B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 65; Flight Crew Total 26000; Flight Crew Type 6019
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
During pushback; the tug driver did not use proper terminology. I understand that the contract ramp personnel work many different airlines; but they should have a working knowledge on the aircraft that they are pushing back; as well as some type of standard phraseology and verbiage.Upon completion of the pushback; the tug driver asked me to set the parking brake; which I did; and using proper terminology; I told him 'Brakes Set; Pressure Normal.' A few minutes later; he said to me; 'Have a good flight.' I asked him if the tow bar was disconnected and if the bypass pin had been removed; and he said 'Not yet; I'll tell you when they are.' A few minutes later; he said again; 'Have a good flight' and he disconnected the headset before I could ask him again if the tow bar had been disconnected and if the bypass pin had been removed. I rang the Ground Call button; and I was trying to use hand signals to have the wing walker inform the tug driver that I needed to talk to him on the headset. During this time; I did see the tug backing away from the aircraft; with the tow bar; and a ramp person walking away with the bypass pin in her hand. It appeared that the ramp personnel were finally starting to understand that I was trying to get someone back on the headset; when I gave them a thumbs up signal. The ramp person gave me the thumbs up signal; and they knew we were all set to go. I received the proper Salute; started engines and we taxied away.The tug driver never told me that the tow bar had been disconnected and that the bypass pin had been removed. The tug driver needs to have a working knowledge of the proper terminology to inform the Captain that the towbar has been disconnected and that the bypass pin has been removed; and to wait for the Captain to tell him that it is OK to disconnect the headset; not to just disconnect the headset on his own.Communication is paramount to prevent an accident; and in my opinion; this tug driver did not understand nor use proper verbiage/procedure during the pushback.
B737 NG Captain reported miscommunication issues with ramp personnel regarding tow bar disconnect during pushback.