Originally Posted by
Audi2000
Speaking of industry standard, since you are a member of management, let me ask. I believe I have been through two recurrents now in which it has been claimed that our fueling procedures are standard with the industry, yet I have multiple friends at other airlines (all of them) yet no one is required to sit on the airplane and wait for a thumbs up from the fueler to begin fueling. Can you guys finally admit that this is just a Spirit issue? I think the FAA was just trying to show you guys who is in charge.
Why don't you email your chief or our vp of ops? What would it matter if a anonymous poster responds and why would he even bother?
Let's be honest, how does the policy really affect us anyway? When asked by a fueler at the end of duty day, I say no. He can wait for the next crew or maintenance. If there are extenuating circumstances that require me to stay for an extra few minutes, then I'm happy to help out, because taking care of the pax is the ultimate goal. During a turn, the fueler can wait until we are back from getting food, using a restroom that is not covered in **** or stretching our legs for a few minutes. If you feel trapped, that's your own doing.
If flights ever start to leave late due to the policy, it will change. Personally, I have never had a flight leave late due to fueling and I have only been asked to stay behind once in a 1.5 years. So it's really more of just a novel rule than anything.
I hope that doesn't sound too harsh, I wouldn't want MS to have to write another diatribe.