UPS-Redispatch, delete the ALT?
 

A lot of different opinions on this new procedure the B747-400 chief pilot has implemented.
Flight over 6 hours need alternate, once redispatched it is now the procedure to delete alternate if no alternate required weather permitting.
I don't have a problem with this if the captain and dispatcher agree on deleting it, but I don't want the company telling me we are required to delete it.
Any opinions on this?

At what point is the flight no longer scheduled for more than 6 hours? There is an open ASAP report on this issue. I believe the feds are researching the intent of FAR 121.621 and whether it is abuse of the regulation to plan on deleting an alternate before the release is even signed. If the feds say we can do then great. In the mean time be careful what policies you follow out of the Anchorage Operations Manual.

Simple solution, just don't agree with the re-dispatch and go to the original dispatched destination. A release needs to be agreed by both the Captain and the Dispatcher, if not in agreement, no release. It's just like when a Captain requires more fuel, you never "ask" for more fuel, you just "tell" them you require more fuel. This is exactly what the FAA is upset with UPS over and many of our Captains have relinquished (sp?) their authority to UPS.

The passenger airlines, albeit apples and oranges with Supplemental Cargo flying, have been using RR flight plans for decades. In addition, it was not uncommon to be released IFR-No Alternate.

I am complete agreement that FAR 121 requires flights to be release via the proverbial "handshake" between dispatcher and Capt. Furthermore, I totally support the preservation of Captain's authority which has been eroded over the years due to greedy managment, economic factors and jealousy from other labor groups.

However, the reluctance to use RR flight plans by some of our Capts and the requirement to arrive at their alternate (not destination) with two hours of fuel totally baffles me.

I think I'll go in the back and throw in another Dog omelette, call me when it's time to go to customs.

FF

Who said anything about landing at the alternate with 2 hours of fuel? I agree that may be excessive. All I am saying is that I don't let some "junior cessna boxhead" dictate how much fuel I carry.