A couple of questions for the Euro crews that use the parking systems which I've seen in places like Madrid,
Is there a requirement for a member of the ramp crew to man some sort of a stop signal button as an aircraft approaches the gate? Is there also a requirement to chock an aircraft after parking with the auto system? Is an aircraft allowed to park using the auto system without any ramp personnel being present at all?
I have had gates with these systems and hate them, pilots are told they can procede at their liability, there is a green and red clear/not clear indicator. Marshalling gave me the ability to bring an aircraft on a gate at a safe speed, i used to get cowboys barreling in on these gates all the time and there is nothing I can do but throw the red light on in an unsafe condition.