Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:58 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:58 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Operate aircraft push-out tug
Operate aircraft push-out tug
Unit of competency
National Code
AVIW3005B
AVIW3005B
State Code
WB823
WB823
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/03/2013
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
21/03/2013
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate an aircraft push-out tug at a commercial airport. This includes conducting pre- and post-operational checks, positioning the tug and coupling it to the aircraft, and safely operating the tug to assist the manoeuvring of the aircraft. Types of aircraft push-out tug and related terminology may vary from airport to airport. Generic performance criteria provided in this unit may therefore need to be adapted, as required, to accommodate the operating procedures recommended by the manufacturers of the aircraft push-out tug concerned. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Conduct pre-operational checks on the tug
- 1.1 Pre-operational checks of the tug are conducted in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers instructions
- 1.2 Fluid levels are topped up where required in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers specifications
- 1.3 Faults and malfunctions are identified and appropriate action is taken to rectify and/or report the fault/malfunction in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements
2Operate tug
- 2.1 Tug is manoeuvred to aircraft and positioned in preparation for aircraft ground manoeuvres and/or push-out operations in accordance with workplace procedures, local instructions and relevant regulatory requirements
- 2.2 Tug is coupled to the aircraft in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements
- 2.3 Tug is operated in accordance with workplace procedures, OH&S regulations and manufacturers instructions
- 2.4 Aircraft ground manoeuvres and/or push-out of aircraft are conducted in accordance with directions of the ground engineer and aircrew in accordance with workplace procedures, local instructions and regulatory requirements
- 2.5 At completion of required operations, tug is uncoupled from aircraft in accordance workplace procedures and regulatory requirements
- 2.6 At the completion of all scheduled activities, tug is manoeuvred to and parked in storage bay/area in accordance with workplace procedures
- 2.7 Tug is shut down and stored
3Conduct post-operational checks of tug in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers instructions
- 3.1 Any faults and malfunctions are identified and appropriate action is taken to rectify and/or report the fault/malfunction in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements
- 3.2 Where applicable, tug is refuelled and fluid levels topped up in accordance with workplace procedures, relevant regulatory requirements and manufacturers instructions
- 3.3 Hazards associated with the operation of the tug are recognised and appropriate precautions are taken in accordance with OH&S regulations and workplace hazard management strategies
- 3.4 Equipment log or other required documentation is completed in accordance with workplace procedures, local instructions and regulatory requirements
- 3.5 Instructions for the next operation are obtained and the tug is driven to the next scheduled location in accordance with workplace procedures, local instructions and regulatory requirements
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Aircraft push-out operations may be carried out:
in any allowable operating and weather conditions
in accordance with regulatory and operational requirements
Performance may be demonstrated in:
actual push-out operations at an airport
appropriately simulated push-out operations
Type of aircraft push-out tug may include:
electric battery-operated tugs
diesel engine tugs
Dependent on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, aircraft push-out tugs may be referred to by a variety of terms, including but not restricted to:
aircraft push-back tug
tow tug (aircraft)
aircraft tow motor
aircraft tow tractor
push back power unit (PPU)
Aircraft towing manoeuvres may include but are not restricted to:
the push-out of an aircraft from a gate
transport of an aircraft to/from a hanger
movement of an aircraft around an airport
movement of a defective aircraft
Hazards that may exist when operating an aircraft push-out tug may include but are not restricted to:
other vehicles in the vicinity of the aircraft
personnel in the vicinity of the aircraft
jet blast
noise
dust
Personal protective equipment may include but is not restricted to:
hearing protection
safety gloves
safety footwear
protective clothing
Pre-operational checks may include:
fluid levels (where applicable)
battery charge (where applicable)
fuel level where applicable
visual inspection for faults or defects
Persons consulted during tug operations may include:
other members of the baggage handling and ramp teams
aircrew
aircraft schedulers
supervisors, team leaders and managers
ground support staff
technical staff
Dependent on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may be referred to as:
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
standard operating procedures
Information/documents may include:
licence requirements of relevant regulatory authorities
local instructions relevant to aircraft tug operations
workplace procedures and instructions and job specification
OH&S and environmental protection regulations
tug operational checklists
pre- and post-operation checklists
tug logs/records
emergency procedures
flight schedules and gate allocations
relevant Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders
manufacturers specifications and instructions for the tug being operated
induction and training materials
conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards
Applicable regulations and legislation may include:
relevant licence requirements of the pertinent licensing authority
local instructions
relevant OH&S legislation
relevant environmental protection legislation
relevant Australian Standards
industrial relations and workplace compensation legislation
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Aircraft push-out operations may be carried out:
in any allowable operating and weather conditions
in accordance with regulatory and operational requirements
Performance may be demonstrated in:
actual push-out operations at an airport
appropriately simulated push-out operations
Type of aircraft push-out tug may include:
electric battery-operated tugs
diesel engine tugs
Dependent on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, aircraft push-out tugs may be referred to by a variety of terms, including but not restricted to:
aircraft push-back tug
tow tug (aircraft)
aircraft tow motor
aircraft tow tractor
push back power unit (PPU)
Aircraft towing manoeuvres may include but are not restricted to:
the push-out of an aircraft from a gate
transport of an aircraft to/from a hanger
movement of an aircraft around an airport
movement of a defective aircraft
Hazards that may exist when operating an aircraft push-out tug may include but are not restricted to:
other vehicles in the vicinity of the aircraft
personnel in the vicinity of the aircraft
jet blast
noise
dust
Personal protective equipment may include but is not restricted to:
hearing protection
safety gloves
safety footwear
protective clothing
Pre-operational checks may include:
fluid levels (where applicable)
battery charge (where applicable)
fuel level where applicable
visual inspection for faults or defects
Persons consulted during tug operations may include:
other members of the baggage handling and ramp teams
aircrew
aircraft schedulers
supervisors, team leaders and managers
ground support staff
technical staff
Dependent on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may be referred to as:
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
standard operating procedures
Information/documents may include:
licence requirements of relevant regulatory authorities
local instructions relevant to aircraft tug operations
workplace procedures and instructions and job specification
OH&S and environmental protection regulations
tug operational checklists
pre- and post-operation checklists
tug logs/records
emergency procedures
flight schedules and gate allocations
relevant Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Civil Aviation Orders
manufacturers specifications and instructions for the tug being operated
induction and training materials
conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards
Applicable regulations and legislation may include:
relevant licence requirements of the pertinent licensing authority
local instructions
relevant OH&S legislation
relevant environmental protection legislation
relevant Australian Standards
industrial relations and workplace compensation legislation
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:
the underpinning knowledge and skills
relevant legislation and workplace procedures
other relevant aspects of the range statement
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:
the underpinning knowledge and skills
relevant legislation and workplace procedures
other relevant aspects of the range statement
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S6791 | AVI3W508B | Operate aircraft push-out tug | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWP10 | AVIW3005 | Operate aircraft push-out tug | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S628 | AVI30408 | Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service) | Qualification |