It may help to look at it that way to realize that it may very well be the main reason for this debate. Mainline makes policies for when the external air is hooked up and when it's removed. I believe with Delta it's supposed to be removed 10 minutes prior to push back, which is why they usually start the apu at that time. That being said, if all things are working perfectly it shouldn't be an issue. Things like ramp actually hooks up the ground air, and it actually heats or cools like it's supposed to. The problem is it's kind of low on the list when getting ready for a flight, but easy to fix if someone from the back speaks up. I feel there needs to be more accountability. The ground air is not hooked up, make a call, If they still don't hook it up, turn on the apu and file a report. It's hard to pinpoint a problem if there's no documentation. I apologize if some of this has already been said. I didn't read every post. And I'm not talking about quick turns here

 

When you're too ignorant to realize the issue transcends the various levels of the airlines, it makes it difficult. Doesn't it?

Pilots that like to stand on a pedastel and wag their finger at other sectors are always good for a laugh.

 

Which one was that?

 

This is one of many reasons US airlines don't make it into the worlds top ten.

 

You make some good points. When pc air is available and operating properly, we should wait until the last minute to start the apu. Accountability is key. Who is accountable and at what time? For example, if we arrive late on an inbound flight we find that our outbound flight has either already boarded or is in the process. Sometimes pc air is either not connected or insufficient. Due to min staffing, our flight attendants can't step off the plane to contact zone. They just stay on the plane and roast. You would think above a certain temp, passengers would not be boarded without proper air conditioning. If money is spent on apu run teams, you would think the air conditioning solution would be simple.

Comfort is no 2 on our priority. It doesn't take long to assess the cabin temps and correct the problem. My question is when the system breaks down, the pilots are the last line of defense. Why then don't they correct the problem? Yes there will always be those who say the book tells me to do it and that's what I'll do. In many cases I feel those are unreachable. What about those who realize the process is at times broken, but still decide not to act due to fear of retribution?

I'll also reiterate from a previous post that FO's have a responsibility to advocate.

 

This is not rocket science. If it is hot, start the APU, if it's comfortable use ground power/pc air when it's provided. Have you ever heard of anyone being called into the CP office over APU usage? No, it's hot and it becomes a safety issue when an old woman is on the verge of passing out.

 

I like the methodology of one capt I used to fly with, now that I'm one myself. "I don't get paid enough to sweat, don't get paid enough to freeze." If there's ground air, great. If not, I'm burning fuel. I don't care who's "cracking down" on it, or what the book says.

 

Ah yes, and then there's those that can't see the gray matter.