Try jumpseating on us one day, and you'll see the difference. AA is the last of the major airlines to have yet to undergo a CRM-inspired revamp of flight operations. Our check list is challenge and response down to the silliest things, such as "Transponder", "Landing lights", "APU", etc. These are all items that at most airlines, the F/O just reads out loud and confirms. In our case the CA has to physically look and respond, and that takes his concentration off from taxiing.


Captains have to start engines. On the MD80, when we go out on one engine, the CA has to start the second engine, and that means using his right hand to hold the start switch for 45 seconds - while he's taxiing with his left hand - and that takes a little coordination. This results in slower taxi speeds.

Captains also have to make the "Prepare for Takeoff" PA to the F/As. While they're only supposed to say it verbatim, a lot of captains give a whole spiel that sometimes takes 30 secs, and since they're taxiing, this causes them to slow down as well.

Do you see where I'm getting at? AA's procedures are very geared toward ancestral worship, "because that's the way we did it on the Electra", or whatever. I'm not saying it's right, just giving you folks some enlightment on what goes on here.

73