TIPS FOR INCREASED ALL WEATHER TRACTION DURING AIRCRAFT PUSHBACK
1. Reduce air pressure in pneumatic tires from 60 PSI to as low as 25 PSI. (**restore air pressure to 60 psi as soon as
weather emergency ends).
2. When pushing with All Wheel Drive tractors, make sure the towbar is level or slightly downhill toward tractor.
3. When towing with Rear Wheel Drive‐raise hitch height.
4. When pushing with Rear Wheel Drive‐lower hitch height.
Note: These strategies(2, 3 and 4) maximize all weather traction.
5. When pushing aircraft on ice or icy snow with All Wheel Drive, a wheel may loose traction (wheel spin). To stop
front wheel spin, apply some service brake gradually with left foot until wheel spin stops and hold, while continu‐
ing the pushback. Coordinate the left foot service brake pressure and the right foot accelerator, to maintain a smooth
pushback. To stop rear wheel spin, apply parking brake with lever until it stops while continuing the pushback.
6. On ice or snow use chains or cables. If the use of chains is prohibited, there are traction cables that serve the same
function as chains but are much easier to mount and are very kind in terms of abrasion to all surfaces.
7. Keep fuel tank full, as much as possible.
8. Consult with Eagle Tugs factory for additional assistance.
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