Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors
Cleared for pushback off gate. Advised Guideman/tug driver cleared to push; tail south. Parking brake had been previously released at push back crew's request. We were given clearance to start engines and when we reached a position of tail at approximately 230 degrees; about a 45 degree angle to yellow line; push back crew stops aircraft and says push complete ; set brakes. I advise him that we are not tail south; we are not on the yellow line and that I could not make a turn out from this position due to the aircraft next to us. I told him we need to be on the yellow line to ensure clearance when we leave the gate area. His answer to me incredulously was 'I've been pushing this way for weeks and haven't heard any complaints.' I again tell him there is no way I can turn out from this position because of proximity to the aircraft. Next thing we hear is him yelling 'set brakes; set brakes'. The tow bar had been disconnected without clearance and evidently we started to move. We advised ramp tower of what was going on and asked them to take a picture or ensure it's recorded. I tell Guideman that he was not cleared to disconnect and that it was a very serious safety issue. He then continues to argue with me and tells me he cannot push me back any further with the engines running; saying his tug couldn't do it. Rather than continue the argument I asked him if he wants us to shut down an engine which his reply was yes. There was silence for a short time then someone else comes on the headset and apologizes for any issues and then prepares us for further pushback. Restarted engine and push back was completed tail south on the line; no problem.It was a very unusual occurrence and was a very serious safety issue with disconnecting without clearance and to think it was ok to leave the aircraft in that position and then argue about it; not only the unsafe pushback but the perceived attitude of the person on headset about it. This isn't the first time I have had to tell the pushback crew to put us on the yellow line but not to this extreme. I have to question the training and oversight of the pushback crews to ensure a proper and safe pushback.Pushback crews not trained properly and not understanding importance of accurate push as cleared. I believe it has to do with training and oversight of the pushback crews. There is a reason for the yellow line and they need to understand that in relationship to aircraft on gates and aircraft taxiing on taxiway. My impression is they don't get it and as I stated; that is a training and supervision issue.
B777 Captain reported concern with SOP adherence during pushback.