Medium Large Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Confusion; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Chart Or Publication; Company Policy; Human Factors; Procedure
The Captain and I met at the airplane in the morning and the first topic of discussion was the automated parking guidance procedure as neither of us had used the system yet and they appeared to be operating. We referenced the flight manual as well as the local notes concerning the system and still felt that we were not sure exactly what we were supposed to do approaching the gate. We asked rampers prior to departing and their explanation; which did not help much. We departed and further discussed our plan for approaching the gate in our briefing for the return leg. As we approached the gate 3 rampers were present and the guidance panel worked well and was intuitive. We found a Ramp Supervisor and he discussed the details with us and answered questions we had. The guidance in the flight manual is inadequate as it does not address definitively whether or not marshallers are required to be at the spot. It does not specify the procedure for requesting assistance from ramp personnel if required It does not address what to do in the event that equipment is in the safety zone. Finally; the guidance as to when the screen symbology is required references 'the nose of the aircraft passing the jet bridge' which does not apply to the Aircraft X in where the system is active. My interpretation and common sense answers to these questions are likely to create a safe operation but safe and compliant are not always the same thing.  We entered the gate area in compliance with the flight manual to the best of my knowledge and interpretation; however I feel that the guidance in the manual was inadequate. Part of the information we used to determine a plan for parking came from talking with rampers. They obviously have good insight but their word does not meet acceptable standards for determining compliance with a procedure. I would recommend a simple update to the manual that goes beyond description of the guidance panel and sets definitive procedures for entering the gate.
Air carrier pilot recommends changes to flight manual guidance concerning operations using the automated parking guidance system.