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Old 08-01-2010 | 08:47 PM
  #44389  
johnso29
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: B757/767
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Originally Posted by Cycle Pilot
Rode on two more Airbuses over the past couple of days. Both had APU's running at the gate with air and power hooked up. Both crews also 2 engine taxiied even though we had 15-20 minute long taxis. I just don't get it...
WOW! Ok man, you really need to drop this subject. It's getting really old.

FYI, 320's DO SE Taxi in & out. 320's do shut the APU off at the gate with power & air hooked up. I do it & see it everyday. Fact of the matter is there are times that crews get to an airplane w/in 20 minutes of departure time with the APU running. At that point it is more costly to shut it off for 10 minutes and restart it because APU mx goes off start cycles. Also, there are plenty of gates in MSP, DTW, MEM that blow air that won't cool the cabin below 80 degrees with 0 pax & that is unacceptable. People do not pay $$$ to get on a hot airplane and sweat until cruise. Just because you are comfortable doesnt mean the poor guy who just ran from 2 terminals over to catch his connection is. Don't be a cheapo, keep the pax cool. Also, you do realize that just because power is hooked up doesn't mean it works? Many guys don't plug it in right, or the power is rejected by the airplane. I have a lot of times where I push the external power button, & the airplane kicks it right off. I've had gates where I've tried it 5 times before leaving the APU on. Just because it's plugged into the airplane doesn't mean it's good.

In regards to SE taxi, I'm seeing a lot more of it. Go read the 320 hot topics on the 320 Flight ops page. The shuttle is being very good about SE taxi. I continue to encourage my CAs, & they're are being receptive. Some still want 2 started, & when they see a line they ask for one to be shut down.

Fact the matter is you know ZERO about the 320 fleet, and you need to stop the APU sheriff thing. You worry about YOUR fleet.