NZCH From New Zealand, joined Jan 2006, 119 posts, RR: 0 Posted (7 years 1 month 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 2570 times:
My step dad works for Air New Zealand as an engineer in Christchurch, and on tuesday he towed an aircraft from one end of the hangar to the other by pulling it out and putting it in on the otherside of the hangar, as it had just been washed and now needed scheduled matenience. But he did not have any sort of licence for towing an aircraft. But he was under supervision from people who do. Is this aloud to happen or not?
AirTran737 From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 3639 posts, RR: 12 Reply 2, posted (7 years 1 month 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 2541 times:
Maybe he was training to do so. Usually airlines have a procedure where you must have certain training to pushback and tow airplanes. Once you have completed this training you must show that you are proficient in doing so. I am certified to pushback and tow, as well as teach others how do do so. Hope this helps you out.
Nice Trip Report!!! Great Pics, thanks for posting!!!! B747Forever
320tech From Turks and Caicos Islands, joined May 2004, 487 posts, RR: 5 Reply 3, posted (7 years 1 month 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 2458 times:
Aircraft are towed by either engineers (AMEs / A&Ps) or rampies. There is a process to go through to become trained - it varies depending on the company. To tow an airplane on an airport, you need to be able to use the radio (in Canada, you need a radio operator licence), you need to be able to drive the tractor (local training, usually just a quick drive), and to be familiar with towing procedures. Usually that's a few trips with a supervising driver.
Once you've done that, at my company at least, you're on your own, fully qualified to move a $40 million dollar airplane, regardless of weather, taxiway condition, and hangar congestion. Don't hit anything.
Generally AMEs tow aircraft for maintenance, and rampies do push-backs.
The primary function of the design engineer is to make things difficult for the manufacturer and impossible for the AME.
HPRamper From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3662 posts, RR: 8 Reply 4, posted (7 years 1 month 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 2389 times:
It differs by airline.
At some airlines, only maintenance is allowed to use the push tugs at all, be it towing or pushing.
At mine, the ramp does everything. I work on the ramp, and I'd only been on the job for maybe three months before I was towing planes from one side of the airport to the other. It's not complicated.
The airport, as of last year now requires a separate certification to tow aircraft. I haven't needed to get one as of yet.
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From New Zealand, joined Jan 2006, 119 posts, 
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