The way it works at MAN, the pushback procedures are distributed to tug crews, they are also held by ATC for reference. A 'standard' pushback is assumed unless otherwise directed by ATC. This means that ATC do not have to read out the instruction verbally, they just give a clearance to push and expect the standard written manoevere to take place. The tug driver reads this off his sheet. The pilot will in all probability not know where the aircraft is going because the procedures are not published in the AIP. The onus is on the tug driver to carry out the correct manoeuvre, he/she is after all the only person who can steer the aircraft at this time. The procedures are usually published on
www.magworld.co.uk\airfieldoperations, but I couldn't find the file just now.
Correct. ATC tell the flt crew "standard push". That is relayed to the tug driver via the headset man (Engineer, ground staff etc, it depends on operator).
However, if it's a non standard push then ATC still need to go through the flt crew, not direct to local staff. If the flt crew are from parts foreign, as they often are, they will be faced with the most bizarre set of instructions to pass on.
I work at the airport and have done for nearly thirty years. I can tell you where East is, but Wythenshaw? Nope.
A very silly and kneejerk reaction by MAN, makes us all look stupid.
