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Person in flight deck during towing

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 16 of 26 on Ground Operations and Servicing. ACS element AM.I.F.R1 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONBefore an aircraft is moved with a tow tractor, a qualified person must be in the flight deck primarily to

  1. Aoperate the brakes if the tow bar fails or unhooks.
  2. Bsteer the nosewheel while the tow bar is still attached.
  3. Cmonitor the engine instruments during the tow.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. operate the brakes if the tow bar fails or unhooks.

  • A — correct The handbook requires a qualified person in the flight deck to operate the brakes in case the tow bar fails or becomes unhooked, so the aircraft can be stopped.
  • B — incorrect Persons in the aircraft are not to attempt to steer or turn the nosewheel while the tow bar is attached.
  • C — incorrect The aircraft's engines are usually not operated while it is being towed, so there are no engine indications to monitor.

BACKGROUND

Towing can damage the aircraft and injure personnel if done carelessly, and the manufacturer's maintenance instructions for the specific model are followed in all cases. Before a towed aircraft is moved, a qualified person must be in the flight deck to operate the brakes in case the tow bar fails or becomes unhooked, allowing the aircraft to be stopped. The brake system is charged before each towing operation, and chocks are kept immediately available. Aircraft brakes are otherwise never applied during towing except on command from a tow team member in an emergency, and persons in the aircraft do not steer the nosewheel while the bar is attached.

STUDY TIP

Frame the flight deck occupant's role as a brake operator for emergencies only, not a driver or steersman.

KEY POINTS

  • A qualified person occupies the flight deck to operate the brakes if the tow bar fails or unhooks.
  • Never steer the nosewheel from the cockpit while the tow bar is attached.
  • Charge the brake system before each tow and keep chocks immediately available.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch01 "Towing of Aircraft"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.