When towing a large aircraft, which safety action is correct?

When towing a large aircraft, which safety action is correct?

• A. A person should be in the cockpit to watch for obstructions
• B. A person should be stationed at the nose, each wingtip and the empennage
• C. A person should be in the cockpit to operate the brakes
• D. No one is required to monitor the area

Answer: (C)

During towing, controlling the aircraft’s movement hinges on who can regulate its braking. Having a person in the cockpit operate the brakes is essential because it provides immediate, coordinated braking as the tow tractor pulls the airplane. This direct brake control lets the operator respond quickly to any drift, misalignment, or need to slow down, helping to prevent runaway movement, collisions, or tail or prop strikes. While ground spotters can help with clearance and guiding, they don’t replace the critical function of brake control from the cockpit. Leaving braking unmonitored or relying on observers alone increases risk, so the safest practice is to have someone in the cockpit actively braking during tow.

During towing, controlling the aircraft’s movement hinges on who can regulate its braking. Having a person in the cockpit operate the brakes is essential because it provides immediate, coordinated braking as the tow tractor pulls the airplane. This direct brake control lets the operator respond quickly to any drift, misalignment, or need to slow down, helping to prevent runaway movement, collisions, or tail or prop strikes. While ground spotters can help with clearance and guiding, they don’t replace the critical function of brake control from the cockpit. Leaving braking unmonitored or relying on observers alone increases risk, so the safest practice is to have someone in the cockpit actively braking during tow.