Pushback

Pushback is the procedure of moving an aircraft away from the airport gate using a specialized towing vehicle (pushback tug or tractor). Since aircraft cannot reverse under their own power (with rare exceptions), pushback is required at nose-in gate positions.

Types of pushback tugs: conventional (with towbar attached to the nose gear), towbarless (lifts and clamps the nose gear directly). Pushback requires coordination between the flight crew, pushback crew, and ATC ground control.