When backing the aircraft to align gears, it must be ______ to accomplish this process.

• A. Pulled forward
• B. Reversed
• C. Steered by rudder
• D. Rotated in place

Answer: (A)

Ground steering during tow is controlled through the towbar by the towing tractor. When you need to back the aircraft to align the landing gear, the aircraft must be pulled forward. That forward pull gives the operator precise control over the nose gear direction and allows small, controlled adjustments to bring the gears into alignment. Rudder input doesn’t steer the aircraft while it’s tethered to a towbar, so steering by rudder isn’t how this alignment is achieved. Rotating the aircraft in place or reversing it won’t provide the correct, safe method for lining up the gear, whereas a forward pull from the tug accomplishes the needed positioning.