There is a big red warning in the Vol I push procedure that says you need a clearance to push prior to releasing the parking brake.

it says further down don’t release the brake or turn on the anti-collision light until cleared for pushback or engine start.

I don’t know why we are trying to save company metrics. Who cares. If stuff isn’t ready that’s not our problem.

 

I refuse to provide an out time unless we are fully prepared and have been cleared to push. Ramp personnel have called countless times asking for an out time. It is not my fault if we are running late. If we give them an out time prematurely, nothing will ever change. If they are slow to load bags or board passengers, that issue needs to be addressed with their supervisors; we shouldn't bend the rules just to help with their performance numbers.

 

This is a trhread about "thank you from a commuter". So, how do you think it's going to work out when the gate agents have a policy to shut the door 10 minutes prior regardless of non-rev and JS boarding? They can stand on their policy manual the same as pilots. When they do we call them @icks. What do you think they think of pilots when there is no reciprocation? Where do you imagine that race to the bottom ends?

Sometimes going along to get along helps more than it hurts. I never had a single ??? from mgt even though I told gate agents to "put delay on me, just fill every possible seat".... but then again, I also did my best to get the "on time" to help out rampers/agents(they never know where the blame is gonna fall). If something is inadequate/egregious I would fill out an FCR. For things that were gonna be close, I did my best to help.(Supports the synergy of, "We are all in this together')

Black-White?, maybe, but, .....sometimes the answer is in the gray area. Use some common sense.

 

Common Sense? What chapter is that in the FOM?

 

You understand that there are many cases where your out (and in) time affects your pay, right?

 

they expect it, but they never want to pay for it. Let's keep that in mind in the next round of contract negotiations

 

It doesn't have to get a confrontational with the gate agent. Walk up the gate 15 prior and let the GA know youre going to drop a deuce in the terminal.. Plenty of time to get JSers and non-revs aboard. Five mins later walk back. Cooler heads generally prevail.

 

I mean you really don't have to fake taking a poop like a child. Just talk to the gate agent like an adult human 😂

 

Sadly, that doesn’t always work. Maybe it’s not the best first move, but some are intransigent, and “I gotta use the restroom” is the only chance you have to moving the needle.

 

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

Additionally, some CPs don’t like “the walk” 10 minutes prior. There is little that they can do when it’s for physiological / safety of fight reasons.