Originally Posted by
TurboDog
I thought Comair walked away from United's offer for a 1 year contract, because they were looking more for a 5 year contract.
A good question to ask during the conference would be, is the company willing to cut off the customer service (Not run the APU) to save fuel. It seems like that's what they want us to do. I will assure them though that if I walk out to an airplane when it's 85 degrees outside or warmer that I am not going to work in the flight deck up until 20 minutes before departure. Starting the APU 20 minutes before departure and starting the boarding process 20 minutes before departure will leave the cabin of a 50 seater at 100 degrees and sometimes warmer. We'll see what the company tells the press when some croaks from heat stroke.
Better yet, let's ask them how much money we could save if we ran an efficient schedule. Like CRJ said, deadheading a crewmember around to make a 13 hour duty day is uncalled for. That clearly shows me that either emeastro doesn't do what it should, or the schedulers need better training.
here is my addition to that. I am on a layover right now and ironically my FO told me his last Capt. would not start APU till Pax were boarded.
My theory and philosophy is this; I do NOT sweat, nor does my crew AND ESPECIALLY my passengers! I will crank the APU anytime the comfort level deems necessary...PERIOD! Using common sense of course for example, hot day, in a desent getting slammed down at idle with 50 pax, I will turn apu on for pax in back.
As an FO many years ago, I had a captain who would not budge on this issue. I literally did what you did, gathered stuff and worked from inside till 10 minutes out. Want to save money; run an efficient operation!