dash8trash

The new “optimized boarding” from AA essentially gives the agents and the FAs the power to board the AC without any pilot. It’ll take some time to work out the issues, but I suspect it’s here to stay.

MKVGTI

The confusion may be arising from the FIL essentially stating “just board em”


TO: All Pilots FIL: 18-56 FROM: Chief Pilots’ Office DATE: October 21, 2018
SUBJECT: Pilots onboard clarification

During the past year, the company has been more closely tracking and monitoring our one-time performance metrics. Recently, we have taken several delays due to Flight Attendants holding boarding because one or both pilots were not onboard. After reviewing these delays amongst Flight and Inflight leadership, we have decided to jointly release a clarification on this policy and procedure.

As long as the aircraft is powered ON, it is acceptable to board without a pilot onboard. Please do not hold boarding, especially during an outstation quick turn, due to lack of pilot presence onboard.

If you have any question as to if your crew is present (ex: this is an originating flight for the crew), please contact Crew Scheduling.
If you have any questions, please contact the Chief Pilot office.

skytrails

Theoretically if there’s no captain the FO is next in line to make those decisions. I see no problem boarding with one pilot as long as there is actually another pilot on the way and they know where they are.

No reason you can’t close up the door then the FO get caught up and comfortable before a push is called for.

Phoenix21

PSA is hiring. They have better pay and qol. They’ve got airport reserve, 2hr and 12hr call outs to the same bases PDT has.

If you’re looking at Piedmont, you really should be going to PSA. You’ll make $15k+ more there each year (even if PDT gets a pay raise in 6 months it will still be limited to 50 seat rates @ 75hrs credit and 11 days off unless somethings change along with pay) thanks to their larger aircraft, better credit and schedule flexibility. And you’ll have 4-5 more days off on average too.

MantisToboggan

By nature, they are going to feel rushed. Personally, I’m taking my sweet old time. But if you put me in that situation as a new guy? I’m not going to kid myself, I’d have rushed. I’m sure of it.

The optimized boarding clarification was intended to allow us to go inside and grab coffee, FO do the walk around etc while passengers were getting on. The intention was certainly not for an FA to make the call on boarding when the captain is still in MDT waiting on a wheels up time. The company wants on time performance. I want to make sure that flight is all set to go before passengers are on and I have to tell them why they’re being inconvenienced to go back into the terminal after waiting on board for an hour. Although it is kind of funny to watch the reaction of the guy who said “nice of you to finally show up to your job” when I do finally get in from MDT. My parking brake at the end of the day.