W DOC AIRBUS | AMM A320F

Towing by the Nose Landing Gear from the Front with a Towbar

TASK 09-10-00-584-002-A
Towing by the Nose Landing Gear from the Front with a Towbar

WARNING: OBEY THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING MOVEMENT OF THE AIRCRAFT (TOWING, PUSHBACK OR TAXIING). MAKE SURE THAT:
  • THE PATH OF THE AIRCRAFT IS CLEAR OF PERSONS, EQUIPMENT AND OTHER OBSTACLES.
  • NO PERSONS GO NEAR THE TOW TRACTOR, TOWBAR, LANDING GEARS, ENGINE NACELLES OR BELOW THE AIRCRAFT FUSELAGE.
  • ONLY QUALIFIED PERSONS ARE ON THE TRACTOR AND NO PERSONS SIT OR STAND ON THE TOWBAR.
  • NO PERSONS GO NEAR THE AIRCRAFT BEFORE IT IS FULLY STOPPED.
THERE IS A RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IF YOU DO NOT OBEY THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
WARNING: DURING TOWING/TAXIING OPERATIONS (LOW-SPEED OPERATIONS INCLUDED), MAKE SURE THAT EACH PERSON IN THE AIRCRAFT IS IN A SEAT AND THAT THE SEAT BELT IS FASTENED. IF THE SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED, THERE IS A RISK OF INJURY IF THE AIRCRAFT STOPS SUDDENLY.
CAUTION: DO NOT TOW OR MOVE THE AIRCRAFT ON THE GROUND IF THE ENGINE COWLS ARE OPEN. MOVEMENT OF THE AIRCRAFT WITH THE COWLS OPEN CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE COWLS AND THE NACELLE STRUCTURE.
1. Reason for the Job
To push the aircraft rearward or tow the aircraft forward.
This procedure is for the towing of the aircraft in the maintenance configuration.
It is permitted to use this procedure to disengage the aircraft from the gate area for aircraft departure, but in these conditions only:
  • A push back with one or more turns or stops and starts and
  • A forward tow without turns or multiple stops/starts.
Operational towing (i.e. towing of an aircraft that contains passengers, fuel or cargo) from the terminal gate or parking area to a remote location is not permitted.
You must do a normal towing operation on an applicable ground surface only (parking, taxiway).
Refer to the Aircraft Recovery Manual (ARM) for the towing of:
  • A disabled aircraft from the runway threshold or a taxiway
  • An aircraft on a non-applicable ground surface (i.e. after leaving runway or taxiway).
NOTE: For aircraft with cabin and/or cargo-compartment floor panels removed, smooth and low-speed towing is recommended.
2. Job Set-up Information
 A. Fixtures, Tools, Test and Support Equipment
REFERENCE
QTY
DESIGNATION
No specific
AR
CHOCK - WHEEL(S)
No specific
1
TOWBAR
No specific
1
TRACTOR (TOWBAR TYPE)
D23156000
1
PIN-SAFETY
 B. Referenced Information
REFERENCE
DESIGNATION
TASK 05-57-00-200-001-A
Aircraft Stability
TASK 05-57-00-200-001-B
Aircraft Stability
TASK 05-57-00-200-001-C
Aircraft Stability
TASK 09-10-00-584-005-A
Towing with Tires Deflated
TASK 10-11-00-555-015-A
Procedure for the Installation of Wheel Chocks on Aircraft
TASK 24-41-00-861-002-A
Energize the Aircraft Electrical Circuits from the External Power
TASK 24-41-00-861-002-A-01
Energize the Aircraft Electrical Circuits from the APU
TASK 24-41-00-862-002-A
De-energize the Aircraft Electrical Circuits Supplied from the External Power
TASK 24-41-00-862-002-A-01
De-energize the Aircraft Electrical Circuits Supplied from the APU
TASK 29-10-00-863-002-A
Pressurize the Yellow Hydraulic System with a Hydraulic Ground Power-Cart
TASK 29-24-00-863-001-A
Pressurize the Yellow Hydraulic System with the Electric Pump
TASK 32-00-00-481-001-A
Installation of the Safety Devices on the Landing Gears
TASK 71-13-00-410-010-A
Closing of the Fan Cowls 437AL(447AL),438AR(448AR)
TASK 71-13-00-410-040-A
Closing of the Fan Cowl Doors
TASK 71-13-00-410-040-B
Closing of the Fan Cowl Doors
TASK 71-13-00-410-802-A
Closing of the Fan Cowl Doors
TASK 78-32-00-410-010-A
Closing of the Thrust Reverser Halves
TASK 78-36-00-410-040-A
Closing of the Thrust Reverser Doors
TASK 78-36-00-410-040-B
Closing of the Thrust Reverser Doors
TASK 78-36-00-410-802-A
Closing of the Thrust Reverser Cowl-Doors
F Maximum Extension of the Nose-Gear Shock Absorber during Towing
F N/W-Steering Deactivation Electrical-Box
F Installation of the Towbar
F Towing - Hazard Area - Towbar Tractor
F Maximum Towing Angle with Towbar
3. Job Set-up
Subtask 09-10-00-481-052-A
A. Safety Precautions
   (1) Make sure that the CHOCK - WHEEL(S) are in position (Ref. AMM TASK 10-11-00-555-015).
