong vehicle. It connects to the airplane's nose wheel. Some tugs use a special bar called a towbar, while others are towbarless and lift the nose wheel directly.
• Ground Crew: Trained airport workers guide the pushback. They talk to the pilots using hand signals or a headset. They make sure the area is clear and safe.
• Pilots: Inside the cockpit, the pilots are in control of the plane's brakes. They follow the ground crew's instructions carefully.

Once the plane is pushed back to the right spot, the tug disconnects. The pilots then get permission to start the engines, and the plane is ready to taxi to the runway for takeoff.

Images for kids

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  Smaller planes can often be moved by people! Here, a light aircraft is being pulled for refueling.

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  This picture shows a pushback tug carrying a towbar, which connects it to the plane.

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  A special towbarless tug moving a large Lufthansa Airbus A340 at Frankfurt Airport.

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  Towbars use pins to securely connect the tractor to the aircraft.

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  A KLM Boeing 777 airplane being pushed back from its gate at Narita International Airport.

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  A pushback tug with the towbar attached behind it.

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  Another example of a towbarless tractor.

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  A towbarless tractor designed for smaller aircraft.

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  A powerful Tatra T813 6x6 Airport tug.

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  A tug getting ready to push back an EasyJet Airbus A319.

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  A Unimog vehicle being used as a pushback tractor.

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  A Saab 2000 airplane being towed by a small tractor at Ängelholm-Helsingborg Airport.

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  A de Havilland Chipmunk airplane being moved by hand at an airshow in England.

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  An Indonesia Batik Air A320 airplane during pushback at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport.

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  A BelAZ 74271 airport tug, which has a double cab.

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  A towbarless tug (NadHaf) used for fighter aircraft in the Israeli Air Force.

See also

• In Spanish: Push-back para niños