What is Pushback in airport operations?

• A. The procedure to taxi directly from the gate.
• B. The procedure to move an aircraft from the gate using a tug before taxiing.
• C. The process of fueling the aircraft.
• D. The instruction to hold short of the runway.

Answer: (B)

Pushback is the maneuver where an aircraft is moved away from the gate using a tow tractor (tug) before it begins moving under its own power. A towbar is usually attached to the aircraft’s nose gear, and ground crew push the airplane backward from the gate to reach a position where it can safely taxi to the taxiway or runway. This step helps clear the jet bridge and ground equipment and ensures proper clearance around the stand. After pushback, engines are typically started and the aircraft taxis under its own power. This is different from simply taxiing from the gate, fueling, or instructions to hold short.