Pushback contraption from down under
12-06-2010 | 12:36 PM
#1
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Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 276
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From: Hiding under the counter
Pushback contraption from down under
Spotted these all over the place in the Domestic terminal in SYD.
What is it? or rather why in the world push-back from the main wheels? Seems like it was only used on A320/21 and smaller.
What is it? or rather why in the world push-back from the main wheels? Seems like it was only used on A320/21 and smaller.
12-07-2010 | 11:33 AM
#4
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 54
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From: B747-400 Captain
Serious answer!
Used these first about 10 years ago in Brussels.
1. The operator drives the vehicle to the aircraft and 'locks' it to the aircraft.
2. It uses rollers to rotate the aircrafts wheels
3. The operator establishes comms on headset with flight crew
4. He uses a remote control to command the movement of the tug
5. He gives turn instruction to the flight crew when to turn/in which direction
6. Engines are started during the push
7. He advises when to stop
8. He remotely releases the tug from the aircraft
9. Aircraft taxys away
10. Operator returns to tug and when seated drives it away.
Works well up to A320/B737 size and only requires one operator ie no wingman etc.
Used these first about 10 years ago in Brussels.
1. The operator drives the vehicle to the aircraft and 'locks' it to the aircraft.
2. It uses rollers to rotate the aircrafts wheels
3. The operator establishes comms on headset with flight crew
4. He uses a remote control to command the movement of the tug
5. He gives turn instruction to the flight crew when to turn/in which direction
6. Engines are started during the push
7. He advises when to stop
8. He remotely releases the tug from the aircraft
9. Aircraft taxys away
10. Operator returns to tug and when seated drives it away.
Works well up to A320/B737 size and only requires one operator ie no wingman etc.
12-07-2010 | 11:58 AM
#5
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 330
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From: Professional Expat
They're called PPT's. we use them at Virgin Blue on the 73 and EMB's. They work well, unless the batteries are starting to run down, in which case the push is extremely sluggish.
One thing to note, in Australia the push back is done by an Engineer. (You can't call them Mechanics as they can get a bit pi$$y) They stay with the aircraft until the engines are started and you confirm everything is ok.
It's a very different experience from the rampers in PHL wearing ankle bracelets, that I used to deal with in a previous life.
One thing to note, in Australia the push back is done by an Engineer. (You can't call them Mechanics as they can get a bit pi$$y) They stay with the aircraft until the engines are started and you confirm everything is ok.
It's a very different experience from the rampers in PHL wearing ankle bracelets, that I used to deal with in a previous life.
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