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From page 1... ... TBLTs, as the name implies, do not use a towbar but instead use a pick-up device located in the center of the vehicle to cradle the nose gear tires in order to provide direct maneuvering of the aircraft. TBLT operations have increased in recent years due to the superior maneuverability provided by these vehicles and a renewed focus on energy and environmental conservation. Read the entire page →
From page 2... ... The following objectives guided the development of this document: • Develop the document as a reference that is useful to airports and aircraft operators, • Provide practical guidance to assist airports and aircraft operators in developing training programs for the safe use of TBLTs, and • Provide practical guidance to assist airports and aircraft operators in developing and implementing a standard set of guidelines for safe operation of TBLTs. The purpose of this guidance is to assist airports and aircraft operators in gaining a basic understanding of the training and operational issues associated with TBLT operations. Read the entire page →
From page 3... ... -- Any item located on the AOA that can be ingested or blown by an aircraft engine causing damage to property or personnel. "Hold Short" -- ATC communications term used to instruct vehicles or aircraft to hold short of a runway, traffic, or a specific point on the airfield such as localizer critical area, glideslope critical area, precision obstacle-free zone, and so forth. Read the entire page →
From page 4... ... • Airport driver training (FAR 139.329.e) : – An emphasis should be placed on initial and annual recurrent driver training for TBLT operators, specific to each TBLT model operated. Read the entire page →
From page 5... ... . ▪ How exceeding the nose gear steering angle limits affects control of the TBLT. Read the entire page →
From page 6... ... (FAA AC 00-65) – All radio equipment is in working order, and – All towing connections are secure 4.3 Communication A means of communication between the aircraft flight deck and the TBLT cab is required. Read the entire page →
From page 7... ... Additionally, the aircraft under tow must not exceed towing speeds as determined by the TBLT manufacturer, aircraft manufacturer, airport, or TBLT operator for the existing operating and airfield conditions. 5.3 Communication The flight deck observer will be the primary communicator with ATC and the TBLT operator will be the secondary communicator. Read the entire page →
From page 8... ... placard is available to both the TBLT operator and flight deck observers (review Surface Movement Guidance Control System (SMGCS) Plan/diagram if applicable) Read the entire page →
From page 9... ... from the terminal gate or remote parking position to a location near the departure runway made possible by the increased towing speeds achievable with a TBLT. Dispatch towing with a TBLT has been identified as a strategy to reduce aircraft taxi fuel burn and engine emissions. Read the entire page →
From page 10... ... . • The TBLT operator will acknowledge ATC instructions through read back procedures with the flight deck observer • Identify TBLT operations to ATC as "SuperTug {Equipment #}." TBLT operations using smaller equipment (e.g., TBLTs designed to life of aircraft nose gear because of the additional stress. Read the entire page →
From page 11... ... • A communications plan should include contingencies in case of lost communications. 7.5 emergencies The TBLT operator and/or flight deck observer may communicate directly with ATC in case of an emergency. Read the entire page →
From page 12... ... • Continuous monitoring of communications between the flight deck observer and ATC with the capability to contact the ATC if necessary. 8.5 Wing/tail Walkers The following applies to wing and tail walkers: • Properly signal the TBLT operator as soon as it appears the aircraft is in danger of colliding with an obstruction (FAA AC 00-65) Read the entire page →
From page 13... ... , • Radio equipment requirements, • TBLT seat belt equipment requirements, • Minimum TBLT operator training, • TBLT operator simulator training, and • Reporting of TBLT incidents and accidents. 12 ReFeRenCe MAteRIAL The following material was collected in the course of this project and is useful in understanding issues and challenges associated with ensuring safe TBLT operations at airports: • International Air Transport Association, Airport Handling Manual, 29th edition, January 1, 2009. Read the entire page →
From page 14... ... • U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 150/5210-20, Ground Vehicle Operations on Airports, March 31, 2008. Read the entire page →
From page 15... ... . Persons wanting to pursue the project subject matter in greater depth should contact the CRP Staff, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, 500 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. Read the entire page →

From page 1...

... TBLTs, as the name implies, do not use a towbar but instead use a pick-up device located in the center of the vehicle to cradle the nose gear tires in order to provide direct maneuvering of the aircraft. TBLT operations have increased in recent years due to the superior maneuverability provided by these vehicles and a renewed focus on energy and environmental conservation.