A320
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 19
Confusion; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Company Policy; Human Factors; Procedure
Aircraft Y was departing. Aircraft X had landed and was instructed to taxi and HOLD SHORT of the runway and REMAIN on Tower frequency. As Aircraft X was taxiing east on the taxiway Aircraft Y was cleared for takeoff commenced its takeoff roll. As Aircraft Y is accelerating down the runway Aircraft X is approaching the runway. The Ramp Tower calls over and asks (paraphrasing): 'if they can bring in that [Company] in on TWY (Taxiway) E' (referring to the Airbus on). This was due to the fact that Aircraft X had initiated contact with the Ramp; on its own; prior to crossing the runway.I quickly told Local Control to confirm that Aircraft X was still on his frequency AND was holding short of the runway. To say that my heart leapt out of my throat would have been an understatement. Once Aircraft Y passed the taxiway intersection Aircraft X was instructed to cross the runway and contact me on Ground Control.At that point; I calmly explained to the pilot that he is NOT to contact the Ramp prior to crossing ANY RUNWAY without being explicitly instructed by ATC. Apparently; pilots are initiating early calls to the Ramp to expedite their taxi. However; they are not aware of our Letter Of Agreement (LOA) with the Ramp Tower that states that once transfer of communications to Ramp is done; we have taken care of ALL conflicts. So; because Aircraft X was on the Ramp frequency; the Ramp Controller could have told Aircraft X to continue on into the ramp; assuming that ATC had resolved any conflicts/issues prior to transfer of communications (as per the LOA). It is very fortunate that the Ramp Controller chose to ask about Aircraft X and NOT assume it was OK for it to continue its taxi. Pilots need to be briefed on the importance of maintaining communications integrity and NOT contact the Ramp Tower early; especially when an active runway lies between them and the ramp.
IAD Local Controller reported an aircraft contacted the Ramp Controller for clearance into the ramp too early while still on an active taxiway.