   (2) Make sure that the safety devices are installed on the landing gears (Ref. AMM TASK 32-00-00-481-001).
NOTE: It is optional to install the landing-gear safety devices when you tow or push the aircraft during flight operations (to put the aircraft in position for the flight crew at arrival or departure).
   (3) On panel 110VU, make sure that the PARK BRK control-switch is set to ON.
   (4) Make sure that the aircraft is stable (Ref. AMM TASK 05-57-00-200-001).
Subtask 09-10-00-941-074-A
B. Special Conditions for Towing with Engine(s) Removed
   (1) Make sure that the fan cowls and the thrust reversers are removed from the pylon(s) of the removed engine(s).
   (2) Make sure that applicable blanking caps are installed on the disconnected pylon lines.
NOTE: When the engines are not installed, it is necessary to tow the aircraft smoothly.
Subtask 09-10-00-210-073-B ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
C. Visual Inspection
   (1) Make sure that the engine cowls are closed and latched (Ref. AMM TASK 71-13-00-410-040) and (Ref. AMM TASK 78-36-00-410-040).
   (2) Make sure that dimension "H" of the Nose Landing Gear (NLG) is not more than 300 mm (11.81 in.) when you tow the aircraft. If you tow, you can cause damage to the cams that make the nose gear wheels go back to the center position.
F Maximum Extension of the Nose-Gear Shock Absorber during Towing ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
Subtask 09-10-00-210-073-C ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
C. Visual Inspection
   (1) Make sure that the engine cowls are closed and latched (Ref. AMM TASK 71-13-00-410-010) and (Ref. AMM TASK 78-32-00-410-010).
   (2) Make sure that dimension "H" of the Nose Landing Gear (NLG) is not more than 300 mm (11.81 in.) when you tow the aircraft. If you tow, you can cause damage to the cams that make the nose gear wheels go back to the center position.
F Maximum Extension of the Nose-Gear Shock Absorber during Towing ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
Subtask 09-10-00-210-073-E ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
C. Visual Inspection
   (1) Make sure that the engine cowls are closed and latched (Ref. AMM TASK 71-13-00-410-802) and (Ref. AMM TASK 78-36-00-410-802).
   (2) Make sure that dimension "H" of the Nose Landing Gear (NLG) is not more than 300 mm (11.81 in.) when you tow the aircraft. If you tow, you can cause damage to the cams that make the nose gear wheels go back to the center position.
F Maximum Extension of the Nose-Gear Shock Absorber during Towing ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
Subtask 09-10-00-860-092-A
D. Aircraft Maintenance Configuration
   (1) Energize the aircraft electrical circuits
     (a) With the tractor (if the tractor has a GPU) (Ref. AMM TASK 24-41-00-861-002) or
     (b) With the APU (Ref. AMM TASK 24-41-00-861-002).
   (2) On N/W-steering deactivation electrical-box 5GC:
     (a) Set the ground-towing control lever to the towing position.
F N/W-Steering Deactivation Electrical-Box
     (b) Install the D23156000 PIN-SAFETY.
   (3) On the upper ECAM DU, on the MEMO page:
     (a) The N.WHEEL STEERG DISC indication comes into view.
