Taxiing an airplane is a very exciting and challenging process that demands the pilot’s full engagement, expertise, and coordination. But what happens when the wheels touch the ground is equally important. After the aircraft has landed safely, several things have to be done before the aircraft can be towed to the parking bay or the hangar. That is where the airplane tugs come in.
Ground Operations Partner
While the aircraft may be the main focus of most people, airplane tugs also play a very important role, especially in the ground operations after landing. Many airports or airstrips have a rather confined layout, which means that there is not much space for maneuvering while parking the planes. Airplane tugs help tow airplanes from the runway to the parking bay in a controlled manner, minimizing the chances of causing damage or accidents in the process.
Maneuverability Beyond Human Capabilities
Aircraft are a wonder of technology in the sky, but on the ground, they are giants that are difficult to maneuver. An airplane tug, in this sense, is thus necessary. Airplane tugs are specialized vehicles designed for easy aircraft transport. They only come into play when the pilot stops. This is done by hooking the tug onto the landing gears of the airplane in a bid to tow it in a very efficient and safe manner. The slightest mistake in controlling the aircraft during the taxiing process may result in an accident. An expert tug pilot can control the plane well without causing any bumps and bruises while navigating through narrow channels.
Efficiency in Busy Airports
Another major problem that both pilots and airport employees encounter is controlling the flow of activities on the runway. In aviation, time is money, and this is very true in large commercial airports where planes are landing, taking off, and maneuvering within a short time.
Tugs can help speed up the landing process by pulling the plane to the required area as fast as possible, reducing the time it takes for the next plane to use the bay. There are no jams on the runway, which ensures that everything is well coordinated and avoids flight delays. That is why airplane tugs assist not only one pilot but the whole airport and its operation.
Reliability and Control in Any Climate Conditions
There is one aspect of ground operations that is not given much attention and that is how weather may influence the movement of an aircraft. Pilots should be careful of wet or icy ground that can reduce the effectiveness of the brake and may result in sliding or parking in the area designated. These are special tugs that are used to tow airplanes, and they are equipped to offer the required traction and steering in any form of weather. Tugs also have the advantage of reducing the dependence of an aircraft on its engines when taxiing, hence conserving fuel and cutting down on emissions.
Looking for the Perfect Tug
Pilots, ground crews, or airport operators who want to include a tug in their fleet of equipment need to invest in the right piece of machinery. From a small tow tug for private planes to a large and powerful tug for commercial aircraft, there are many to choose from. Some of the factors that you have to consider include the weight, size, and type of aircraft that are to be towed and the requirements of the airport or airfield. It is quite easy to find an airplane tug for sale to suit each type of aircraft and operation.
Conclusion
Airplane tugs are one of the many components of aviation that are not always noticed but are definitely needed. Pilots are required to concentrate a lot of effort in flying an aircraft to land safely and effectively. Therefore, tugs come in handy on the ground with maneuvering aircraft.
