How do I use pushback with PMDG aircraft in MSFS 2024?
Learn how to request pushback in MSFS 2024 with PMDG aircraft, clear chocks, control the tug and fix a pushback that will not move.
To push back a PMDG aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, remove its wheel chocks and ground equipment in the PMDG interface, retract the jetway, then select Request Pushback in MSFS ground services or use your mapped pushback command. After the tug connects, release the parking brake; stop, reapply it and wait for disconnection.
How do I request pushback in MSFS 2024?
PMDG aircraft normally use the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 tug rather than requiring a separate PMDG pushback system. The extra step is clearing any chocks and services controlled by the aircraft itself.
- Prepare the aircraft’s power
Keep the parking brake set and establish the APU or another aircraft-appropriate power source. If the GPU or external air cart is in use, transfer the required electrical and pneumatic loads before disconnecting it; otherwise, the cockpit may go dark when ground equipment is removed.
- Switch on the anti-collision beacon
The beacon is the normal warning that the aeroplane is about to move or start engines. It does not activate the tug, but it belongs in the departure sequence before pushback begins.
- Remove PMDG chocks and ground equipment
Open the aircraft’s tablet or CDU/FMC ground-services page and remove any fitted wheel chocks. Disconnect the GPU, air cart, stairs, cones and other displayed equipment once the aircraft no longer needs them. The page name differs between PMDG models and software builds.
- Close the aircraft and clear the stand
Finish boarding and fuelling, close the doors and retract the jetway. MSFS does not always enforce every one of these conditions, but attempting to move with equipment still attached can produce conflicting animations or service logic.
- Call the tug
Open the in-flight communications or ATC panel, enter the ground-services options and select Request Pushback. Panel placement and wording can vary with the interface and activity, so the alternative is to search the Controls settings for
Toggle Pushbackand bind it to a convenient key or controller button.Some keyboard profiles retain the legacy
Shift+Passignment, but imported and customised profiles may not. Check the binding rather than assuming that shortcut is active. - Wait for attachment before releasing the brake
Leave the parking brake set while the tug approaches and connects. Release it only when the ground-service instruction or tug state indicates that the aircraft is under control.
- Direct the push
Use the ground-services direction choices or mapped pushback controls to command the tug. Do not try to steer the nosewheel with the tiller or rudder pedals during a normal tow. If a command is described as “tail left” or “tail right”, it refers to the direction the tail will move, not the direction you intend to taxi afterwards.
- Stop and disconnect
Use the stop or cancel-pushback command when the aircraft is clear and aligned. Once stationary, set the parking brake and wait until the tug—and any simulated steering bypass pin—has been removed before applying thrust.
The basic brake, tug and directional sequence is also covered in our older cockpit guide to jetways and pushback. It was written for FSX, so use MSFS 2024’s own controls rather than relying on the old key sequence.
How do I call for pushback when the option is missing?
If Request Pushback does not appear, first confirm that the flight started at a gate or parking stand that supports ground services.
- Check the communications panel: the request is normally grouped with other ground services rather than the aircraft’s ATC clearances.
- Use a mapped command: search the Controls settings for “pushback” and assign the toggle and directional commands needed by your control profile.
- Try another parking stand: remote positions and poorly configured scenery may have no valid tug route.
- Wait for airport services to load: immediately after spawning, service options can take a short time to become available.
- Leave restricted activities if necessary: some structured modes control or limit normal ground-service interactions.
Do PMDG aircraft need a separate pushback add-on?
No separate pushback add-on is normally required; the built-in MSFS 2024 tug is sufficient when the stand supports it. Use a PMDG pushback page only if that particular aircraft version provides one, or use a compatible third-party utility if you specifically want planned paths and more detailed ground handling.
Only one system should control the tug. Calling built-in pushback while another utility has attached its own tug can cause duplicated vehicles, abrupt stops, steering conflicts or an aircraft that refuses to move.
Why won’t my PMDG aircraft push back?
A PMDG aircraft that will not push back is usually being held by its parking brake, wheel chocks, a brake-axis input or conflicting ground-service logic.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The tug connects but nothing moves | Parking brake, toe brakes or PMDG wheel chocks are still holding the aircraft | Remove chocks in the PMDG interface, release the parking brake after attachment and check that no brake axis is active |
| The aircraft moves briefly, then stops | A second controller is reapplying the brakes | Check keyboard, pedals, gamepad, throttle and yoke profiles for duplicate parking-brake or toe-brake assignments |
| No Request Pushback option appears | The parking position has no service route, or ground services have not loaded | Use a mapped pushback command, wait briefly or move to another gate |
| The push starts but stutters or behaves erratically | Jetway, service equipment or another pushback utility is conflicting with the tug | Clear the stand, cancel the request and retry using one pushback system only |
| The nose swings unexpectedly | Rudder, tiller or directional pushback commands are being applied together | Centre the flight controls and direct the tug only through its own left, right and straight commands |
| The parking brake will not register at the end | The PMDG model expects brake pressure while the parking-brake lever is set | Hold the toe brakes, set the parking brake and confirm the cockpit lever or indication has changed |
| Pushback fails at every airport | The PMDG build is outdated, incompatible with MSFS 2024 or installed incorrectly | Use the supported installer or updater for that aircraft rather than manually copying an older MSFS package |
Can I steer or start engines during pushback?
You can start engines during pushback, but the tug—not the aircraft’s tiller—should control direction.
- Use idle thrust: do not add power while the tug is connected.
- Start one engine during the push: this is a normal airline-style procedure when the aircraft checklist, stand and ground situation permit it.
- Wait if you are troubleshooting: delaying engine start removes bleed-air, electrical and control inputs from the fault-finding process.
- Do not ride the brakes: brake input can make the tug stutter or halt. Use the pushback stop command, then set the parking brake once stationary.
- Wait for the all-clear: begin taxi only after the tug and any steering-disconnect indication have cleared.
What if pushback fails at only one airport or stand?
If the same PMDG aircraft pushes back normally elsewhere, the original stand or airport scenery is the likely cause.
Test a neighbouring gate, then try the aircraft at a default airport. A successful test rules out most aircraft and controller faults. At the affected airport, look for overlapping scenery packages, misplaced stand points, blocked service roads or objects occupying the tug path.
Where third-party airport scenery overlaps the simulator’s supplied airport, use our guidance on checking and resolving duplicate airport scenery in MSFS 2024. If only one parking position remains faulty, using another stand is usually more reliable than repeatedly resetting the tug.