Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Company Policy; Human Factors
Regional Air Carrier CRJ-200 aircraft was under towbarless tow by Supertug; southbound on taxiway Tango at XA:30pm January 2015 between G and H taxiways. Aircraft was unpowered; no beacon or navigation lights were lit; no one was in cockpit; and it's unlikely any transponder was in use. Field conditions were IMC; snow; ceilings broken 009; OVC 015. Violation of requirements for visibility of aircraft while on controlled areas in inclement conditions. This has been an ongoing situation for over a month with these tow movement. Weather IFR. Safety Concern. Operation in Noncompliance of FARs; Policy; Procedures. Require company to use trained Airframe and Powerplant (A/P) mechanics to move aircraft as specified in FAA and ZZZ Airport Operations regulations.
A CRJ-700 Aircraft was being towed by Supertug Southeast (SE) bound on taxiway YY. Aircraft had no navigation or beacon lights operating. ZZZ field conditions were IMC with snow; limited visibility and low ceilings and twilight commencing. This is in violation of FAA and ZZZ Airport Operations requirements which call for illumination of said lighting while on controlled movement areas in such weather conditions. Operation in Noncompliance of FARs; Policy; Procedures. Require aircraft movement be accomplished by trained Aiframe/Powerplant mechanics as stated in FAA and ZZZ Airport regulations.
A Line Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) reports about supertugs towing two CRJ Regional Aircraft that were unpowered; no beacon or navigation lights on; no one in the cockpit; in IMC field conditions with snow; limited visibility and low ceilings with twilight commencing. Technician noted that both aircraft tows were in violation of FAA and their Airport Operations regulations.