Tug (Pushback Tractor)

Category: aviation

A specialized vehicle used to maneuver an aircraft on the ground by pushing or pulling it.

Jets are rarely "backed up" using their own engines, as the exhaust would blast the FBO building and the thrust could damage equipment. Instead, a tug is used to push the jet out onto the taxiway, where the pilot then starts the engines.

Common Examples

• The tug operator expertly maneuvered the jet out of the hangar and into the queue for the active departure taxiway.
• Using a tug to position the aircraft is standard procedure to protect the FBO and ground support personnel from jet blast hazards.