Originally Posted by
TpaPilot
Never flown 121 some I'm curious. Is it an automatic thing where the plane is supposed to go back to the gate under this rule?
Does the crew have any say-so? What if ATC said about 15 more mins? Could they put it to a democratic vote over the PA? Heck, if all are in favor to wait, why not wait. Then go back the moment the first pax wants to return.
Anyone here have real world experience with this?
Having any kind of "vote" by the passengers is a HUGE mistake! Some passengers are more timid than others, won't voice their wishes, and don't want to be seen as the "problem child" to the other pax. There are some caveats to the rule but I'm not one to "press to test" on them. My company has a DOT 3 hour policy out and I follow it. Rules like this have consequences to both company and passengers.
Why not wait the extra 15 min.? How many times has that 15 min. turned into 45 min? Because you become a statistic and now have to answer alot of questions. Why not just avoid the hassle?
Denny