Distraction; Workload; Time Pressure; Situational Awareness; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Aircraft; Airport; Procedure; Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related
When we take arrival of A319/A320 aircraft; these aircraft always arrive with the number 1 engine (Captain's side) running. The pilot's procedure is to leave this engine running until the passenger loading bridge is moved into position and the ground power is hooked up and turned on.This creates a situation where the potential for aircraft hose ingestion is increased. Additionally; this requires that one of the wing walkers remain giving the 'Engine Running' signal for the safety of [any] passersby; thus slowing the offload process. The team lead cannot give the 'Safe to Approach' signal because this engine is still running; but in spite of this the wing walker on aircraft right tends to take it upon themselves to open the pits and move the belt loaders into position without that signal. Also; we find that the main cabin door is opened and passengers begin to deplane while the engine on that side is still running; exposing them to undue noise.Airbus aircraft are the only aircraft exercising this procedure.
A Ramp Agent reported A319/A320 aircraft left engines remain running after gate arrival until the jetway and ground power are connected. During this delay passengers are exposed to engine noise deplaning and ramp agents become impatient then approach the aircraft with an engine still running.