What is the primary safety rule for tow teams regarding aircraft wheels?

• A. Tow team shall not place themselves in the direct path of aircraft wheels or ride on any external portion of an aircraft or tow vehicle
• B. Tow team may stand in the path when escorted by supervisor
• C. Tow team should always stay behind the aircraft
• D. Tow team should stand on the opposite side of the tow vehicle from the aircraft

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is keeping you out of harm’s way during aircraft towing by maintaining a position that minimizes exposure to moving wheels and gear. Staying behind the aircraft places you in a safer zone where you’re unlikely to be swept into the wheel path or struck by gear movement. From that position you can clearly observe signals from the crew and respond quickly if the aircraft starts to move or needs a stop, without being in the line of travel of the wheels or under any swinging components.

Being in front of the aircraft or in the direct path of the wheels, or attempting to stand on the opposite side of the tow vehicle, increases the risk of injury from unexpected wheel action, gear movement, or debris. Even with supervision, the safest, most reliable posture during tow is behind the aircraft where you’re out of the wheel path and aligned with standard hand-signal communication.