What is the action if the tow bar latch is faulty?

• A. Notify maintenance and replace latch
• B. Proceed with tow; latch can be secured later
• C. Ignore
• D. Lubricate and continue

Answer: (A)

When a tow bar latch is faulty, the action is to notify maintenance and have the latch replaced. The latch is the primary connection that secures the tow tractor to the aircraft; if it’s not functioning, the tow bar can detach or allow uncontrolled movement, risking aircraft damage and crew injury. Escalating to qualified maintenance ensures the latch is inspected, replaced if needed, and rechecked for proper engagement, locking, and torque per spec before towing resumes. Lubricating or continuing with the tow, ignoring the fault, or attempting to secure the latch later do not fix the underlying defect and create a serious safety hazard.