This article is part of series, Aircraft Towing 101, dedicated to helping ground service personnel safely park aircraft on the ramp.
In the aviation industry, safety is non-negotiable. Special care must be taken when towing aircraft at a fixed-base operator (FBO).
According to Pete Johnson, director of sales and service, Americas, Aero Specialties, the most common mistakes made when towing aircraft are:
1. Skipping safety checks on towing equipment.
2. Ignoring communication protocols.
3. Taking shortcuts in maneuvering.
4. Overlooking environmental factors.
5. Improper use of equipment.
6. Lack of training or experience.
7. Rushing procedures at the expense of safety.
“Avoiding these shortcuts and mistakes is crucial to ensure safe aircraft towing operations,” advises Johnson.
About the Author
Rebecca Kanable
Assistant Editor
Rebecca Kanable, a veteran journalist, worked with Endeavor Business Media's aviation group from 2021 to 2024 as assistant editor of Airport Business, AMT and Ground Support Worldwide. She previously worked for various publications, including trade magazines and newspapers.