Oddly it was last Wed that the ALAEA received a letter from Virgin declaring their intent to reduce the number of Engineers in Mel to make way for more tarmac responsibility to be passed to Ramp staff.
Yes anyone can make a mistake but there are some key differences. No Engineer will push a plane back for at least 4 years and the average one will have over 20 years experience. Rampies can be pushing aircraft out after 6 weeks, for most it is just a job until they find something better or their backs are shot.
This would not have happened if they used Wing Walkers. The requirement for Wing Walkers on congested aprons is outlined in the respective aircraft Maintenance Manuals. Rampies cannot access Maintenance Manuals.
I'm looking forward to my Tues meeting with them.