An operational system and method and improved apparatus for positioning
and stabbing well tubulars wherein: the grasping members of the apparatus
can be folded and unfolded; the boom assembly can be pivoted to a
downward clearance position; a plurality of stabbing apparatuses can be
placed and used in a stacked position in the derrick; the grasping
members can opened at an angle with respect the boom; the grasping
members can be mounted on either lateral side of the boom; a sensor
monitors the relative position of the rig top drive with respect to the
stabbing apparatus; the grasping members and/or the boom will
automatically pivot to a breakaway position if impacted; and/or the
system is programmed and configured to prevent the accidental performance
of critical operations out of sequence.