Pushback procedures

The first of this summer's Boeing 737-800 jets has arrived in Petersburg. These bigger aircraft can only approach the terminal nose-first to prevent the powerful exhaust from their larger engines from damaging the building and surrounding hangars. This meant new lines were painted on the tarmac and airline staff from Petersburg traveled out of town to learn safe operation of the newly arrived pushback tractor. On Friday afternoon, for the first time in Petersburg, airport manager Chad Dolbeare connected the aircraft to the tractor and Skyler Cummings operated the rig to push the jet into position away from the terminal.