WARNING: OBEY THE HYDRAULIC SAFETY PROCEDURES.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE TRAVEL RANGES OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS SURFACES ARE CLEAR. MOVEMENT OF FLIGHT CONTROLS CAN CAUSE INJURY TO PERSONS AND/OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.
   (4) Hydraulic pressurization
     (a) On panel 400VU, on the brake-pressure triple indicator, make sure that the top gauge (ACCU PRESS) indication is correct: 3000 psi (207 bar). The pointer must be in the green range.
     (b) If necessary, pressurize the Yellow hydraulic system:
Subtask 09-10-00-860-079-A
E. Lighting System and Communication System
   (1) Lighting system
     (a) On panel 25VU:
  • Set the EXT LT/NAV switch to ON.
  • Set the EXT LT/LOGO switch to ON (if installed).
NOTE: Refer to the local regulation.
  • Set the EXT LT/BEACON switch to ON.
  • Set the INT LT/DOME switch to BRT.
   (2) Communication systems
     (a) VHF system
If communication is necessary between the aircraft and the control tower:
  • On RMP (Radio Management Panel) 11VU, push the VHF1 pushbutton switch.
  • On panel 60VU, connect a boomset.
     (b) Flight interphone system
  • On panel 108VU, connect a boomset to the FLT INT socket. This lets you speak to the cockpit.
Subtask 09-10-00-480-060-A
F. Installation of the Towbar
CAUTION: MAKE SURE THAT THE TOWBAR HAS:
  • A DAMPING SYSTEM
  • A ROTATING TOWEYE
  • APPLICABLE AND CALIBRATED SHEAR PIN(S).
THIS IS TO PREVENT HIGH LOADS WHICH CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE LANDING GEAR.
   (1) Use a towbar that agrees with SAE ARP 1915 or ISO 9667 standard.
   (2) For the requirements related to towbar shear pins and towbar tractor weights, refer to AC 5-8-0.
NOTE: Use a tractor with a limited drawbar pull to prevent loads above the tow-bar shear-pin capacity
   (3) Put the TRACTOR (TOWBAR TYPE) in position in front of the NLG, aligned with the aircraft centerline.
   (4) Install the TOWBAR on the tow fitting.
F Installation of the Towbar
   (5) Connect the TOWBAR to the TRACTOR (TOWBAR TYPE).
   (6) Apply the TRACTOR (TOWBAR TYPE) parking brake.
   (7) Remove the CHOCK - WHEEL(S) from the main and nose landing-gear wheels.
   (8) On panel 110VU, set the PARK BRK control-switch to OFF.
     (a) On panel 400VU, on the brake-pressure triple indicator, make sure that the left and right brake pressures are released.
4. Procedure
Subtask 09-10-00-584-064-A
A. Towing
CAUTION: PUT THE PARK BRK CONTROL SWITCH IN THE OFF POSITION BEFORE YOU TOW OR PUSH BACK THE AIRCRAFT. THIS IS TO PREVENT HIGH LOADS WHICH CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE NOSE LANDING GEAR.
   (1) During the towing operations:
  • One person must be in the cockpit to operate the brakes if necessary
  • Each person in the cockpit or cabin must be on their seats with the seat belts attached
  • Two persons must monitor the wing tips if necessary.
   (2) During the towing operations, on panel 400VU, on the brake-pressure triple indicator, make sure that the top gauge (ACCU PRESS) indication is correct: 3000 psi (207 bar). The pointer must be in the green range.
   (3) All persons must be at a minimum distance of 3 m (10 ft.) from the wheels and the tractor while the aircraft moves.
F Towing - Hazard Area - Towbar Tractor
NOTE: The shock absorber reaction can cause the aircraft to move forward and rearward when you stop the wheels. Because of this, it is necessary to make sure that there is sufficient space around the aircraft when you tow with the nose gear.
   (4) Tow slowly and smoothly.
NOTE: We recommended that you turn slowly and smoothly when you tow the aircraft with the NLG. Sudden, fast turns can cause the rupture of the shear pin in the towbar.
     (a) Speed Limits
       1 If the passenger/crew and cargo doors are closed and locked or removed:
  • For a TRACTOR (TOWBAR TYPE), a maximum speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph) is permitted.
       2 If the passenger/crew doors are fully open and locked and/or the cargo doors are open in the vertical position:
  • The maximum permitted speed is 10 km/h (6.2 mph).
