GALAXY

TOWING - DESCRIPTION

1. Introduction

A. Normal towing and maneuvering the aircraft on the ground, when taxiing, is similar to other conventional tricycle geared aircraft.

B. For safety, a minimum of two persons is necessary for all towing operations. If the aircraft is towed in a confined area, a minimum of five persons is necessary for safety.

C. The Nose Landing Gear (NLG) is equipped with a towing device. The towing device is connected to the NLG with a shear pin to prevent damage by high shear forces on the NLG during towing. Three spare shear pins are stowed on the towing device. A tow bar can be attached to the towing device using a pip pin.

D. The aircraft can be towed forward or pushed backwards on hard surfaces. The turning angle of the nose wheel, with tow bar, is 100° either side of center.

E. Emergency recovery of the aircraft from off the runway, taxiway or parking ramp can be accomplished by connection of a cable and sling to the main landing gear struts. The aircraft must be towed backward, and the nose gear tow bar is used only for steering while the aircraft is being towed.

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

KPH - Kilometers Per HourMLG - Main Landing GearMPH - Miles Per HourNLG - Nose Landing GearP/N - Part NumberPSI - Pounds Per Square Inch

TOWING PROCEDURES

1. General

A. This procedure contains instructions for towing the aircraft.

B. The portable tow bar must be carried aboard the aircraft at all times.

C. Aircraft towing equipment is shown in Figure 201.

D. Tow bar attachment on the NLG is shown in Figure 202.

E. The minimum turning radius of the aircraft for normal towing is shown in Figure 203. The wing tip makes the largest arc while turning and gives the minimum obstruction clearance path.

2. Towing ProcedureTask 09-00-00-584-801

A. Standard Tools and Equipment(1) Universal Tow Bar, TRONAIR, P/N 01-1272-0000 or Telescoping Design Portable Tow Bar(2) Towing Vehicle(3) Shear Pin, P/N 23122-000-00(4) Tow Head Adapter, TRONAIR, P/N 01-0576-0000(5) Nose Landing Gear Actuator Safety Pin, 23215-000-00(6) Wheel Chock, TRONAIR, P/N 99-9028-6024 or fabricate locally(7) Sling attachment, MLG Wheel (2 each), GAC, P/N 4AS9900100/1(8) Link, Locally available(9) Cables, Locally available each cable shall withstand a minimum pulling force of

13,860 t 330 lbs (6300 ± 150 kg)(10) Flashing light

B. References(1)Task 12-25-00-610-801, Nose Landing Gear (NLG) Shock Absorber - Servicing(2)Task 12-25-00-610-802, Main Landing Gear (MLG) Shock Absorber - Servicing(3) Task 20-40-01-580-801, Aircraft Static Grounding

C. Preparation(1) Safety Precautions

WARNING: TOWING SUPERVISOR SHALL MAKE SURE PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN TOWING AIRCRAFT ARE QUALIFIED AND BRIEFED ON THEIR POSITIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, USE OF AUTHORIZED SIGNALS, TOWING SPEEDS, AND ROUTES. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.

APPLICATION OF PARKING BRAKES SHALL BE AVOIDED DURING TOWING TO PREVENT DEPLETION OF BRAKE ACCUMULATORS, THEREBY MAKING PARKING BRAKE INOPERATIVE. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

ABRUPT STARTS, STOPS, AND SHARP TURNS SHALL BE AVOIDED UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS SINCE DAMAGE TO TOW BAR, TRACTOR, NOSE GEAR STRUT, OR AIRCRAFT TIRES COULD OCCUR AND RESULT IN INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

MAKE SURE TOW VEHICLE IS IN SATISFACTORY MECHANICAL OPERATING ORDER AND NO DEFECTS WHICH COULD AFFECT TOWING EXIST. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS WARNING MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

CAUTION: ALL PERSONNEL SHALL LOOK FOR CLEARANCES OR OBSTRUCTIONS DURING MOVEMENT OF AIRCRAFT. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THIS CAUTION MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.

MOVEMENT OF AIRCRAFT OVER ROUGH SURFACES OR ACROSS OBSTRUCTIONS SHOULD BE AT A SLIGHT ANGLE AND AT A CONSTANT SLOW SPEED TO REDUCE TOWING LOADS. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

CLEARANCE FROM BUILDINGS AND OTHER AIRCRAFT AND VEHICLES MUST BE KEPT THROUGHOUT ALL TOWING PROCEDURES. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

FOR SAFE TOWING USE HAND SIGNALS AND LIGHTS. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

IN CONGESTED AREAS, A PERSON MUST BE POSITIONED AT EACH WING TIP TO CHECK FOR ADEQUATE DISTANCE FROM ANY OBSTRUCTION IN VICINITY OF AIRCRAFT. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

