How do tug operators communicate with pilots?
Posted by jaboticaba69@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 15 comments
(If at all). Is it done through ATC? Is there a dedicated channel? Short range radio? Just curious
SRM_Thornfoot@reddit
If the headset connection is not working, we can brief the pushback beforehand and then use hand signals along with flashing the nosewheel taxi light.
praetor450@reddit
The flashing the nose wheel is usually not something you want to do. Depending on the aircraft, the nose wheel light (even taxi one) can cause eye damage.
This can be different at different operators based on their aircraft and tug, that will change how the tug operator sits compared to where the light is.
Where I currently work, it is prohibited to use any type of lighting as a way to signal the ground crew during tow operations. Push back without a headset are only done if they can’t get a working headset within a reasonable time frame, and then as added precaution an additional ground personnel is added that will be there to solely monitor for hand signals from tug and cockpit.
mountainaviator1@reddit
It's all a headset. We got wired. Than we got the famously unreliable Bluetooth headsets
Pacer17@reddit
Ground connected
Ground connected
Ground connected
“hello below?”
Ground connected
praetor450@reddit
Don’t forget that high pitched squeal when you least expect it that it feels like it’s going to burst your eardrums.
twinpac@reddit
Oh you hate those too? My work bought a couple of those dongles at $1000 a pop. Nobody ever uses them.
Icy_Huckleberry_8049@reddit
headsets, it's all headsets
Comfortable-Yak-2555@reddit
Smoke signals
Strong-Focus4994@reddit
We use headsets wired or Bluetooth. The ones we use are made by 3M. But wired is superior over the Bluetooth ones imo. I've had the wireless ones disconnect in the middle of the push before because I was "too far" thats not safe at all. Plus I like the push to talk button on the wired ones because I can remind cockpit crew we're still waiting or i'm still down there just by pushing on it and they'll hear it go off. Also, at least in my experience the wired ones are louder even when both types are on max volume which comes in very handy when engines are running.
funnynoises@reddit
Flight comm
Flight comm
Flight comm
Raccoon_Ratatouille@reddit
Pilots typically request clearance for push from ramp control who is responsible for managing the alleyways. When ramp clears pilots to push they tell the push crew who is plugged in on intercom and hopefully the headsets work. Some airports have uncontrolled ramps or if the only spot to push is on a taxiway, it’s controlled by ground.
jaboticaba69@reddit (OP)
Great, thank you!
No_Chemist_7878@reddit
Short tows, hand signals or yelling out the window if it comes to it.
Major airlines and larger operations would have capabilities to connect a headset to a port in the nose.
ATC has no time for this, or air time for every different tug communicating.
doom_pizza@reddit
Headset plugged into the aircraft.
Mike__O@reddit
They plug directly into a com panel on the bottom of the airplane and speak through the interphone system