Aeroplane Departure

Prior to aeroplane departure, the handling agent/ground crew shall perform an inspection of the aeroplane exterior and adjacent airside areas.

Inspection procedures typically ensure:

• Surface condition of the apron is adequate to conduct aeroplane movement operations;
• The apron is clear of items that might cause aeroplane FOD;
• Aeroplane servicing doors and panels are closed and secure;
• Power cables and loading bridge are detached;
• Equipment and vehicles are positioned clear of the aeroplane movement path;
• Adequate clearance exists between the aeroplane and facilities or fixed obstacles along the aeroplane movement path;
• Chocks are removed from all wheels.

Note: Inspection of the aeroplane immediately prior to departure has also the purpose of identifying, documenting and reporting external aeroplane damage. Such inspection shall take place after most ground handling activities have been completed prior to the time aeroplane movement will commence for departure.

External damage deemed to have the potential to compromise the airworthiness of an aeroplane would be reported to appropriately qualified maintenance personnel for evaluation and action, as appropriate.

The Ground to flight crew communication is normally performed by means of a headset or if that is impossible, by internationally recognised marshalling signals. Marshalling signals are depicted in the ICAO Annex 2 Rules of the Air.

Engine start procedures are set out in OM Part B, Chapter 2. In order to facilitate the safe movement of the aeroplane, close co-operation between the pilot and ground personnel is required. Engine starting during pushback and towing is permitted unless otherwise instructed by ground handling staff.

Communication and phraseology during pushback are set out in OM Part B, Chapter 2.

The following ramp safety procedures shall be observed:

• The pushback operator should stay in view of the flight crew remain clear of the hazard zones during operation and avoid walking backwards when despatching the aeroplane;
• The tractor and towbar/-pin combination should be suitable for the operation, considering: the aeroplane type and weight, the weather conditions, the apron surface conditions;
• The tractor should be in the appropriate drive mode prior to the commencement of the operation;
• Chocks should not be removed from the main-gear until the tractor and towbar are fully secured to the nose-gear and the parking brake set on the tractor;
• When connecting the towbar to the aeroplane’s nose gear assembly the towbar should be detached from the tractor;
• When connecting the towbar to the tractor, personnel should be facing the tractor and have both legs on only one side of the towbar, i.e. they should not straddle the bar;
• The tractor and towbar should be in-line with the centre line of the aeroplane before the pushback commences;
• The tractor should not be left unattended with its engine running;
• The wheels on the towbar should be fully retracted/off the ground before the pushback commences;
• For aeroplane fitted with a Steering By-pass system, the by-pass pin must be correctly installed prior to connecting the towbar to the aeroplane and before pushback commences and must be removed after the towbar has been disconnected;
• Personnel should not step across the towbar whilst the pushback operation is in progress;
• If the connection between the aeroplane and tractor should be lost while in motion it is important that the flight crew is informed immediately to apply brakes gently;
• When stopping the pushback the throttle on the tractor will be closed and brakes applied gently.

At the end of the pushback sequence and before the towbar is disconnected, tension shall be released from the towbar. A chock may be positioned in front of the nosewheel while the disconnection of the towbar takes place.

Towbar-less Pushback (Nose-gear):

• The pushback operator should stay in view of the flight crew, remain clear of the hazard zones during operation and avoid walking backwards when despatching the aeroplane;
• The tractor should be suitable for the operation, considering: the aeroplane type and weight, the weather conditions, the apron surface conditions;
• The aeroplane shall not be lifted while equipment and or boarding bridge are still connected to the aeroplane;
• Flight crew must be informed prior to lifting the aeroplane nose landing gear;
• Chocks should not be removed from the main-gear until the tractor is fully secured to the nose-gear and brakes on tractor set;
• Aeroplane nose-wheels must be safely locked in the tractors locking mechanism when connected to aeroplane;
• Nose-wheels must be lifted well above ground during the entire pushback;
• The tractor should be in-line with the centre line of the aeroplane before the pushback commences;
• For aeroplane fitted with a Steering By-pass system, the by-pass pin must be correctly installed prior to connecting the tractor to the aeroplane and before pushback commences and must be removed after the tractor has been disconnected;
• If the connection between the aeroplane and tractor should be lost while in motion it is important that the flight crew is informed immediately to apply brakes gently.

At the end of the pushback sequence and before the tractor/towbar is disconnected, the flight crew should be instructed to set the aeroplane brakes and hold a position until receipt of visual signals for final clearance to taxi. Brakes set shall be confirmed to ground staff.

After disconnecting the tractor from the nose-gear and before removal of the by-pass pin, position the tractor behind the equipment restraint line in such a way that it is visible from the cockpit (e.g. at a 90 degrees angle from the aeroplane). All equipment and personnel shall also be moved clear of the aeroplane.

Important: Before the aeroplane commences taxiing under its own power, ground staff shall then give the final clearance signal and display the by-pass pin (if appropriate) to the flight crew. This indicates that all equipment and personnel are clear of the aeroplane and that it is safe to commence taxiing.

An acknowledgement of the signal shall be given by the flight crew.