CODE F aircraft
Folks,
Not putting the blame on either party. Let the investigation board do that.
The A-380 is an ICAO Annex Code F aircraft. There are only few aircraft that fit that classification.... The A-380, B-747-8, C-5 and the Antonov AN-124- and AN-225 and the Spruce Goose.
When we Taxi on Non code F Taxiways we have restrictions and limitation to what other aircraft or vehichles can be on adjacent/parallel surfaces (Runways, Taxiways Gates and Ramp Areas)
In the case of JFK, Taxiways Alpha and Bravo certainly have limitations due to their close nature.
To be more precise, documentation says when a Code F aircraft is on Alpha, then Bravo is restricted to Code E or smaller. Code E= wing span of 170' to 213'. That will cover everything from a 787 and an A-330 to a B-747-400. and visa versa when a code F is on Bravo, then A is restricted to E.
These conditions and limitations are documented in the Jepp taxi charts or what ever other publication is used onboard.
In general there is no documentation stating any limitation between any taxiway and any ramp area in JFK. Certainly NO limitation between A and the Delta regional aircraft ramp.
With those 2 bits of info, it may not been thought as any reason of concern by the AF crew, since there was nothing bigger than a Code E on Bravo to worry about and there was no documented limitation as Far as Taxiway A and the ramp are concerned.
On another note, it is impossible to see the wing tips from either pilot seats on the 380's flight deck. I always wondered why Airbus did not use a wide lens to enable the Tail Cam to show the wing tips.
There is no replacement to vigilance.
The good thing is that no one got seriously hurt. Metal can always be fixed or replaced... but not people.