During pushback, in which gear must the tractor be operated?

The operation of the tractor during pushback is most effective and safe in the first gear. This gear provides the necessary torque and control needed to move the aircraft backward from the gate or parking position. Using the first gear allows the tractor to maneuver slowly and with precision, which is critical in maintaining a safe distance from nearby objects and ensuring the aircraft moves smoothly without abrupt movements.

Selecting the first gear is essential for handling the additional load that comes with pushing the weight of the aircraft, allowing the operator to maintain better control. This is particularly important in tightly packed airport environments where space is limited and precision is vital to prevent accidents.

Higher gears would increase speed but would reduce control and responsiveness, making it harder to navigate around obstacles. Additionally, reverse gear, while seemingly a logical choice for moving backward, is typically used in different circumstances such as when repositioning the tractor itself rather than pushing an aircraft.