Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 300; Flight Crew Total 32500; Flight Crew Type 15000
Confusion; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airport; Procedure
I released the brakes when the Ramp Agent gave me the 'chocks' signal. The airplane rolled backward approximately 6-12 inches. After completing my checklists I went down to the ramp level to check if anyone had been injured or if any damage had occurred to the airplane. Fortunately neither had occurred. I spoke to the Lead Ramper and he informed me it is standard practice for the ramp crew to not approach the aircraft at [this particular gate] until after it had rolled back! Evidently; due to the slope of the ramp at this gate it is common for the airplane to roll back.
After parking and releasing the brakes; an Air Carrier aircraft rolled backward about a foot because of ramp slope. The Captain was concerned about ramp personnel safety but was told they know to stay clear.