A320
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 26700; Flight Crew Type 7000
Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
Once again Houston is the problem and outsource ramp people not properly trained is an accident waiting to happen. Upon arrival at IAH the copilot saw the ramp person was signaling him to release the brakes. I said no and asked why? After several more requests to release the brakes the copilot opened his side window and asked what the problem was. The ramp people said he parked [us] past the stop point and wanted the 'slope of the ramp [to] coast the plane backwards' into the proper spot. I refused. With no guidance; no headset; people in the aisle. He wanted me to possibly pop a wheely. I refused. The ramp guy got a headset. The tow bar was hooked to the plane; the tug was then hooked up to the towbar and we then moved the 6 inches to the proper spot. I also made a PA announcement to the passengers warning of this moment The jetway came up; and no injuries. I then [tried] to find someone to express my displeasure. I would [hate] to have a new captain fall for this. Cause it has been done many times before the ramp guy said!!!!
A320 Captain described ramp personnel encouraging what he felt were dangerous deviations from SOPs at IAH.