How should tow team members communicate during operations?

Effective communication among tow team members is vital for ensuring safety and operational efficiency during tow operations. Using radios while maintaining visual contact combines the benefits of both verbal communication and non-verbal cues. This method allows team members to quickly convey important information and instructions while also being able to visually monitor the aircraft and surrounding environment. Visual contact helps ensure that all team members can see each other's actions, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and enhancing situational awareness.

Other communication methods may not provide the same level of effectiveness. Hand gestures can lead to ambiguity, especially in noisy environments where visual cues might be difficult to see. Relying solely on the control tower might create delays and does not facilitate real-time communication necessary during operations. Rotating team leads, while useful in certain contexts, does not address the primary need for consistent and clear communication throughout the operation and could potentially disrupt the flow of information.