NERD,

Your post exposes some differences between the "mainline" and "regional" world. There are two issues that apply: Captain's Authority and Fuel Savings at the cost of Safety.

I agree that a few minutes of holding or diverting is the safest course but I think that most RJ pilots don't have that luxury due to the fact that they are usually stretched to the limit on fuel. These days, in their effort to replace mainline flying, airlines schedule regional jets on routes that are much too long. They are often weight restricted and may barely be at reserve fuel at the destination.

Unfortunately, I have to regularly "persuade" dispatch that it would be in everybody's best interest to add more fuel thus bumping passengers. These "discussions" are sometimes heated and I have to request a three-way patch with the Chief Pilot and use a lot of words like "safety" and quote these gems:

Sec. 121.599 Familiarity with weather conditions.

(a) Domestic and flag operations. No aircraft dispatcher may release a flight unless he is thoroughly familiar with reported and forecast weather conditions on the route to be flown.

Sec. 121.627 Continuing flight in unsafe conditions.

(a) No pilot in command may allow a flight to continue toward any airport to which it has been dispatched or released if, in the opinion of the pilot in command or dispatcher (domestic and flag operations only), the flight cannot be completed safely; unless, in the opinion of the pilot in command, there is no safer procedure. In that event, continuation toward that airport is an emergency situation as set forth in Sec. 121.557.

And my personal favorite:

Sec. 121.647 Factors for computing fuel required.

Each person computing fuel required for the purposes of this subpart shall consider the following:
(a) Wind and other weather conditions forecast.
(b) Anticipated traffic delays.
(c) One instrument approach and possible missed approach at destination.
(d) Any other conditions that may delay landing of the aircraft.

For the purposes of this section, required fuel is in addition to unusable fuel.

After quoting these regulations, using the word "safety" alot and sometimes asking if the conversation is recorded the conversation is ended and I get more fuel.

Due to the inexperience level of RJ pilots today and the intense pressure from management to save fuel despite safety, I believe that many are not willing to question the dispatcher. At the risk of irritating my FO's, I am constantly "lecturing" on the concept of Captain's Authority and the often mentioned but never read Code of Federal Regulations. I hope the industry returns to the day when the pilots have the experience and confidence to truly be in command of their flight.

winglet