B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 171; Flight Crew Type 10000
Other / Unknown
Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Company Policy; Equipment / Tooling
This has now happened multiple times so I am writing it up. The tugs are being fitted with LED headlights that are so bright that it is difficult to see the safety zone right in front of it and; at times; the Marshaller. And since we have no way to communicate with them except flashing our lights; they usually think it's a belt loader or towbar too close to the line; NOT the blinding lights. In my conversation with the Ramp tonight I learned that they don't have a light switch; and are afraid that when it's cold; the tug may not restart; so they leave it running.
B737 Captain reported tugs that are outfitted with LED headlights blind the flight crew resulting in difficulty seeing the safety zone and/or the Marshaller.