A few years ago we had the Polar Vortex extend its cold reach farther south than anyone could remember in recent times. ATL if I remember correctly reported temperatures below zero, with frost bite warnings being issued for rampers. As luck would have it, we got a tow-over aircraft from the hangar that met the very definition of cold soaked. All the Big water bottles and everything liquid in the galley were frozen rock solid and to top it off no APU and an abysmal conditioned air connection that was blowing cold air even in its warm setting. Starting one then boarding was not an option; first time I saw a jet refused for being too cold.

Little sensitive much? Not sure how use of the words "The Jet" equates to douchiness.

FWIW, I've spoken to a few station managers/maintenance personnel in the past who've said that use of the huffer for aircraft pack usage puts an unusual demand on the air carts. I believe it has something to do with the use of high volume over short periods of time for engine starts, as opposed to high volume over long periods of time for pack operation (Burns up huffer's motor). Additionally, the air carts are not typically run on a regular basis so they are prone to breaking if used for long periods between cycles. Just what I've been told in the past.

Noise, fumes, reliability. I know a huffer cart works, but it is rough on the ground crew. The hose gets smoking hot on a quick start. I’d imagine they are not intended for continuous use.

Passengers are all over this. Check out your airline’s Twitter. Instant connection to ***** about hot cabins.

One of the reasons for this occurring on a regular basis is micro management and excessive “crm”. As with everything else in this country the pendulum swings too far in either direction. Now you have ground crew telling captains to shut down the apu and captains oblige.

Some guys just don’t have a clue what they’re doing...but that’s any job.

Anyone remember when UA/CO implemented APU police that would come onboard and turn off your APU?

Lol. I'd reach up and turn it back on. If they squawked, I'd be too hot to complete my job and they can find another pilot to work in such conditions. If everyone stood their ground this way the APU police would quickly go the way of the Dodo. Summertime anywhere east of the Rockies and the APU is on during the preflight and turns. I couldn't care less about my company's desire to save fuel with respect to this issue. Provide me ground air that actually keeps the cabin cool for my passengers and crew and I'll utilize it. In 12 years of 121 flying I'm still seeking that magical beast.

Vaguely. However last month I had a 2 day LAX short overnight. Came out to the jet before boarding started to see both forward galley FAs standing in the entry door sweating. Also in the jetway standing near the open door to the ramp enjoying a cool breeze was the friendly (but useless) clipboard holder/STAR flight helper/on time police. Hi, I'm Peggy Sue from LAX CPO and I'm here to help because you are a STAR flight.....Yippe. Ok, I'll play... yes Peggy Sue, why is the cabin so hot? Mumbled reply.... So I ask, Why didn't you call someone (anyone) to turn off the ground air? Or Maintenance to start the APU and cool the cabin...? Classic reply.....well, it's not "my" aircraft. My reply....True, but it would help to ensure an on time departure if we had a cool cabin and not a hot cabin that requires us to delay boarding. Peggy Sue vanished so quickly she almost forgot her clipboard.... luv u LAX CPO!

Didn't Delta have an APU Sheriff (complete with badge) that used to do the same thing?

Yes, and cabins got so hot that now we need an Overwing Exit Sheriff. :p