yep, thats how you depart a free standing a/c, we are talking starting up the engines and then connecting a tug !!!
JACK P
Thats not strictly true about the runway/taxiway towing. The only way you would damage a taxiway light with the cradle is whilst connecting/disconnecting, as the cradle will be raised whilst the aircraft is in motion. This is why its suggested that the final position of the nosewheel after pushback is either between the greens, or slightly aside the center line