Overweight...Now What???

[your_dreamguy]

Hello,

I am putting my bid for Captain upgrade soon. I am starting to think of some scenarios I've seen as an F/O. My question is...the gate agent tells you about estimated pax and bags. It looks as if you'll be overweight. What methodology do you use to squeeze people or bags on board? For example, the last captain I flew with uses this methodology:

1. Look at using a closer alternate.
2. Find some 1/2 weights.
3. Play with fuel.
A. Reduce contingency fuel.
B. Burn extra taxi fuel.
4. List extra empty galley carts.
5. Change Additional Crew Member to Female.

I look forward to your responses

 

[viper548]

1. Find half weights
2. Use ACARS to get more accurate max TO weight
3. See if a different runway or flap position will give more weight
4. Re-evaluate how much fuel I will burn during the taxi
5. Bring gate checked bags into the cabin.
6. Re-evaluate contingency fuel
7. Call OPS and ask if they want to bump bags or pax

 

[Alcatraz]

7. Call OPS and ask if they want to bump bags or pax

Very important step! I've flown with many new captains at a couple of airlines that didn't understand that figuring out who or what to bump (other than fuel) isn't a decision you have to make. Someone else solves that problem for you.

 

[~~~^~~~]

Some of those "tricks" would not work at my airline due to our operational specifications. To find extra load carrying ability you might want to follow the following checklist and use it in non sequential order.

(1) Check dispatch release and loads at the gate. Has weather improved so that you no longer need an alternate, or is there a closer suitable alternate?
(2) Look at extra fuel and hold fuel. However, be conservative until you get experience on the airports involved. Of course, keep your dispatcher in the loop. A diversion so you could get one passenger on board will not be appreciated by the other passengers.
(2a) Consider winds, runway selection, departure procedure and flap setting to maximize load carrying abilities.
(3) When you make your fuel order, ask the fueler to maintain a watch and not over fuel you.
(4) Once on the jet, ask your flight attendant for a count of the children on board.
(5) Consider whether your airline includes bags in the cabin with the passenger weights. If it does, gate checked bags might be better kept with the passengers.
(6) Consider whether your airline allows you to use actual weights for any additional crew, or jumpseat occupants.

The best letters of recommendation you can get is from a grateful senior Captain at your dream airline who dead tired after a trip around the World is depending on your jump seat to get home to their family. You are smart to help passengers, non revenue folks and especially jumpseaters on their commute if there is any way to do so.

 

[Fox-Tree]

Hello,

I am putting my bid for Captain upgrade soon. I am starting to think of some scenarios I've seen as an F/O. My question is...the gate agent tells you about estimated pax and bags. It looks as if you'll be overweight. What methodology do you use to squeeze people or bags on board? For example, the last captain I flew with uses this methodology:

1. Look at using a closer alternate.
2. Find some 1/2 weights.
3. Play with fuel.
A. Reduce contingency fuel.
B. Burn extra taxi fuel.
4. List extra empty galley carts.
5. Change Additional Crew Member to Female.

I look forward to your responses

How about getting your company to actually operate the equipment in the environment it was designed for.......... regional flying.
Come to think of it - doesn't this belong in the regional section?

 

[~~~^~~~]

Fox Tree - funny you should mention that. The last time using the procedures was needed was to get one of your Captains home from Memphis after his 7 day international trip turned into an 8 day due to a rare FedEx cancellation.

We don't have any say in where they fly our airplanes to. We just do our job, like you do yours - and BTW - when can folks jumpseat on FedEx? I'd love to travel to the pacific with a sleeping bag and a dinner I packed instead of row 110 on an ID96.

 

[Nado]

Just like all Fedex stuff is in the Cargo section....

 

[pianoman]

5. Change Additional Crew Member to Female.

I don't want your jumpseat that bad. I plan on one more kid at least.

 

[islandpirate]

.....

 

[islandpirate]

My question is...the gate agent tells you about estimated pax and bags. It looks as if you'll be overweight. What methodology do you use to squeeze people or bags on board?

Just use your pen. Worked for me.