CAUTION: MAXIMUM TOWING SPEED SHALL BE SAFE REASONABLE SPEED IN UNCONGESTED AREAS, NOT TO EXCEED 3 MILES PER HOUR AND WHEN WINGWALKERS ARE NOT BEING USED. MAXIMUM TOWING SPEEDS SHALL VARY ACCORDING TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, TYPE OF SURFACE, AND TERRAIN. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

IF REVERSING AIRCRAFT, POSITION A PERSON AT THE TAIL TO CHECK ADEQUATE DISTANCE FROM ANY OBSTRUCTION. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

MAKE SURE NOSE LANDING GEAR AND MAIN LANDING GEAR SHOCK STRUTS AND TIRES ARE PROPERLY SERVICED (VISUAL CHECK). FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

WHEN TOWING AIRCRAFT WITH FAULTY BRAKES, HAVE A MINIMUM OF TWO CHOCKS AVAILABLE TO CHOCK MAIN WHEELS IF AN EMERGENCY CONDITION OCCURS. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

USE EMERGENCY TOWING METHODS TO TOW AIRCRAFT IN HEAVY SNOW, MUD, OR OTHER IRREGULAR TERRAIN WHERE EXCESSIVE NLG TOW LOADS MAY BE ENCOUNTERED. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

(2) Preparation For Towing

S210-001(a) Inspect exterior of aircraft and make sure all cowlings, doors and latches are closed.

S090-001(b) Clear ground equipment and obstructions from aircraft towing path.

S210-002(c)Check tires are in a satisfactory condition for towing (Ref Task 12-25-05-210-801).

S210-003(d) Check main and nose landing gear shock absorbers are serviced correctly. See placard on shock absorber (Ref Task 12-25-00-610-801 and Task 12-25-00-610-802).

S010-001(e) Open access door 152BR (Ref 12-00-00, Figure 211).

S780-001(f) Make sure that parking brake accumulator is precharged for brake operation. Precharge

pressure should be 1200 psi ± 50 at 70°F (21° C).

S210-003(g)Verify that the NWS switch on the left console is in OFF position (Figure 205).

S490-001(h) Install safety pin in nose landing gear (Figure 202).

D. Normal Towing (Figures 202 and 203)

CAUTION: AIRCRAFT TOWING TURN LIMITS OF 100° FROM EITHER SIDE OF CENTER SHALL NOT BE EXCEEDED. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

A BRAKE OPERATOR MUST BE IN THE FLIGHT COMPARTMENT TO STOP THE AIRCRAFT IN CASE THE TOW BAR DISCONNECTS WHILE TOWING. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

S863-002(1) Check brake pressure gauge of the parking brake accumulator using parking brake for sufficient hydraulic pressure (1000 psi minimum) for aircraft brakes.

S410-001(2) Close access door 152BR (Ref 12-00-00, Figure 211).

CAUTION: WHEN TELESCOPING DESIGN PORTABLE TOW BAR IS USED, PRIOR TO CONNECTION, PLACE IN FULLY EXTENDED POSITION AND LOCK

TELESCOPES USING LOCK PINS. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT.

S490-001(3) Connect tow bar to nose landing gear towing device and to towing vehicle. If telescoping design portable tow bar is used, place in fully extended position and lock telescopes using lock pins.

CAUTION: APPLY BRAKES ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY. AVOID USE OF BRAKES, IF POSSIBLE, WHEN AIRCRAFT IS MOVING BACKWARD AS AIRCRAFT COULD ROTATE ONTO ITS TAIL. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

S090-001(4) Remove wheel chocks and static ground cable from aircraft.

S860-001(5) At night or during reduced visibility position flashing lights on wing tips.

S584-001(6) Release parking brake and start to tow slowly.

S584-002(7) On completion of towing, check nose wheels are centered.

S490-002(8) Position wheel chocks and install static ground cable.

S584-003(9) Disconnect tow bar from nose landing gear.

E. Emergency Towing (Figure 205)

WARNING: THIS METHOD OF TOWING IS CONSIDERED ABNORMAL. BECAREFUL DURING TOWING OPERATION TO AVOID INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.

SINCE THE SLING ASSEMBLIES ARE USED TO POSITION THE AIRCRAFT, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO USE CHOCKS TO STOP AIRCRAFT IN AN EMERGENCY TO AVOID INJURY TO PERSONNEL AND/OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.

POSITION OPERATOR IN FLIGHT COMPARTMENT WITH FEET ON BRAKE PEDALS TO STOP AIRCRAFT IN EMERGENCY.

CAUTION: DO NOT ATTACH A ROPE HARNESS/CABLE TO NOSE LANDING GEAR STRUT. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO STRUT.

