Story ID: 
FAA Guidance To Address Ongoing Towing Mishaps
By: Gordon Gilbert
Caption: Mishaps include collisions and near-runway/-taxiway incursions, including incidents such as jackknifing of so-called “super tugs” (towbarless tugs).
Word Count: 233
Mishaps involving aircraft towing and tug operations have prompted the FAA to issue a draft revision of Advisory Circular 00-65A. The draft document is an update of the first AC on towing aircraft published nearly 20 years ago. This AC contains generally accepted safety practices and information “which may help prevent injuries to personnel and damage to aircraft and equipment during ground handling and reduce runway incursions.”  

According to the FAA, mishaps include collisions and near-runway/-taxiway incursions. Specifically, so-called “super tugs” (towbarless tugs) have experienced incidents such as jackknifing, uncontrolled movement, and the inability to stop quickly. “There have been several potential ground incursion instances where super tugs were not seen by aircraft crews and ground controllers,” the agency said. “There have also been reported cases where pilots are not cognizant of the ‘right of way passage’ of these tugs, even when they are cleared for movement in the active areas.”

Additionally, controllers have reported that it is very difficult to identify a super tug towing an unpowered aircraft at night because the aircraft being towed is not properly illuminated with any lights, as required by FARs. “Without proper lighting on the aircraft during towing, the aircraft may be nearly invisible to ATC and other pilots in the area.”

The draft circular contains a checklist for tug and towbar operators. Comments are due June 13.