Final answer:
Safety zones around an MD80 during pushback operations are essential for the safety of ground personnel and the aircraft. While the number of zones may vary, important areas include the space in front of the aircraft, behind, and around the wingtips.
Step-by-step explanation:
On a turnaround flight, when a pushback tractor and towbar are connected to an MD80, there are specific safety precautions that must be followed to ensure the safety of both the ground crew and the aircraft. The question refers to safety zones positioned around the aircraft during pushback, which are critical areas where ground personnel must be positioned or clear of to avoid injury and ensure a safe pushback operation.
Although the exact number of safety zones can vary based on the airport's own rules or the airline's standard operating procedures, in general, there should be a clear zone directly in front of the aircraft, behind it, and around the wingtips. This ensures that the wingtips do not strike any nearby objects or personnel, that the front of the aircraft is clear of any obstructions as it begins to move, and that the rear of the aircraft is monitored to prevent collisions.
The lead pushback operator, typically situated in the tractor, signals to the wing walkers and the cockpit crew, verifying that all areas are clear before the pushback begins. In some instances, wing walkers or marshals will communicate using hand signals or radio communication to ensure that the aircraft is clear to move. The exact protocols can depend on the resources available and the size of the aircraft. For an MD80, it is particularly important to maintain clear safety zones given its tail-mounted engines, which can pose additional hazards due to jet blasts during engine start-up and pushback procedures.