ENG123
ATC expect the pilot, or engineer, to take the line nearest to the stand allocated when taxying in to the apron. UNLESS:-
- it is night, in which case take the lit line nearest your stand
- ATC tell you which line to take
- you are in an aircraft which is width restricted in which case take the nearest line/lit line applicable to your type
As already said, the person in charge of the aircraft is ultimately responsible for not taking the aircraft into an area for which it is too big/wide/heavy. So, if ATC tell you to use a line which you know is incorrect for your aircraft type tell them. They will be relieved you saved them from further embarrassment!
As a general rule ATC will specify a particular line into an apron, especially if they are about to push an aircraft onto the other one!
I am somewhat concerned that this aspect of ground movement was not covered in your initial training. Also, that there seems to be confusion among pilots as to which line should be taken if none is specified. Perhaps we need an AIP entry to clarify?