SLC departures-- even more fuel for the fire, sometimes there are THREE opinions on what to do.

Was flying the SID out of SLC couple weeks ago, 230 kts to some point, then 250kts at FL240 further on (I think, or close). Got "maintain 230 kts" on the PDC. So that should over-ride the SID, now I'm maintaining 230 kts forever until told otherwise...

Passing 11,000 or so, controller says , "Resume Normal Speed". So I punch 250k into the FMC. Capt says "What are you doing? He said resume normal speed."
I say, "Yep, and normal speed is 250 until the next restriction on the SID then I'm going to Econ climb."
"No..." (Captain reaching over and setting 300ish econ climb), "Normal speed is econ climb, there are no restrictions."
"Hmmm," say I, "That would be great-- but I've got some question in my mind on that... can you ask him if the 250kt restriction at 240 is also removed?"
"No, I can't, it's removed, that's how we do it here. Fly 300."

We then had some discussion on what "normal speed" meant, where I basically said that if there was ANY question in my mind, the correct answer was to ASK the controller for clarification, and how could ensuring no confusion ever be wrong? He was a bit miffed at me...

Good guy to fly with otherwise, but I've never had anyone ever argue about ensuring a clearance was understood correctly before.



“Resume Normal Speed”
Instructs the aircraft to comply with the speeds published on the SID.
“Delete Speed Restrictions”
Instructs the aircraft to disregard all previously issued speeds including speeds on upcoming portions of the RNAV SID.