When towing aircraft, who is responsible for ensuring all protocols are followed?

The tow team supervisor holds the primary responsibility for ensuring that all protocols are followed during aircraft towing operations. This role includes overseeing the entire towing process, ensuring that safety measures and procedures are adhered to, and coordinating between the different team members involved in the operation. The supervisor's position is crucial for effective communication and for maintaining a safe and efficient towing environment.

While each individual team member contributes to the overall success and safety of the operation, their actions are typically guided and managed by the supervisor. The pilot may be responsible for the aircraft and its systems, but the towing protocols and safety measures fall under the tow team supervisor's purview. Similarly, the maintenance crew plays a role in preparing the aircraft for towing but does not hold the same supervisory responsibility over towing operations themselves.