Quote:
Originally Posted by ILikeBeer
I've never gotten lost on a taxiway, which use ICAO markings the world over. I actually think the U.S. airports do the best job of providing clear markings. At many airports outside the U.S., the use of clear direction signs is not as thorough and they rely on painted markings on the taxiways. Every pilot has a detailed taxi chart available which leaves little room for excuses if a wrong turn is taken. Still, it happens. And unless it results in a runway incursion, it will not bring any kind of punitive action by the FAA (or local aeronautical authority outside the U.S.).
Once you've left the safety net of the taxiways and entered the ramp area, all bets are off. These areas are not under the control of ATC and company policies and procedures take over. Ground equipment is parked in areas which provide safe clearance from planes following the painted yellow taxi lines. Often a red line borders these areas, providing assurance that the equipment is safely away from the taxi path.
When taxiing into the gate area, wing walkers are used to provide extra assurance. In fact, our SOP prohibited us from proceeding without wing walkers, even if we can see that all equipment is clear.
In the instance you cited, snow cover added risk by obscuring ground markings. This would be a situation which calls for extra vigilance and, if there's any doubt, wing walkers should be requested to accompany the plane to parking.