What is a key function of pushback in aircraft operations?

The key function of pushback in aircraft operations is to safely maneuver the aircraft away from the gate. During pushback, specialized ground vehicles attach to the aircraft and guide it backwards from the terminal, ensuring that it safely clears the gate and any surrounding obstacles before moving onto the taxiway. This maneuver is essential for transitioning an aircraft from a stationary position at the gate to the active taxiing phase, which ultimately leads to takeoff.

Other choices focus on different aspects of flight operations that do not pertain to the specific task of pushback. For example, facilitating the boarding of passengers does not occur during pushback; instead, it is part of the ground operations before the pushback starts. Adjusting cabin temperature for passengers is managed during the flight and prior to pushback but is not directly related to the pushback function itself. The beginning of engine start procedures typically occurs before pushback or after the aircraft has been moved from the gate, ensuring that all systems are ready for flight operations.