by RitterKreuz » Tue Nov 30, 2010 11:32 am
the GROUND HANDLING thing is for pushback only. I dont think its for taxi and all other ground operations. its not cheating, its actually more realistic i think.
In reality, the pushback is coordinated with the pilot, but he is not in control of the pushback and is pretty much along for the ride at that stage of the flight.
sure, in real life, either the Captain or First Officer can call for a push back to be stopped for any reason they see fit. But in terms of procedure it goes like this. (communications are generally handled via a headset that plugs into the nose gear bay)
Pilot: "Cockpit to ground crew can you hear me?"
Ground Crew: "Yep i got you."
Pilot: "All set up here are you ready for push?"
Ground crew: "We're ready when you are."
Pilot: "Ok brakes are released, you are cleared to push."
the push procedure starts at this point. A good ramp crew will push you out gently, and orient you in the position you need to taxi toward. sometimes they wont turn you at all especially if they have another flight or another gate to work and are in a hurry.
when the push back stops
Ground crew: "Ground to cockpit, set brakes."
Pilot: "Brakes are set you're cleared to disconnect."
ground crew disconnects from the aircraft, removes tow pin if any and hands it through the document hatch to the pilot (this procedure is not necessarily the same for all aircraft)
the GROUND HANDLING package simulates this entire process.