Pushback (aviation)

In aviation, pushback is an airport procedure during which an aircraft is pushed backwards away from its parking position, usually at an airport gate by external power. Pushbacks are carried out by special, low-profile vehicles called pushback tractors or tugs.

Although many aircraft are capable of moving themselves backwards on the ground using reverse thrust (a procedure referred to as a powerback), increased noise, jet blast, prop wash, or flying debris can injure airport staff and damage buildings and equipment. Debris can also be sucked into engines, as it is in normal use, causing unnecessary wear; a major part of the wear on aircraft engines occurs during ground use. A pushback is therefore the preferred method when ground-handling aircraft.