Originally Posted by Escape Path
"cockpit to ground, cleared to push, may I release the brakes?" This way it's always the pilot who is getting confirmation of what to do, sort of "leading" the manoeuvre, and avoiding confusion to the ground crew
I disagree. You started by saying: "cleared to push." If he can hear you badly or he's too quick, the driver can already start pushing against set brakes.
In my original post I suggested that the best communication method would be NOT to talk about the pushback clearance UNTIL the parking brake IS released.
cockpit: "May I release the brakes?"
ground: "Affirm, release brakes"
cockpit: "Parking brake is released. We're ready for pushback."
Don't mention the word "Pushback" until the parking brake is released.: Simple, clearer, less risk of confusion, safer!
Comments welcome!