W DOC AIRBUS | AMM A320F

Towing with the Towbarless Tractor (on Batteries only)

TASK 09-10-00-584-009-A
Towing with the Towbarless Tractor (on Batteries only)

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 with a towbarless tractor but without APU power and/or engine power and/or external power.
NOTE: This procedure is for towing of the aircraft in maintenance configuration only.
2. Job Set-up Information
 A. Fixtures, Tools, Test and Support Equipment
REFERENCE
QTY
DESIGNATION
No specific
AR
CHOCK - WHEEL(S)
No specific
1
FLASHLIGHT
No specific
AR
SAFETY CLIP - CIRCUIT BREAKER
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 24-41-00-862-002-A
De-energize the Aircraft Electrical Circuits Supplied from the External Power
TASK 24-42-00-861-001-A
Energize the Ground Service Network from the External Power
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 Towing - Hazard Area - Towbarless Tractor
F Maximum Towing Angle without Towbar
3. Job Set-up
Subtask 09-10-00-481-051-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).
   (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 09-10-00-941-077-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 09-10-00-210-077-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
   (3) Do not tow the aircraft with a TRACTOR TOWBARLESS with one or two deflated tires on the NLG.
Subtask 09-10-00-210-077-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
   (3) Do not tow the aircraft with a TRACTOR TOWBARLESS with one or two deflated tires on the NLG.
Subtask 09-10-00-210-077-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
   (3) Do not tow the aircraft with a TRACTOR TOWBARLESS with one or two deflated tires on the NLG.
Subtask 09-10-00-941-061-A
D. Special Conditions for Towing of Aircraft Supplied with Battery Power only
   (1) The maximum towing time is 1 hour.
   (2) Personnel necessary
     (a) One person must be in the cockpit to operate the brake pedals.
     (b) Two persons must monitor the wing tips, if necessary.
   (3) Lights
     (a) The external lights are not available.
     (b) Only the emergency cockpit lights are available.
     (c) If you tow the aircraft at night or in low daylight conditions, you must use a FLASHLIGHT to move in the aircraft.
   (4) Signalling
Make sure that the aircraft is illuminated in accordance with the local airport regulations.
Subtask 09-10-00-860-095-A
E. Aircraft Maintenance Configuration
   (1) Energize the aircraft electrical circuits
(Ref. AMM TASK 24-41-00-861-002).
   (2) On ELEC control panel 35VU:
  • Push the BAT1 and BAT2 pushbutton switches.
  • The OFF legends go off.
   (3) 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.
   (4) On the ECAM DU:
     (a) On the upper ECAM DU, on the MEMO page, the N.WHEEL STEERG DISC indication comes into view.
     (b) On the lower ECAM DU, on the ELEC page, do a check of the connection of BAT1 and BAT2, then wait for the disconnection of BAT1 and BAT2. This shows that the batteries are fully charged.
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.
   (5) 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:
NOTE: The capacity of the brake accumulator is small, it is necessary to:
  • Use the brake pedals only if there is an emergency
  • Use the parking brake only if necessary.
Subtask 09-10-00-865-052-A
F. Open, safety and tag this(these) circuit breaker(s):
PANELDESIGNATIONFINLOCATION
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
49VUNAV/STBY/HORIZON5FNF12
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/ELAC1/NORM/SPLY15CE1B11
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/SEC1/NORM/SPLY21CE1B08
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/FLP/CTL AND MONG/SYS16CVB07
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/SLT/CTL AND MONG/SYS15CVB06
** ON A/C ALL
49VUENGINE/2/HP FUEL SOV1KC2A02
49VUENGINE/1/HP FUEL SOV1KC1A01
49VUANTI ICE/PROBES/PHC/12DA1D03
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
49VUNAV/STBY/INST5FNF12
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/ELAC1/NORM/SPLY15CE1B06
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/SEC1/NORM/SPLY21CE1B03
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/FLP/CTL AND MONG/SYS16CVB02
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/SLT/CTL AND MONG/SYS15CVB01
** ON A/C ALL
121VUEIS/HORN/SPLY2WCP09
122VUELEC/GEN2/OFF/BTC2 SPLY8XUT31
122VUELEC/GEN1/OFF/BTC1 SPLY5XUT28
122VUELEC/GCU/22XU2T27
122VUELEC/GCU/12XU1T26
Subtask 09-10-00-860-086-A
G. Communication System
   (1) 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.
