Swedish Steve, didn't the pilot's flight school ever taught him about the existence of the GND CALL/Mech Call button to attract gnd crew's attention ?

Yes the pilot steers left and right from direction of the engineer. Our airline brought two to trial in 2000 and was so happy with them they have them at all mainline airports. The use is limited to B737 and A320 and used by aircraft engineers only.

From a pilot point of veiw they are fantastic, very smooth push and stop. Pilot can overide with brakes if required.:ok:

Some input from the other side of the push back, as someone who usually does the headset during a 3 man push back with tow bar. We use one tug driver, another to stop traffic on the road networks and remove the tow bar and pin, and myself on the headset. I wouldn't want to do it with any less than two people. I never disconnect until the tow bar and pin have been removed and then walk clear together with the pin-man for the wave off. Just incase there are problems in removing the bar or pin and the crew wonder what we're playing at.

Anytime I've been unable to use a headset, I usually have a quick brief with the crew before hand so everyone knows what's going to happen. Like someone said, Prior Preparation Prevents... Same goes for instances where non-standard push procedures are being used due to WIP or unserviceable APUs.

PS Remember that with some intercom systems it's like a hot-mike and we can hear everything you're saying. Least you could do is wait until we've disconnected before bad mouthing us to your colleague.:suspect:

Remember we only do this if you deserve it...................

we in ZRH/LSZH use Goldhofer AST towbarless lifting trucks, operated by one single guy during the whole push back procedure, and I could not think of a more efficient operation. Push back goes about a third of the time, and I seldom feel more safe with them. Compared to endless pushing around in most of British airports with half a dozen unmotivated ground crew...

I certainly could not agree more, ZRH is a fine operation, and has been for a very long time....and I started flying there regularly a long time ago.
Now, I expect that one or two here will start the 'ZRH bashing' because of the one man operation (IE: 'our way is the only way' will often be quoted, ignoring others who have a different successful outcome) , however it works as advertised, at least in my experience.

Don't know about 'pilots flight school' but many times using the GND CALL feature, is to no avail...it is simply ignored at some places.

IRRenewal
 

Remember we only do this if you deserve it...................
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You sir deserve your autopilot deferred. Don't forget the person you judge may be the same one who decides what buttons you will be allowed to play with.