Add pushback and ground services in Prepar3D with Shift+P or GSX. Follow the correct setup and fix missing tugs, bad turns and control conflicts.
Prepar3D includes basic keyboard pushback: remove chocks, release the parking brake, press Shift+P to start, use 1 or 2 for a turn, then press Shift+P again to stop. For baggage, catering, boarding, refuelling and visible tugs, install a Prepar3D-compatible ground-services add-on such as GSX and configure its aircraft and airport profiles.
Does Prepar3D include built-in pushback?
Prepar3D has a basic pushback command, but default ATC does not provide a complete airline-style ground-handling menu.
- Prepare the aircraft. Park at the stand, remove any chocks or ground locks, leave slew mode and make sure the simulator is not paused.
- Start moving backwards. Release the parking brake and press
Shift+P. - Request a turn. Shortly after pushback begins, press the main keyboard
1for tail left or2for tail right. The direction describes the tail, not the nose. - Stop the pushback. Press
Shift+Pagain, allow the aircraft to stop and set the parking brake.
If the command has been changed, check the pushback assignment in Prepar3D's Controls settings against our reference for the default P3D key bindings. Our practical pushback sequence and brake guide covers the timing and steering in more detail.
Increasing airport vehicle traffic in the simulator's traffic settings only adds ambient vehicles. It does not make baggage loaders, catering trucks or fuel vehicles callable.
How do I add full ground services to Prepar3D?
Use a compatible ground-services add-on when you want coordinated vehicles, passenger handling, refuelling, jetways where supported and tug-controlled pushback.
- Check exact compatibility. The installer must support your Prepar3D major version and architecture. Components designed for older 32-bit releases should not be copied into later 64-bit installations.
- Use the supplied installer. Let it register its modules and add-on files rather than placing files manually in the Prepar3D installation directory.
- Start at a parking stand. Choose a gate or ramp position instead of a runway start. Ground-service software needs a recognised parking location.
- Prepare the aircraft. Set the parking brake and operate doors, chocks, stairs or the auxiliary power unit as required by the aircraft. Complex add-ons may use their own EFB or ground panel for these controls.
- Request each service. Open the add-on's service menu and call deboarding, baggage, catering, refuelling and boarding in the appropriate order. Use either the aircraft's fuel loader or the ground-service add-on for fuel, not both simultaneously.
- Request pushback last. Follow the tug's prompts and release the parking brake only when instructed. Do not press the default
Shift+Pcommand during an add-on-controlled pushback.
For the menu sequence and what each vehicle does, see our explanation of operating GSX services and pushback. Support varies between Prepar3D generations, so use only a GSX edition whose installer explicitly lists yours.
Which pushback system should I use?
Use default pushback for simple departures, an aircraft's own system when its documentation requires it, and GSX when you want visible, airport-aware handling.
| Method | Best choice when | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
Prepar3D Shift+P | You only need to move away from the stand | No coordinated baggage, catering or boarding workflow |
| Aircraft EFB or ground panel | A complex aircraft supplies its own chocks, doors, tug or fuel loader | Features usually apply only to that aircraft |
| GSX or another supported service add-on | You want vehicles, service sequencing and configurable pushback routes | Requires correct simulator, aircraft and airport compatibility |
A mistake we see constantly is activating two pushback systems together. Choose one provider for each departure; otherwise the aircraft may refuse to move, turn unexpectedly or spawn overlapping tugs.
Why are pushback or ground vehicles not working?
Most failures come from a conflicting control assignment, an incompatible add-on build, an unrecognised parking stand or an incorrect aircraft profile.
Shift+Pdoes nothing: return keyboard focus to Prepar3D, leave pause or slew mode, remove chocks and verify the pushback control assignment. Test a default aircraft to separate a simulator problem from an aircraft-specific restriction.- The aircraft only pushes straight: press
1or2shortly after starting pushback and use the main number row. Remember that the command specifies where the tail moves. - The service menu appears but no vehicles arrive: load at a proper gate, confirm the add-on module is running and test at a default airport. Some third-party scenery has missing or unusual parking and vehicle-path data.
- The tug attaches in the wrong place: select the correct aircraft variant and adjust its nose-wheel, door and service-point positions. Our guide to configuring GSX aircraft and airport profiles explains these placements and custom pushback routes.
- Vehicles drive through the aircraft: the active profile may belong to another variant, or the scenery's parking geometry may not match its visual stand markings.
- Doors or fuel controls do not respond: many complex aircraft manage these through custom systems. Open the required doors manually and use the aircraft developer's intended refuelling method.