Originally Posted by
captainsmiffy
How is it that the ground controller is not aware of where AF is? It always bothered me that when I arrived in JFK, I was asked what entry point to the ramp it is that I take or to what gate am I going? Surely I should be controlled and told the routing and the gate, as per the rest of the world operations. JFK just beggars belief….
JFK Ramp is controlled by a private company Ramp Control. At one time their pay was much more than ATC ground control. This caused a rift between the two. They dont like to talk to one another, thats why ground control ask you what entry point to the ramp as ground control dont know which entry point is blocked or not.. Thats why you call Ground Control and advise which exit you are leaving the ramp when requesting taxi instructions. Maybe thats what caused the initial confusion with ground control as he does not knows who is parked where on the ramp or cares what happens on the ramp.