New FAA Advisory Circular Reviews Aircraft Tug Safety | Aviation International News

FAA Circular Revisits Aircraft Towing Safety

Spurred by several recent near-mishaps, this is the first revision to the document in nearly 15 years.

private jet being towed at airport — A new advisory circular from the FAA revisits the topic of aircraft towing procedures and safety.

By Curt Epstein • Business Aviation Services Editor

August 21, 2023

Citing several recent reported cases of near incursions and mishaps involving tug operations during aircraft movement, the FAA has issued an advisory circular on towbar and towbarless movement of aircraft for the first time since 2009. The document reviews the best practices for the safe operation of this equipment.

According to the agency, “air traffic control (ATC) specialists 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 a result, it noted no person should park or move an aircraft in, or in dangerous proximity to, a night flight operations area of an airport unless the aircraft or the area is clearly illuminated.

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