Pushback training: Airside-Pushback™ vs. on-aircraft training

When considering your training options for your pushback operators, there must be a balance of efficiency, safety and engagement.

Pushback simulator training uses simulated scenarios along with physical features such as pedals and adjustable mirrors for practice. In contrast, on-aircraft training gives pushback drivers experience towing real aircraft in live ramp and tarmac environments.

Explore pushback simulator vs. on-aircraft training to determine how together, they provide operator readiness while reducing unnecessary live-equipment risk. 

What Airside-Pushback™ training means in professional airside operations

Airside-Pushback™ is Driver Training Solutions' pushback simulator that trains operators through physical controls and repeatable virtual scenarios. The simulator’s Instructor Operator Station (IOS) provides instructors with the tools to give individualized, targeted feedback to their pushback drivers.

Airside-Pushback™ training creates a controlled environment where your pushback drivers can repeatedly practice scenarios. While training in a consistent environment, operators can focus on building specialized skills needed for airport operations.

The scenario library includes safe driving fundamentals, along with courses specific to airport ground-handling simulator training. Virtually, pushback drivers practice elements such as: 

• Securing the connection between the aircraft and the towbar
• Maneuvering small spaces while towing an aircraft
• Using their peripheral vision to prevent collisions with other vehicles or people
• Responding to vehicle or equipment malfunctions during simulated operations
• Communicating with other ground support crew members through hand signals
• Performing safety checks
• Adapting to changing ramp conditions (weather, lighting, etc.)

When operators can make mistakes, receive feedback, and try again, they are better prepared to make decisions in high-stress situations.

Using simulated scenarios also helps reduce real damage during training. If a driver makes an error in the simulator, instructors can pause, review and repeat the scenario without exposing personnel, aircraft or ground support equipment to live training damage. 

What on-aircraft training does well

On-aircraft training involves towing an actual aircraft using a pushback tug at an airport. Pushback operators experience aircraft weight, movement response, towbar handling and live ramp space constraints.

On-aircraft training is a useful instructional method for pushback drivers who understand the operational theory of pushbacks and are comfortable working with aircraft.

Where on-aircraft training has limits in pushback preparation

The top two limitations of on-aircraft training are repeatability and safety. 

In the real world, you cannot control the environment your pushback operators work in, which makes it difficult to repeat training sessions exactly. For example, the weather can change and make the same exercise vastly different. 

Practicing turning maneuvers in clear, dry conditions may feel different when ramp surfaces are wet, visibility is reduced or surrounding traffic patterns change.

On-aircraft training also has safety limitations. While instructors do their best to maintain safety, unexpected events can occur. An operator’s mistake can cause injuries and vehicle/aircraft damage. 

These limitations make it difficult to simulate emergency situations for training. While emergencies are rare, pushback operators need to practice for them. You want them to be prepared if such a situation occurs. 

However, using the on-aircraft training method, setting up emergency scenarios can introduce unnecessary risk.

Airside-Pushback™ training vs. on-aircraft training

When building or renovating your pushback driver training program, the focus should not be on pushback simulator vs. on-aircraft training. Instead, the focus should be on which method will give you and your ground support team the greatest ROI in terms of safety and training efficiency.

Airside-Pushback™ helps build specialized pushback operational skills quickly. The ability to practice in a controlled environment, repeat scenarios and implement instructor feedback to builds decision-making and confidence before operators transition into live aircraft movement. 

Using the simulator, pushback operators will also become familiar with towing an aircraft, which is essential for a successful transition from training to operation.

On-aircraft training should be the final phase of training, ensuring operators are comfortable driving the pushback with or without an aircraft attached. It can build drivers’ confidence - resulting in better performance from the start.

When you combine both methods, you create a comprehensive training program. 

What to look for in an aircraft pushback training solution

When looking for a pushback training simulator, consider a solution that helps instructors deliver consistent training, documents operator progress and tailors scenarios around the risks that teams may experience.

Instructor tools

An aircraft pushback training simulator should include tools that enhance your instructor’s skills. It should assist in creating courses, grading performance and ensuring consistency across individual drivers and teams. Airside-Pushback’s™ Instructor Operator Station (IOS) can also record drivers’ hand and head movements so instructors have a full understanding of their performance.

The Replay Studio™ allows instructors to rewind scenarios to specific points - such as the moment when a driver made a mistake. This creates precise feedback that is easier for drivers to understand. 

Immersive features

Your simulator should mimic the feel of a real pushback vehicle. This will ensure the training sessions are engaging and help drivers transition from the simulator to physical vehicles. 

For example, Airside-Pushback™ features:

• 180-degree view
• Adjustable mirrors, pedals and levers
• 6-channel surround sound system
• SmartNode Steering System (force feedback in the steering column)
• Proportional 3D road surface model

Customization

Your pushback training solution should allow for customization. Tailoring scenarios can address specific performance pain points that standardized courses do not cover. You can also create courses that better align with ramp safety and operation. 

Build a comprehensive pushback driver training program

Better prepare your pushback operators from theory to operation with Driver Training Solutions’ Airside-Pushback™. Drivers can build foundational decision-making skills and muscle memory simultaneously.

You will see better and faster results when operators transition to actual vehicle operations.