DO NOT PUSH AIRCRAFT AT POINTS MARKED "NO PUSH". FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO STRUT.

DO NOT PUSH, PULL OR LIFT AIRCRAFT FLIGHT CONTROL SURFACES. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO STRUT.

TENSION FORCE FOR EACH BACKWARD TOWING CABLE IS LIMITED TO 13,860 LB (6,300 KG) MAXIMUM. DO NOT APPLY TENSION FORCE OVER THIS VALUE. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT.

NOTE: This procedure assumes that no damage has occurred to the landing gear and that the aircraft cannot be moved by nose gear towing.

Towing aircraft backward should be performed by attaching a sling in conjunction with a sling attachment to each wheel axle on the left and right main landing gear. Backward towing cables are connected to MLG wheel slings respectively. Use tow bar to steer aircraft.

S840-001(1) Prepare aircraft for towing (Ref para. C).

S869-001(2) Reduce weight of aircraft as much as possible.

CAUTION: THE BACKWARD TOWING CABLES SHALL BE 30 FEET ± 3 FEET (10M ± 1 M) IN LENGTH TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TOWING CLEARANCE BETWEEN TOWING VEHICLE AND AIRCRAFT. FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT.

S490-004(3)Connect sling attachment (2) to wheel axle (1) on left and right MLG.

S490-005(4) Connect slings (3) to two sling attachments (2).

S490-006(5) Attach towing cables (4) to left and right slings (3).

S490-007(6)Position towing vehicle on a hard, firm surface and connect cables (4) to lug of towing

vehicle.

S 584-004(7) Back up any tow movement with wheel chocks to prevent back roll. Once aircraft starts to roll, maintain movement slowly and steadily in a straight path.

S490-008(8)At night or during reduced visibility place flashing lights on wing tips.

S 090-004(9) Remove chocks.

NOTE: During tow operations using sling and rope harness, aircraft steering is accomplished by moving tow bar in direction of desired movement.

S 584-005(10) Slowly start to tow aircraft, until on hard surface. Tow aircraft conventionally if possible on a hard surface.

S 840-002(11) On completion of towing, check nose wheels are centered.

S490-009(12) Position wheel chocks against main and nose landing gear.

S490-010(13) Install static ground cable (Ref Task 20-40-01-580-801).

F. Towing During Icing Condition Weather

CAUTION: APPROACH THE AIRCRAFT SLOWLY WITH THE TOW VEHICLE. STOPPING DISTANCES ON A SLICK SURFACE CAN BE AS MUCH AS TEN TIMES GREATER THAN ON A DRY SURFACE. OCCASIONALLY TRY BRAKES WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS TO GET A FEEL OF HOW SLIPPERY THE SURFACE IS. IF THE BRAKES MUST BE USED ON A SLIPPERY SURFACE, USE A FAST LIGHT PUMPING ACTION. THIS SHORTENS STOPPING DISTANCES AND KEEPS THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL.

WHEN TOWING THE AIRCRAFT, HAVE SOMEONE IN THE COCKPIT. USE PROPER TOW VEHICLE WITH TIRE CHAINS, WHEN APPROPRIATE. REMEMBER THAT THE PRESENCE OF ICE WILL CAUSE THE WHEEL CHOCKS TO SLIDE.

WHEN TOWING, THERE IS A TENDENCY FOR THE TOWED VEHICLE TO JACKKNIFE IF BRAKES ARE APPLIED SUDDENLY OR TOO HARD. ON HARD-PACKED SNOW, APPLY BRAKES UNTIL WHEEL START TO SLIDE, THEN RELEASE THEM SLIGHTLY TO SLOW DOWN AND KEEP THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL.

NOTE: The operation of towing equipment becomes more hazardous during winter weather when reduced visibility and poor traction are added hazards. Stopping distances are greatly increased. Maintaining equipment in good condition helps prevent unnecessary delays or potential accidents. Dry snow gives better towing traction than wet snow. Wet snow thaws and refreezes to cause hazardous driving conditions. Heavy traffic or the exhaust from parked vehicles can warm an ice or snow covered ramp, making it wet and slippery. Traction is lost with fast starts that spin the wheels of a vehicle. Make gradual turns and steer smoothly.

If the aircraft becomes mired in soft mud or snow, the aircraft must be towed backward using ropes or a harness assembly attached to the main gear, The nose gear tow bar should be used only for steering (Ref para. h).

There are a number of products that, when applied in the gear door and gear well area, will inhibit the accumulation of ice or slush. Some of these products are WD40, LPS-2, and ICEX 11. If operating from snow or slush coated taxiways and runways, thoroughly spray down the main landing gear door area before each flight. By following this preventive procedure, you should be able to avoid ice accumulations on the main landing gear doors.

Before using any protective product make sure it is not damaging aircraft paint.