Fireman,

We are not in an organized slowdown. We have just decided to make sure we are operating safely, given the recent turn of events over the last few weeks/months.

Being sent down to the sim for taxi practice.... priceless!!!

73

 

Huh .... sure.

I'll find out for myself Tuesday as we're flying to CDG on your airline.

 

Nope. Sorry. 8 Knots is not because of "safety concerns."

Fer cryin' ouy loud, T-37 initial solo students used to taxi faster than that.

There is something else going on.

 

Great! Here we go again with the "we are safety oriented and your....." Guys (and gals) it is plain and simple, the aircraft can taxi at greater than 10 kts and be operated safely. Would someone who is engineering savy please tell us if there is more brake wear on one application or hundreds trying to maintain 5-10 kts. If you choose to taxi at speeds less than "normal" then expect some criticism.

BTW, please tell me what "game" is being played when I taxi at 30 kts on a straight taxiway as allowed by SWA's operating manual?

 

Sorry guys, we'll be the judge of what's safe or not. You can believe what you want regarding why we taxi slow. Until then, if you're stuck behind us, sorry. Like I said, we'll be glad to accommodate you if you want to pass us up.

73
Paid by the minute

 

I really dont understand the debate here. If youre one of the crews stuck behind an airplane thats taxiing safely under 10 knots, does it anger you? Is it really that frustrating? I mean I just dont get it. This sounds more like a patience issue with these crews than an operational issue. Stay safe!

 

Not all of us airline pilots are as good as T-37 student pilots. At least I've been told that.

Maybe they had a MX issue, a passenger ruckus, or whatever. When I used to fly for AA it was common for us to be waiting "on the numbers" (ZFW, trim setting, flap setting, etc.) which were relayed via ACARS.

It's true when we switched over to AA's procedures we (TWA) were baffled by how long-winded their briefings and checklists were.

Truly, I'm not a big fan of my brethern at AA, however; before we are judge, jury, and executioner maybe there is more to the story.

Finally, if they were "slow taxiing", the reason would be their management is enjoying bonuses while the common man is just asking for a raise and the head shed is saying we have no more money because we took it all.

I would be mad too.

Flifast...taxi safe.

 

I personally appreciate flying with a capt that taxis very slowly. It gives me time to do the checklist without rushing. I'll also have time to look around and see if he or she is going to fly out onto an active runway. If its rushed my heads down all the time doing the checklist, etc. I'll look say where the heck are we now. Not great for situational awarness. Easier on me too. Oh, yeah and I liking blocking up the time too

PS. I can't wait see how slow the taxis are MAY 2 hahe

 

Ghilis,

Actually it is more that those that are padding their block time or engaging in a slow down think it is okay to involve others in their "games." Even if it is legitimate (i.e. ATC release, etc.), taxi at your own pace without involving others as many do by moving aside (thank-you AA73 for offering to do so). It is simply the unselfish thing to do. Besides I would bet they don't taxi so slow when it is their last leg home.

 

AA73,

For the benefit of those that are just curious (since you are most certainly in charge while someone is stuck behind you), what does your operations manual say is a safe taxi speed? Weather and field conditions obviously must be considered, but what can one in trail expect? I guess it is the variance that is so confusing because I have seen some AA guys taxi at what I would consider an expeditious and safe taxi speed. Then again what do I know about a safe taxi speed since I have been brainwashed by SWA? Please enlighten us.