A LAX Ground Controller and an Air Carrier pilot describe a conflict that developed when a Ramp Controllers and an ATC Ground Controller do not communicate about aircraft taxi routing in a congested ramp area.
Synopsis
A LAX Ground Controller and an Air Carrier pilot describe a conflict that developed when a Ramp Controllers and an ATC Ground Controller do not communicate about aircraft taxi routing in a congested ramp area.
Narrative
LAX has many Ramp Towers operated by the Airlines. One large aircraft was holding short of C6; two commuter aircraft were taxiing via C to C6 to B in front of the large aircraft. The large aircraft was waiting for an RJ in the C6 alley and was instructed to wait at C6 for the RJ to taxi out of the C6 alley and then taxi to its gate. I witnessed the large aircraft starting a turn towards their gate. Unfortunately; the first commuter was about to transfer from C to C6 at the same time. Fortunately; I was able to stop the large aircraft and avert an incident. I notified the Supervisor who queried the Ramp Tower. The Ramp said that they told the large aircraft crew that the RJ was waiting for them and that they could taxi in and to notify Ground Control 1 (me) that this was their plan. The large aircraft crew never notified me. Additionally; this scenario has played out time and time again. Each time we ask the Tower(s) it's the same old story e.g. 'Blame the Pilot.' Each time this happens brings us closer to an actual accident. LAX needs to discontinue the use of Ramp Towers. They were important pre- 911 when their purpose to alleviate frequency congestion was warranted.
Second reporter narrative
I was the Captain of a flight that landed in LAX. I am being asked to comment on an issue that didn't even register as any sort of notable event about 48 hours after it occurred. At no point did I ever believe safety was compromised. After clearing 25R at LAX; we contacted Ground Control who; to the best of my recollection; cleared us to the gate via B; C6 and then instructed us to contact Ramp Control for clearance to the gate. We contacted the Ramp and they said they were holding an RJ for us and we were cleared to taxi to the gate. The First Officer was still on Ramp Control. I was monitoring on Ground. Ramp cleared us to the gate. I started to turn onto C6; at which point Ground told us to stop. We made a normal stop: nothing abrupt. He informed us we were going to interfere with 2 aircraft he had taxiing east on C. The aircraft taxied past us on C with plenty of room; and then we proceeded to the gate without incident.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.