Towing with the Towbarless Tractor

TASK 09-10-00-584-006-A
Towing with the Towbarless Tractor

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 TOWBARLESS TRACTOR, LANDING GEARS, ENGINE NACELLES OR BELOW THE AIRCRAFT FUSELAGE.
ONLY QUALIFIED PERSONS ARE ON THE TRACTOR.
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	TRACTOR TOWBARLESS
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
Maximum Extension of the Nose-Gear Shock Absorber during Towing
N/W-Steering Deactivation Electrical-Box
Towing - Hazard Area - Towbarless Tractor
Maximum Towing Angle without Towbar

3. Job Set-up
Subtask 09-10-00-481-050-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 09-10-00-941-075-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 09-10-00-210-076-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.

Maximum Extension of the Nose-Gear Shock Absorber during Towing ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL

(3) Do not tow the aircraft with a TRACTOR TOWBARLESS with one or two deflated tires on the NLG.

Subtask 09-10-00-210-076-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.

Maximum Extension of the Nose-Gear Shock Absorber during Towing ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL

(3) Do not tow the aircraft with a TRACTOR TOWBARLESS with one or two deflated tires on the NLG.

Subtask 09-10-00-210-076-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.

Maximum Extension of the Nose-Gear Shock Absorber during Towing ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL

(3) Do not tow the aircraft with a TRACTOR TOWBARLESS with one or two deflated tires on the NLG.

Subtask 09-10-00-860-093-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.

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:

With the electric pump (Ref. AMM TASK 29-24-00-863-001) or
With a ground power supply (Ref. AMM TASK 29-10-00-863-002).

Subtask 09-10-00-860-082-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 09-10-00-480-062-A

CAUTION: WHEN YOU PUT THE NOSE LANDING GEAR ON THE TRACTOR, BE CAREFUL TO ALIGN THE CLAMPING DEVICE OF THE TRACTOR WITH THE NLG AXIS. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE CRADLE AND THE TORQUE LINK CAN BE VERY SMALL. THUS, IF YOU DO NOT ALIGN THE CLAMPING DEVICE WITH THE NLG AXIS, THERE IS A RISK OF DAMAGE TO THE TORQUE LINK PIN.

CAUTION: WHEN YOU USE A TOWBARLESS TRACTOR, MAKE SURE THAT YOU OBEY FULLY ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS PROCEDURE. IF YOU DO NOT, THE TRACTOR CAN CAUSE IMPORTANT SCRAPING OR OTHER DAMAGE TO THE NLG AND TO THE AIRFRAME STRUCTURE AROUND THE NLG.

F. Installation of the Towbarless Tractor

NOTE: There are special approval procedures for towbarless tractors. Before you tow, make sure that the towbarless tractor is approved for the towing of this aircraft.

(1) Set the aircraft type on the TRACTOR TOWBARLESS.
(2) Remove the CHOCK - WHEEL(S) from the nose-landing-gear wheels.
(3) Put the TRACTOR TOWBARLESS in position in front of the NLG, aligned with the aircraft centerline.
(4) Align the clamping device of the TRACTOR TOWBARLESS with the NLG axis.
(5) Put the clamping device in contact with the NLG tires.
(6) Make sure that the NLG is correctly engaged in the clamping device.
(7) Lock on and lift the NLG.
(8) Make sure that the nose landing gear is correctly on the center of the TRACTOR TOWBARLESS cradle and cannot be disengaged from the TRACTOR TOWBARLESS.
(9) Apply the TRACTOR TOWBARLESS parking brake.
(10) Remove the CHOCK - WHEEL(S) from the main-landing-gear wheels.
(11) 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 09-10-00-584-071-A

A. Towing

WARNING: WHEN YOU TOW THE AIRCRAFT WITH A TOWBARLESS TRACTOR, ONLY USE THE AIRCRAFT PARKING BRAKE OR THE BRAKE PEDALS WHEN THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU APPLY THE AIRCRAFT PARKING BRAKE OR THE BRAKE PEDALS, YOU CAN CAUSE:

OVERLOAD TO THE NOSE LANDING GEAR
DAMAGE TO THE TOWBARLESS TRACTOR
INJURY TO MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.

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.

CAUTION: BEFORE YOU TOW THE AIRCRAFT WITH A TOWBARLESS TRACTOR, MAKE SURE THAT THE AIRCRAFT OR THE TRACTOR HAS AN OVERSTEERING WARNING SYSTEM IN OPERATION.

(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.

If necessary, pressurize the Yellow hydraulic system (Ref. AMM TASK 29-24-00-863-001).

(3) All persons must be at a minimum distance of 3 m (10 ft.) from the wheels and the tractor while the aircraft moves.

Towing - Hazard Area - Towbarless 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 NLG.

(4) Tow slowly and smoothly.
(a) Speed Limits
1 If the passenger/crew and cargo doors are closed and locked or removed:

For a TRACTOR TOWBARLESS, a maximum speed of 32 km/h (20 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 Main Landing Gear (MLG) tires deflated:
(Ref. AMM TASK 09-10-00-584-005).

Subtask 09-10-00-584-063-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 09-10-00-584-072-A ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL

C. Steering Angle (Alpha)

Maximum Towing Angle without Towbar ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL

(1) The maximum permitted steering-angle on each side of the aircraft centerline is:

+/- 85 deg with TRACTOR TOWBARLESS.

(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.

NOTE: The internal mechanical stops keep the maximum angle to +/- 95 deg.
Damage will occur on the landing gear if the towing angle is more than this value and landing gear inspections will be necessary.

Subtask 09-10-00-584-072-B ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL

C. Steering Angle (Alpha)

Maximum Towing Angle without Towbar ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL

(1) The maximum permitted steering-angle on each side of the aircraft centerline is:

+/- 85 deg with TRACTOR TOWBARLESS.

(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 09-10-00-210-061-A

A. Visual Inspection
(1) After you complete the towing operation, make sure that the nose wheels are aligned with the aircraft centerline.

Subtask 09-10-00-080-065-A

B. Removal of the Towbarless Tractor
(1) Apply and hold the TRACTOR TOWBARLESS 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 MLG (Ref. AMM TASK 10-11-00-555-015).
(4) Release the TRACTOR TOWBARLESS service-brake.
(5) Lower and open the pick-up system.
(6) Disengage the TRACTOR TOWBARLESS from the NLG.
(7) Remove the D23156000 PIN-SAFETY and make sure that the ground-towing lever goes to its initial position.

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 09-10-00-860-083-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 09-10-00-862-061-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] 2026.03.31 22:53:05 UTC