Pushback and Towing Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Aircraft pushback and towing operations are among the highest-risk activities on the airport ramp, with nose gear overloads and communication failures being leading causes of aircraft damage and personnel injury. IATA Ground Operations Manual (GOM) and FAA 14 CFR Part 139 establish specific requirements for equipment readiness, crew qualification, and communication protocols to mitigate these risks. This checklist ensures all pre-tow, active-tow, and post-tow safety controls are verified before

Industry: Airline Ground Handling
Frequency: Per Event
Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
Role: Ramp Supervisor
Total Items: 37
Compliance: FAA 14 CFR Part 139.329, IATA Ground Operations Manual (GOM) Chapter 3, FAA 14 CFR Part 139.311, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 (Powered Industrial Trucks), FAA AC 150/5210-20 Ground Vehicle Operations

Tow Vehicle and Equipment Pre-Operation Check

Verify that the pushback tractor and all associated towing equipment are serviceable before connecting to the aircraft.

Is the tow tractor in a serviceable condition with no active warning lights or fluid leaks?
Are the tow tractor brakes, steering, and horn fully functional?
Is the towbar or towbarless adapter correctly rated for the aircraft type being towed?
Is the towbar free of visible cracks, bent components, or missing safety pins?
Are tow vehicle rotating beacon lights and low-speed lights operational?
Has the tow vehicle operator verified their current certification for this aircraft type?

Aircraft Preparation and Connection

Confirm the aircraft is properly configured and the towbar is correctly attached before movement begins.

Are all aircraft wheel chocks in place prior to towbar connection?
Has the towbar been connected to the nose gear tow fitting and safety pin installed?
Are all aircraft ground power units, jet bridges, and ground service equipment disconnected and clear?
Is the nose wheel steering bypass pin installed (where required by aircraft type)?
Have wheel chocks been removed per the approved sequence after crew communication is confirmed?

Crew Communication and Headset Check

Verify that communication protocols between the flight deck, pushback operator, and wing walkers are established.

Has two-way interphone communication between the tow operator and flight deck been established and tested?
Have wing walkers been briefed on the pushback route, hazards, and abort signals?
Has the flight crew confirmed brakes released and clearance given to pushback?
Has ATC or ramp control clearance been received for the pushback route?
Is a backup communication method (hand signals) confirmed with all wing walkers?

Pushback Route and Area Clearance

Confirm the planned pushback path is clear of obstructions, personnel, and other aircraft.

Has the full pushback route been walked and confirmed clear of FOD, equipment, and obstructions?
Are there adequate wingtip clearances from terminal structures, jetways, and adjacent aircraft?
Are wing walkers positioned at each wingtip before movement begins?
Is the pushback area free of fueling vehicles, belt loaders, and ground service personnel?
Has any extreme weather condition (ice, high winds) been assessed and mitigation applied?

Active Pushback and Towing Monitoring

Assess the safety controls maintained during the active movement phase of the operation.

Was the aircraft movement speed maintained within the approved slow-walk towing limit?
Was the nose gear steering angle maintained within the aircraft's maximum towing turn limit?
Did wing walkers maintain continuous visual and communication contact throughout the operation?
Was there any emergency stop event during this operation that requires incident documentation?
Was continuous visual surveillance of the engine intake and exhaust zones maintained during active towing?

Post-Pushback Disconnect and Final Checks

Verify safe towbar disconnection, nose gear pin removal, and release of the aircraft for engine start.

Has the flight crew confirmed aircraft brakes set before towbar disconnection?
Has the nose wheel steering bypass pin been removed and stowed if installed?
Has the towbar been fully disconnected and moved clear of the aircraft?
Have final chocks been placed and confirmed before releasing the aircraft to flight crew?
Has a post-movement visual inspection of the nose gear area been conducted for damage or fluid leaks?
Has the all-clear signal been given to the flight crew and tow-in complete communicated?

Incident Reporting and Documentation

Record the operation outcome, any incidents, and ensure completion of required operational logs.

Did this pushback operation complete without any aircraft or equipment damage?
Were there any near-miss events or safety concerns observed that require SMS reporting?
Has the tow vehicle been inspected post-operation and any defects reported to maintenance?
Has the ground operations log been updated with pushback time, route, and personnel involved?
Please provide any additional observations, deviations, or comments regarding this operation.

Related Aviation Checklists

Related Ramp Safety Checklists

Why Use This Pushback and Towing Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This pushback and towing safety inspection checklist [free pdf] helps airline ground handling teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for ramp supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 37 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 139.329, IATA Ground Operations Manual (GOM) Chapter 3, FAA 14 CFR Part 139.311, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 (Powered Industrial Trucks), FAA AC 150/5210-20 Ground Vehicle Operations. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Pushback and Towing Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 37 inspection items across 7 sections: Tow Vehicle and Equipment Pre-Operation Check, Aircraft Preparation and Connection, Crew Communication and Headset Check, Pushback Route and Area Clearance, Active Pushback and Towing Monitoring, Post-Pushback Disconnect and Final Checks, Incident Reporting and Documentation. It is designed for airline ground handling operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this Pushback and Towing Safety Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Ramp Supervisor professionals in the airline ground handling industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.