The title asks the question, the reason I'm asking is below
It seems to become all the more common (and it must be said that some airlines are much worse at it than others), for Flight Deck crews to be asking us ATCers for pushback with doors open, steps/jetties attached, baggage belts in holds......etc.
Do you realise the impact this has on the rest of the traffic flow around the airport?
You call for push, an almost instant decision is made by the ATCO, based on speed/distance/priority of other traffic that is going to pass behind you, whether to push you or give you conditional against said other traffic. So if it's decided you'll be pushed, started and on your way before the other guy gets to you, push approved.
Then, you sit there, nothing happening, jetty still attached, still got a rear hold and door 2L to shut and the tailman still to put his flask down and get out of the tug, all this time the taxiway behind you is sterilised to any other movements.
So, a plea from frantic GMC controllers trying to move a lot of aluminium around the concrete. Call "ready for push" when both you
and the aircraft are ready. You've got notification on the flight deck when doors are open and a pushback crew to tell you when everything is detached. Please use them and help us keep everyone moving to their intended destination.
