Originally Posted by
Cycle Pilot
Thanks, johnso29. This was exactly what I was looking for. That makes total sense what you're saying about the SE taxi restrictions. Maybe the Airbus has issues with its external power receptacle. The CRJ 700/900 was a total pain with external power and would cut out all the time. Maybe the MCO aircraft were close to departure, though I doubt it because we were pushing back 30 minutes later and those aircraft were still at the gate.
I'm glad you're doing your part to save gas. Hopefully, oil prices stay where they're at, although I'm not holding my breath!
IIRC, the fNWA procedure was to NOT start the APU on arrival and leave and engine running until EXT was plugged. Some of the reasoning was that they were saving on APU maintenance costs by not cycling the APU so often.
Pretty sure the procedure changed post-merger to always start the APU on arrival.
Personally, I like starting the APU on every arrival so we can shut down the engines and get cargo doors open etc, etc. Also good at some stations that are ETOPS 180 in all directions for departure, the earlier you find a broken APU the earlier they can try to fix it or find seats on other flights.
Side note. Some fNWA aircraft are not authorized for SE taxi for departure and have no procedure or checklist for that procedure.