Air carrier flight crew reported radio communication issues with ground personnel resulted in ground conflicts during pushback at SFO requiring evasive action and eventual setting of the parking brake by the flight crew to avoid further conflicts.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported radio communication issues with ground personnel resulted in ground conflicts during pushback at SFO requiring evasive action and eventual setting of the parking brake by the flight crew to avoid further conflicts.
Narrative
Established communications with ground push crew were scratchy but readable. Called down to release brakes and hold push. Ground crew replied 'copy that.' I used misc 'pr' to request pushback. Since that was incorrect I was heads down correcting my request. Captain said we're moving and directed the tug to stop. Ground crew said he thought he heard cleared to push. Ramp control came up telling us not to push. Several minutes later cleared to push to the south line referencing traffic pushing to north line. Commenced push; ramp called and said the push crew was overshooting the south line and we were getting close to traffic on the north line and to stop. Comms deteriorating with push crew; getting very weak and scratchy. Ramp requested that we pull back in closer to gate to allow traffic to clear behind us. Relayed this to ground crew; and then directed him to come left to the centerline to avoid ground equipment. Decided to halt the movement at this point for safety reasons; and directed the ground crew to hold position. Advised ground crew that we were setting the parking brake; and for him to obtain a new headset; as we could no longer understand his replies. After many attempts to communicate; we contacted operations and maintenance to bring a new headset out. A short time later a new ground crew plugged in; did a clear radio check and advised us that he was a trainer and was ready to push the aircraft. We called for clearance and subsequently completed the push.
Second reporter narrative
Established communications with ground push crew were scratchy but readable. Called down to release brakes and hold push. Ground crew replied 'copy that.' Approximately a minute later the aircraft started to move back. Called down to stop the aircraft. Ground crew said he thought he heard cleared to push. Ramp control came up telling us not to push. Several minutes later cleared to push to the south line referencing traffic pushing to north line. Commenced push; only to be told to stop because we were encroaching on traffic pushing to north line; and getting too close to the other aircraft behind us. Comms deteriorating with push crew; getting very weak and scratchy. Ramp requested that we pull back in closer to gate to allow traffic to clear behind us. Relayed this to ground crew; and then directed him to come left to the centerline to avoid ground equipment. Decided to halt the movement at this point for safety reasons; and directed the ground crew to hold position. Advised ground crew that I was setting the parking brake; and for him to obtain a new headset; as we could no longer understand his replies. After many attempts to communicate; we contacted operations and maintenance to bring a new headset out. A short time later a new ground crew plugged in; did a clear radio check and advised us that he was a trainer and was ready to push the aircraft. We called for clearance and subsequently completed the push.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.