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New Manchester Push Procedures

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New Manchester Push Procedures

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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 00:05
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New Manchester Push Procedures

Just heard that the good old cardinal points of the compass are no longer to be used when issuing a non standard push back clearance at Manch. Apparently the new system will use a selection of pre determined geographic places that will be used instead?

Perhaps the ATCOs on the front line think that this is a better system? I know it is early days but I can't help but think that this is making matters more complicated with extra R/T loading plus, what is ultimately non standard phraseology for non English native speakers.

If this gets a thumbs down from the ATCOs, then would you appreciate us doing what we can through our reporting channels etc? If there has been misaligned push backs in the past, then surely this is down to the handling agent not ensuring that their tug crews know their North from their South etc and not ATC?
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 07:13
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"Pushback approved; face the t-junction just west of Mobberley"
This surely must be a wind-up, or the work of a loony?

Wonder what bright ideas they have for radar control?

Last edited by HEATHROW DIRECTOR; 3rd Jan 2011 at 08:39.
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 07:24
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Radar service was quite OK at MAN, but ground ops were always a disaster.
I see this hasn't changed.
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 08:36
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As pushback vehicles are not normally fitted with a compass and as the pushback vehicle drivers are local guys familiar with the location of the runways, terminals, security entrances etc; may be this unusual idea is not as daft as it may sound? All the guy at the pointy end has to do is relay the message.
It seems probable that MAN have experienced problems with pushbacks and have decided, in consultation with ATC, pushback drivers et al, that this method will eliminate the problems. Just a thought.
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 08:57
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All the guy at the pointy end has to do is relay the message.
Mmm... I trust you are not a pilot if you think that is their only responsibility in this process

NoD
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 09:49
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Nod - I'm sure H49 is well aware of the crew's responsibilities, and I am also sure that what 'she' says in relation to pushback/point direction makes admirable sense. Not dissimilar to "Pushback to face west keeping your tail clear of Taxiway 'A'" - I was not in the habit of getting out during pushback to check the tail position

I'm sure even the diehards will get used to it - if it works!
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 10:07
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heard that the good old cardinal points of the compass are no longer to be used when issuing a non standard push back clearance at Manch. Apparently the new system will use a selection of pre determined geographic places that will be used instead?
Can just hear a pilot now saying "ok pushback abeam XXX do you want me to face South or North?"

Last edited by BAND4ALL; 3rd Jan 2011 at 10:27.
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 10:15
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Many thanks BOAC, I didn't feel it necessary to reveal 'all that I know'.....!!!
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 14:16
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As pushback vehicles are not normally fitted with a compass and as the pushback vehicle drivers are local guys familiar with the location of the runways, terminals, security entrances etc; may be this unusual idea is not as daft as it may sound?
I am sure it would not be daft when used at a quieter airfield and at one where there is less chance of linguistic misunderstandings. Bear in mind that ICAO level 4 English, is an indicator of proficient aviation terminology in the English language. However it is only that and being told to push and face a specific car park or a security post will occasionally result in two puzzled pilots looking at each other with them asking ATC to simply 'say again'.

Surely the most efficient way of eliminating any 'rogue' push backs is to ensure that the push back crews are given extra training and not to burden what is at times, a busy ATC environment?
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 14:59
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Wythenshawe is much too big a target to be pointed towards. Try Newall Green, Woodhouse Park, or Sharston as designated directions.....and see how PIA cope!
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 15:22
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Mister Geezer..... Sensible words. I did GMC at a fairly busy place for 20+ years and never had any problems with "push back and face north", etc. Maybe at that place, tug crews received proper training?
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 15:35
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Perhaps Rusholme would be a better feature for PIA to point towards? I wonder if the Saudi Arabian will be ever asked to 'push and face Mecca'?

HD - Nail on the head I think!
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 15:49
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Agreed with HD
but why pay for proper training... that would make sense!!

As mentioned on the manchester airport forum, it isn't all tug crews, but like with everything at Manchester, one person makes a mistake and instead of that one person being taught properly now nobody can do that, what a way to work....
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 15:51
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Why not use the Gothenburg system where the p/b crew obtain all the clearance and all the 'pointy end' need to do is what they are told. Works a treat!
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Old 3rd Jan 2011, 16:14
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Directions to face during pushback given to female flight crew will be - push to face the Trafford Shopping Center!
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Old 4th Jan 2011, 00:39
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Colours? Push green/red/blue. Works in Hong Kong and language is regularly a huge problem there.

S.
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Old 4th Jan 2011, 09:41
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Fuel Crossfeed
Directions to face during pushback given to female flight crew will be - push to face the Trafford Shopping Center
How about the reciprocal - "expedite taxi to Stand 16 - oh, by the way, there's a sale in Duty Free"
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Old 4th Jan 2011, 14:38
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off watch/fuel crossfeed.......the seventies called.....they want their "humour" back.....
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Old 4th Jan 2011, 16:10
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ew
I think a few of us old gits prefer the 70's humour (even if it is male chauvinist piggery) to the obscene stuff that passes for humour nowadays e.g. Frankie Boyle & Chubby Brown

Last edited by off watch; 4th Jan 2011 at 16:41. Reason: spelling
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Old 4th Jan 2011, 18:14
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In about 7 years working at Manchester I don't recall ever having a wrong way push. I always used "push behind stand xx" if a non-standard push was required. If the aircraft was on stand 215 and pushed behind 214 then they would be facing north-west automatically. Seemed to work fine.

Why you would give a location more than 200 feet from where you are seems pointless and overly complex. Keep it simple!
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