aa73

... because of the absurdly long challenge/response Taxi/Before T/O check list we have to do. And I mean challenge and response down to the runway items. We (F/Os) also have to adjust a whole bunch of stuff when there is a runway change... And finally, unlike at most other airlines, the Captain starts both engines, and he has to taxi slow to do that - he also has to make the "Prepare for TO" PA to the F/As.

I just read the absurd posts by Aviatr4AA (he's not a real AA pilot) and just wanted to clear some facts here. We are not anti SWA, in fact I have several friends there. I do my part just like any other airline pilot to help out the traffic flow, and if ATC wants me to slow down or speed up to get another aircraft spaced evenly, no prob! I (and most of my AA cohorts) don't voluntarily use up the whole runway to make someone else go around. We hussle off when we can, safely.

We've had our nasty share of accidents/incidents, and realizing that, we are operating a lot more conservitively these days. If we are taxiing slow, you can be sure there is a good reason.

Please don't let that troll Aviatr4AA skew your judgment of us, he is nothing but a flame baiter who doesn't even work for us. We are just like any other airline pilot group, mostly very professional with the usual 2% whackos.

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bluebravo

Well this is a little insight for sure. BUT why is AA's checklist any different or THAT much of a difference, to anyone else? Nice try but I am not convinced just yet...


With that being said I will always be behind you guys, but I don't mind. Keep up the good work.

aa73

Try jumpseating on us one day, and you'll see the difference. AA is the last of the major airlines to have yet to undergo a CRM-inspired revamp of flight operations. Our check list is challenge and response down to the silliest things, such as "Transponder", "Landing lights", "APU", etc. These are all items that at most airlines, the F/O just reads out loud and confirms. In our case the CA has to physically look and respond, and that takes his concentration off from taxiing.


Captains have to start engines. On the MD80, when we go out on one engine, the CA has to start the second engine, and that means using his right hand to hold the start switch for 45 seconds - while he's taxiing with his left hand - and that takes a little coordination. This results in slower taxi speeds.

Captains also have to make the "Prepare for Takeoff" PA to the F/As. While they're only supposed to say it verbatim, a lot of captains give a whole spiel that sometimes takes 30 secs, and since they're taxiing, this causes them to slow down as well.

Do you see where I'm getting at? AA's procedures are very geared toward ancestral worship, "because that's the way we did it on the Electra", or whatever. I'm not saying it's right, just giving you folks some enlightment on what goes on here.

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FlyerJosh

Good info to know... Sounds like something that the ALPA pro standards, safety, and training committees should be working with the company/FAA on.

If more pilots filled out ASAP reports about the unsafe distractions during taxi (particularly if they may lead to situational awareness issues from being "heads down), then things will change.

IMHO, the captains job while on the ground is the TAXI. Anything systems or PA related (unless as at a full stop or under positive control of a tug) should be handled by the FO.

Metal121

Nice post AA73...thanks for the info and insight.

ERJ135

Hey,

It seems our procedures are very similar. I am at Commutair and its all challenge and response, right down to T.O final items. The captain always taxi's, starts the engines, makes the PA announcement, etc. They even do the exterior preflight. Its interesting but, we still taxi pretty fast.

767pilot

Were AA pilots members of ALPA, it is something that they just might work on <G>

Velocipede

[QUOTE=FlyerJosh;86482]Good info to know... Sounds like something that the ALPA pro standards, safety, and training committees should be working with the company/FAA on.[QUOTE]

AA is not ALPA.

FlyerJosh

Right. Sorry brain fart, I knew that... but still it's something for APA prostan, safety, training, etc committees to work on. You know what I mean...

ExAF

You still won't be any slower than NWA at taxiing. Remember...Safety is Paramount!