Pushing back next to another aircraft

[Candyjet]

Just had 2 frustrating delays caused by pushback crew at BHX refusing to push us back, because there was another aircraft, pushing parallel to us, 2 stands away.

Safety was the reason quoted. Given that there was a stationary aircraft between us, and that we were parallel, ie no jetblast issues, where is the hazard?

Is this normal everywhere else?

[cossack]

Can only speak for MAN but I find this surprising.

We often pushback aircraft on adjacent stands side by side without a problem.

There is the chance of a jet blast problem if one taxies away from the other at more than minimum power, whilst the pushback crew are still at the other aircraft.

This "safety" reply is probably a knee-jerk reaction to an incident. We have to tell aircraft that are taxying off stand to use minimum power due to a previous incident.

On a related note - if you've not got direct verbal commms with your pushback crew (a requirement @ MAN) tell us BEFORE you accept a conditional or non-standard pushback.

[mriya225]

Actually, it can still be a problem for the crew behind you on the taxiway if you're that close (and depending on the angle of push) because they still have to stand in your wash and disconnect their towbar, mechanics have to stand in your wash to wrap up any preflight concerns with cockpit crew on long chord, and the marshaller gets to stand in your wash while they wait for you to clear out so they can get their a/c out off.
More likely your ground crew was running slow and you got bumped out of order by a faster crew two gates away - your pushing back on top of them is more a congestion problem than a true safety hazard. And as they say on the ground - move it or lose it.

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Patience is letting your motor idle when you feel like stripping your gears.

[Candyjet]

Thanks; the actual reason is a jobsworth team leader who likes to wield power (and delay aircraft).

Can't see jet blast being the reason, as the aircraft are parallel, and one cannot pass behind the other due to lack of space at BHX.

Thanks anyway