   (2) Flight interphone system
  • On panel 108VU, connect a boomset to the FLT INT socket. This lets you speak to the cockpit.
Subtask 09-10-00-480-065-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.
H. 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 to tow 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.
Subtask 09-10-00-862-059-A
I. De-energization of the Aircraft Electrical Circuits
   (1) De-energize the aircraft electrical circuits
(Ref. AMM TASK 24-41-00-862-002).
   (2) On ELEC control panel 35VU, make sure that BAT1 and BAT2 are ON.
4. Procedure
Subtask 09-10-00-584-073-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.
   (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 - 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 nose gear.
   (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 09-10-00-584-074-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 09-10-00-584-075-A ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
C. Steering Angle (Alpha)
F 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 09-10-00-584-075-B ** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
C. Steering Angle (Alpha)
F 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.
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.
5. Close-up
Subtask 09-10-00-210-069-A
A. Visual Inspection
   (1) After you complete the towing operation, make sure that the nose wheels are aligned with the aircraft centerline.
Subtask 09-10-00-080-066-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.
F N/W-Steering Deactivation Electrical-Box
   (8) Put CHOCK - WHEEL(S) in position in front of and behind the NLG wheels if necessary.
Subtask 09-10-00-861-057-A
C. Ground Service Connection
   (1) Energize the ground service network
(Ref. AMM TASK 24-42-00-861-001).
Subtask 09-10-00-865-053-A
D. Remove the safety clip(s) and the tag(s) and close this(these) circuit breaker(s):
PANELDESIGNATIONFINLOCATION
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
49VUNAV/STBY/HORIZON5FNF12
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/ELAC1/NORM/SPLY15CE1B11
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/SEC1/NORM/SPLY21CE1B08
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/FLP/CTL AND MONG/SYS16CVB07
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/SLT/CTL AND MONG/SYS15CVB06
** ON A/C ALL
49VUENGINE/2/HP FUEL SOV1KC2A02
49VUENGINE/1/HP FUEL SOV1KC1A01
49VUANTI ICE/PROBES/PHC/12DA1D03
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
49VUNAV/STBY/INST5FNF12
** ON A/C NOT FOR ALL
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/ELAC1/NORM/SPLY15CE1B06
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/SEC1/NORM/SPLY21CE1B03
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/FLP/CTL AND MONG/SYS16CVB02
49VUFLIGHT CONTROLS/SLT/CTL AND MONG/SYS15CVB01
** ON A/C ALL
121VUEIS/HORN/SPLY2WCP09
122VUELEC/GEN2/OFF/BTC2 SPLY8XUT31
122VUELEC/GEN1/OFF/BTC1 SPLY5XUT28
122VUELEC/GCU/22XU2T27
122VUELEC/GCU/12XU1T26
Subtask 09-10-00-860-087-A
E. Aircraft Maintenance Configuration
   (1) Energize the aircraft electrical circuits
(Ref. AMM TASK 24-41-00-861-002).
   (2) On ELEC control panel 35VU:
  • Push the BAT1 and BAT2 pushbutton switches.
  • The OFF legends go off.
NOTE: Airbus recommends that you energize the aircraft electrical circuits with external power, and start the cycle for a full charge of the batteries.
If the battery voltage shown on panel 35VU is less than 23V, the aircraft system will disconnect the battery(ies).
  • The aircraft system cannot charge the battery(ies) again
  • It will be necessary to replace the battery(ies).
   (3) On the ECAM DU:
  • On the lower ECAM DU, on the ELEC page, wait for BAT1 and BAT2 disconnection. This shows that the batteries are fully charged.
  • On the upper ECAM DU, on the MEMO page, the N.WHEEL STEERG DISC indication goes out of view.
   (4) 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.
Subtask 09-10-00-860-091-A
F. Communication System
   (1) VHF system
  • On panel 60VU, disconnect the boomset.
  • Release the VHF1 pushbutton switch if there is communication between the control tower and the cockpit.
   (2) Flight interphone system
  • On panel 108VU, disconnect the boomset.
Subtask 09-10-00-862-063-A
G. Put the Aircraft back to its Initial Configuration
   (1) De-energize the aircraft electrical circuits
(Ref. AMM TASK 24-41-00-862-002).
   (2) Remove the ground support and maintenance equipment, the special and standard tools and all other items.
[Rev.10 from 2021] 2026.03.31 22:53:09 UTC
"Aviabrain" 2025