Originally Posted by
Regularguy
Someone wrote:
"True, but many pilots would say (correctly) it's not their job."
You know what, when I step onto the airplane it belongs to me (Captain) and if I want the APU started and the air unhooked then it will get done. I also authorize my F/O to do the same when I'm not there.
So it is my Job to provide the best product I can for my passengers. I really could care less about a little extra fuel burn when it's smoking hot in the cabin. I've even started and engine early when the APU was inop and there was no ground air available.
This is what we do.
In case anyone was wondering we are responsible for our actions and if you do something unsafe, well that was dumb.
You were quoting me and I really don't disagree with anything you're saying here. However, I also understand when a pilot says they won't turn off external air because that's ramp's job and they aren't comfortable doing it. My main issues once we go down the "Guppy's are always hot" road (yet again) are:
1) Many (probably most) pilots don't understand the limitation about simultaneously running packs and external air and think it's as simple as cranking the APU.
2) I'm not a commuter, but in my deadheading experience, the issue isn't airframe specific.
3) Most importantly, I tire of pilots gleefully taking shots at other pilots.