Narrative:

While repositioning a B777-200 from one gate to another; we observed the new aircraft self-parking system was turned on; displaying correct aircraft information; and the centerline guidance and distance thermometer was displayed. Unfortunately; we observed 2 gate gourmet food trucks parked well within the envelope. No 'stop-obstruction' was displayed at any time by the parking guidance system. Had we continued movement into the gate; we would have contacted one or both of these vehicles as they were positioned; which was well inside the envelope as delineated by red stripes painted on the ramp surface surrounding the gate area.upon introduction of this new system; taxi crews and other related personnel were instructed to watch a video available on the company website explaining the new system. The video states that once correct aircraft fleet type information is displayed and verified to match the incoming aircraft; you are then cleared to enter the envelope and park without the benefit of wingwalkers/marshallers/guidemen.after experiencing the aforementioned situation; I immediately sought clarification from local management and training department regarding policies; procedures; and some reference to what would be observed and adhered to as standard operating procedure (SOP). I received an email in return acknowledging my report; and that my comments would be forwarded to 'the accupark team'. I have yet to hear anything from anybody in response since that single response.several incidents of similar occurrences have come to light among 3 shifts of taxi mechanics/line crews/move team personnel; and all reports seem to fall on deaf ears. Making matters worse and further clouding this issue is a report from a coworker who received an email which states that once the system recognizes an incoming aircraft; the 'stop-obstruction' feature of the system is no longer functional; due to the fact that the system would then see the incoming aircraft as; itself; an obstruction. Really?taxi crews are well aware of the gate area envelope and what the red pavement stripe delineating the envelope represents. Some flight crews may not; however; and at night or in adverse weather conditions are often not readily visible. The potential for disaster is obvious. It would seem to me that a possible situation of this magnitude would be an immediate priority to clarify and ultimately; rectify.establish a comprehensive process and procedure in SOP; publish it; publicize it and enforce it. Ensure all personnel involved with the utilization of this system are 'on the same page' regarding the proper; safe use of the system commensurate with the obvious considerable monetary investment. Create a system and an environment which is truly concerned with operating in the absolute safest manner possible at all times.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: The airport self-parking system recognizes an incoming aircraft as an obstruction; therefore; the 'STOP-OBSTRUCTION' feature of the system is no longer functional; so if there is a truck or an object in the envelope that may potentially cause damage to the aircraft; the self-parking system will not recognize it.

Narrative: While repositioning a B777-200 from one gate to another; we observed the new aircraft self-parking system was turned on; displaying correct aircraft information; and the centerline guidance and distance thermometer was displayed. Unfortunately; we observed 2 Gate Gourmet food trucks parked well within the envelope. No 'STOP-OBSTRUCTION' was displayed at any time by the parking guidance system. Had we continued movement into the gate; we would have contacted one or both of these vehicles as they were positioned; which was well inside the envelope as delineated by red stripes painted on the ramp surface surrounding the gate area.Upon introduction of this new system; taxi crews and other related personnel were instructed to watch a video available on the company website explaining the new system. The video states that once correct aircraft fleet type information is displayed and verified to match the incoming aircraft; you are then cleared to enter the envelope and park WITHOUT the benefit of wingwalkers/marshallers/guidemen.After experiencing the aforementioned situation; I immediately sought clarification from local management and training department regarding policies; procedures; and some reference to what would be observed and adhered to as Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). I received an email in return acknowledging my report; and that my comments would be forwarded to 'the ACCUPARK team'. I have yet to hear anything from anybody in response since that single response.Several incidents of similar occurrences have come to light among 3 shifts of taxi mechanics/line crews/move team personnel; and all reports seem to fall on deaf ears. Making matters worse and further clouding this issue is a report from a coworker who received an email which states that once the system recognizes an incoming aircraft; the 'STOP-OBSTRUCTION' feature of the system is no longer functional; due to the fact that the system would then see the incoming aircraft as; itself; an OBSTRUCTION. Really?Taxi crews are well aware of the gate area envelope and what the red pavement stripe delineating the envelope represents. Some flight crews may not; however; and at night or in adverse weather conditions are often not readily visible. The potential for disaster is obvious. It would seem to me that a possible situation of this magnitude would be an immediate priority to clarify and ultimately; rectify.Establish a comprehensive process and procedure in SOP; publish it; publicize it and enforce it. Ensure all personnel involved with the utilization of this system are 'on the same page' regarding the proper; safe use of the system commensurate with the obvious considerable monetary investment. Create a system and an environment which is truly concerned with operating in the absolute safest manner possible at all times.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.