       3 In wind conditions, calculate the permitted towing speed before the towing:
  • Measure the wind speed.
  • Subtract the measured wind speed from the wind speed limit shown on the stability curve. This gives the maximum permitted towing speed.
       4 Tires deflated: (Ref. AMM TASK 09-10-00-584-005).
Subtask 09-10-00-584-076-A
B. Approximate Towing Loads
   (1) Approximate towing forces:
TOWING CONDITIONS
TOWING FORCES
BREAKAWAY
4% MRW
ROLLING
3% MRW
BREAKAWAY ON SLOPE
6% MRW +1% MRW PER 1% SLOPE
ROLLING ON SLOPE
3% MRW +1% MRW PER 1% SLOPE
NOTE: MRW = Maximum Ramp Weight.
   (2) Use these coefficients for the friction between the tires of the tow tractor and the ground to calculate the tow tractor weight:

Dry concrete or asphalt: 0.80
Wet asphalt : 0.75
Wet concrete : 0.57
Hard snow : 0.20
Ice : 0.05

Subtask 09-10-00-584-066-A ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
C. Steering Angle (Alpha)
F Maximum Towing Angle with Towbar ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
   (1) The maximum permitted steering-angle on each side of the aircraft centerline is +/- 95 deg.
   (2) For aircraft with steering-angle marking on NLG doors or on the fuselage, the maximum towing angle must not be more than the angle shown.
Subtask 09-10-00-584-066-B ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
C. Steering Angle (Alpha)
F Maximum Towing Angle with Towbar ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
   (1) The maximum permitted steering-angle on each side of the aircraft centerline is +/- 95 deg.
   (2) For aircraft with steering-angle marking on NLG doors or on the fuselage, or on the NLG main fitting, the maximum towing angle must not be more than the angle shown.
5. Close-up
Subtask 09-10-00-210-058-A
A. Visual Inspection
   (1) After you complete the towing operation, make sure that the nose wheels are aligned with the aircraft centerline.
Subtask 09-10-00-080-067-A
B. Removal of the Towbar
   (1) Apply and hold the TRACTOR (TOWBAR TYPE) service brake.
   (2) On panel 110VU, set the PARK BRK control-switch to ON.
     (a) On panel 400VU, on the brake-pressure triple indicator, make sure that the left and right brake pressures are approximately 2100 psi (145 bar).
   (3) Put the CHOCK - WHEEL(S) in position on the Main Landing Gear (MLG) (Ref. AMM TASK 10-11-00-555-015).
   (4) Release the TRACTOR (TOWBAR TYPE) service brake.
   (5) Remove the TOWBAR from the TRACTOR (TOWBAR TYPE).
   (6) Remove the TOWBAR from the fitting of the NLG.
   (7) Remove the D23156000 PIN-SAFETY and make sure that the ground-towing lever goes to its initial position.
F N/W-Steering Deactivation Electrical-Box
   (8) On the upper ECAM DU, on the MEMO page:
  • The N.WHEEL STEERG DISC indication goes out of view.
   (9) Put CHOCK - WHEEL(S) in position in front of and behind the NLG wheels if necessary.
Subtask 09-10-00-860-088-A
C. Lighting System and Communication System
   (1) Lighting system
     (a) On panel 25VU:
  • Set the EXT LT/NAV switch to OFF.
  • Set the EXT LT/LOGO switch to OFF (if installed).
  • Set the EXT LT/BEACON switch to OFF.
  • Set the INT LT/DOME switch to OFF.
   (2) Communication systems
     (a) VHF system
  • On panel 60VU, disconnect the boomset.
  • Release the VHF1 pushbutton switch if there is communication between the control tower and the cockpit.
     (b) Flight interphone system
  • On panel 108VU, disconnect the boomset.
Subtask 09-10-00-862-060-A
D. Put the Aircraft back to its Initial Configuration
   (1) De-energize the aircraft electrical circuits
     (a) If you energized the aircraft with the tractor (if the tractor has a GPU) (Ref. AMM TASK 24-41-00-862-002).
     (b) If the aircraft was energized with the APU (Ref. AMM TASK 24-41-00-862-002).
[Rev.10 from 2021] 2026.04.01 04:05:21 UTC
"Aviabrain" 2025