Which items should be inspected during the pre-tow area around the aircraft to ensure readiness for tow?

• A. Cabin oxygen levels.
• B. Nose gear, tow bar, pins, chocks, brakes, and surrounding area.
• C. Tail rotor clearance.
• D. Flight management system status.

Answer: (B)

In tow readiness, the emphasis is on the components and area that actually affect moving the aircraft safely with ground equipment. The nose gear is the critical connection point for the tow, so it must be in good condition, with steering functioning smoothly and the nose gear locked for towing. The tow bar must be properly attached to both the aircraft and the towing vehicle, with locking mechanisms secured and any safety pins correctly installed to prevent inadvertent release. Safety pins and related hardware should be present and secured as required, since missing or mispositioned pins can lead to accidental disconnects during tow. Chocks play a key role in keeping the aircraft from moving before you connect and align everything for tow, so you verify they are in place on the appropriate wheels and can be removed safely as the operation proceeds. Brakes must be in the proper state for tow—typically released so the aircraft can roll, and checked for any binding or hydraulic issues that could hinder movement or control. Finally, you survey the surrounding area to confirm there are no obstacles, loose items, or personnel hazards in the path of the tow or in the near vicinity, ensuring a clear, predictable environment for maneuvering.

Cabin oxygen levels aren’t part of the tow readiness check, so they aren’t relevant to preparing for a tow. The tail rotor concept isn’t applicable to a fixed-wing aircraft like this, so tail rotor clearance isn’t a factor here. Flight management system status pertains to flight operations and cockpit systems, not the pre-tow readiness around the aircraft.