As a LCA I agree with the observations concerning SE taxi in the A320 at DAL. Part of the problem was that the paradigm at fNWA was not to SE taxi. This was due to a few reasons.

1) We never got our numbers at the gate, we generally got our numbers very close to the end of the runway. Not the place i want to load up my F/O with a #2 engine start and verifying numbers.

2) Our former Vol1 set up recommended weights to SE taxi. These were generally very low weights. They were based on max landing weight.

3) 1st flight of the day requires 5 minutes of warmup time, prior to applying takeoff thrust

During June, I challenged myself to conduct SE taxiout whenever I could. I kept track of the weights and minutes saved. What I discovered was that I could generally taxi at close to max take off weight, though this required some advance planning; turning the tail during pushback so as not to blow carts away during break away thrust....planning a taxi turn away from eng#1 etc. It wasn't that hard.

Even during first flight of the day taxis I was able to save at least 2 minutes on short taxis. Remember the effects are cumulative.

Cross bleed starts? I wish we could do that in the 320, however until the limitations are changed we are prevented from doing cross bleed starts without the parking brake set. This makes it impractical for most operations (standby ORD or LAX or ATL ground, I can't taxi yet as I am starting my #2 engine)

Can we do better. You betcha. How do we do that? It begins with the captain and his comfort with SE taxi, but it is all part of CRM. The F/Os need to speak up and recommend single engine start. It may be that the Captain doesn't want to add to the F/Os load. If the F/O states; "Captain, we're pretty light today, how about I start one engine?" it would be well received.

This isn't a North/South deal, or lazy Captain, Company captain. it's about re-learning fuel conservation.

I can hear the peanut gallery already. The ground power is never ready...we have to wait for a gate...they put too much fuel aboard..etc...etc...Yes all true. But here is something fellow captains where you can have a direct impact.

Challenge yourself. You'll like it! I have the data for June with weights and N1 and break away thrust. feel free to PM me and I'll be glad to share it with you.

Red Dog