Which term is the action of pushing the aircraft back from the gate using a tug?

Which term is the action of pushing the aircraft back from the gate using a tug?

• A. RON
• B. Runway
• C. Pushback
• D. Sterile Cockpit/Flight Deck

Answer: (C)

Pushback is the term for moving an aircraft away from the gate with a tug. At the gate, a tow tractor attaches to the nose gear and pushes the aircraft backward onto the taxiway, usually with engines off during the maneuver. Once clear of the gate, the pilots control taxiing to the runway. The other terms don’t describe this action: RON means remain overnight, a runway is the takeoff/landing surface, and sterile cockpit/flight deck refers to limiting nonessential communication during critical phases.

Pushback is the term for moving an aircraft away from the gate with a tug. At the gate, a tow tractor attaches to the nose gear and pushes the aircraft backward onto the taxiway, usually with engines off during the maneuver. Once clear of the gate, the pilots control taxiing to the runway. The other terms don’t describe this action: RON means remain overnight, a runway is the takeoff/landing surface, and sterile cockpit/flight deck refers to limiting nonessential communication during critical phases.