I've noticed that the AA guys print their own release at the gate. Is that something that is coming to the us side? Seems like another step backwards.

 

I think it is a GREAT idea. It's time pilots start doing more of their own work and taking control of their being proactive rather than the opposite. I use it too. You can get it from Jetnet.

I make it a point to call dispatch on my way to work to get the system updates and general brief. I can then brief the crew when I get to the aircraft so they can focus on doing their jobs.

I'm a "glass half full" kind of guy.

 

I hope that's sarcasm.

 

What's wrong w/printing your own release? It's YOUR release...

 

Because there are more important things to be done than standing in front of a printer waiting for it to print. The gate agents prints it, brings it down all the while we set things up and/or get food.

 

They did this to us at XJT yrs ago. We used to have a release when we arrived or shortly after, then some bean counter decided they could get the flight crew to do it and fire more agents.

So, you now have to deal with:

waiting at the printer as its daisy wheel spews out 100 other release and crap first.

Try to explain to the stressed out agent that you need more paper

fix jams

Call tech support when your login doesn't work

Try to explain to the stressed out agent that you need ink

Wait and wait.

Field questions like are we on time, why can't I take my overstuffed bean bag chair onboard, etc. while you are waiting, waiting.

I mean it's fine with me, because I'm not going to rush due to the company's bad decisions. I've had an hour or more delay due to printing issues. Yes, couldn't reach dispatch, the flight was already severely late due to downstream weather delays and no reserves, after hours at the airport, no paper, no ink, computer down. oh yeah, it's saving money.

 

I think its a great idea. While we are standing there lets go ahead and make the boarding PA's and accomodate pax seat change requests.

 

While wearing our hats of course.

 

Thirty give guys quit last month over this.

 

Don't forget as soon as you set behind the counter you instantly become a gate agent and get riddled with every question by every passenger. Are we boarding now? Which gate is Tulsa?

....yeah no thanks.