Originally Posted by
tyler durden
They are. It takes a call to dispatch and they will add the fuel. If it's above a certain amount, it requires a new dispatch release or amendment. Might cause a delay as the fueler might need to be called back. It's a hassle for sure and sad that it always falls on the pilots to do so many other departments job. As Ops management says, pilots are the last line of defense.
Been here close to 10 years. I've never had a dispatcher argue with me about adding fuel. It's actually kind of rare that I've ever HAD to add fuel. Lately it seems like dispatch has been adding MORE fuel than needed and has been more on the conservative side (i.e. alternates when not required, etc.).
I've never had MX control tell me NO when I needed MX in an outstation. I have had them try to apply an incorrect MEL a time or two, but I've always been backed up by the fleet mangers or chief pilots.
Bottom line is this place is far from perfect, but all the horror stories out there are not the daily thing. Or maybe I'm just lucky...