B777-200
Confusion
Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Airport; Procedure
While repositioning a B777-200 from one gate to another; we observed the new aircraft self-parking system was turned on; displaying correct aircraft information; and the centerline guidance and distance thermometer was displayed. Unfortunately; we observed 2 Gate Gourmet food trucks parked well within the envelope. No 'STOP-OBSTRUCTION' was displayed at any time by the parking guidance system. Had we continued movement into the gate; we would have contacted one or both of these vehicles as they were positioned; which was well inside the envelope as delineated by red stripes painted on the ramp surface surrounding the gate area.Upon introduction of this new system; taxi crews and other related personnel were instructed to watch a video available on the company website explaining the new system. The video states that once correct aircraft fleet type information is displayed and verified to match the incoming aircraft; you are then cleared to enter the envelope and park WITHOUT the benefit of wingwalkers/marshallers/guidemen.After experiencing the aforementioned situation; I immediately sought clarification from local management and training department regarding policies; procedures; and some reference to what would be observed and adhered to as Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). I received an email in return acknowledging my report; and that my comments would be forwarded to 'the ACCUPARK team'. I have yet to hear anything from anybody in response since that single response.Several incidents of similar occurrences have come to light among 3 shifts of taxi mechanics/line crews/move team personnel; and all reports seem to fall on deaf ears. Making matters worse and further clouding this issue is a report from a coworker who received an email which states that once the system recognizes an incoming aircraft; the 'STOP-OBSTRUCTION' feature of the system is no longer functional; due to the fact that the system would then see the incoming aircraft as; itself; an OBSTRUCTION. Really?Taxi crews are well aware of the gate area envelope and what the red pavement stripe delineating the envelope represents. Some flight crews may not; however; and at night or in adverse weather conditions are often not readily visible. The potential for disaster is obvious. It would seem to me that a possible situation of this magnitude would be an immediate priority to clarify and ultimately; rectify.Establish a comprehensive process and procedure in SOP; publish it; publicize it and enforce it. Ensure all personnel involved with the utilization of this system are 'on the same page' regarding the proper; safe use of the system commensurate with the obvious considerable monetary investment. Create a system and an environment which is truly concerned with operating in the absolute safest manner possible at all times.
The airport self-parking system recognizes an incoming aircraft as an obstruction; therefore; the 'STOP-OBSTRUCTION' feature of the system is no longer functional; so if there is a truck or an object in the envelope that may potentially cause damage to the aircraft; the self-parking system will not recognize it.