Golden Falcon
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- Feb 8, 2006
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USAPA: US Airways to ‘discipline’ captains over fuel costs
USAPA said this “training” is to be given to the airline’s most senior captains who, according to the pilot union, have been singled out for exercising their judgment on determining fuel loads for their flights. The “training” includes simulator instruction which, if not successfully completed, could subject the pilot to a loss of his or her license. The union said in its view, the threat is clear: adding fuel could expose a pilot to career-ending license action.
USAPA spokesman Capt. James Ray said in most cases the senior captains were selected for adding what equates to approximately 10 to 15 minutes of additional arrival fuel on transoceanic flights. Under the applicable standards of the Federal Aviation Administration, the adequacy of fuel loads is considered a critical safety determination that is left to the captain’s discretion.
The memorandum to the pilots was sent after the board of pilot representatives for the US Airline Pilots Association conducted a meeting on the matter. The memorandum stated, “Captain’s authority and the right to make decisions based on good, sound judgment should never be subjected to the winds of economics.”
“Making decisions on whether or not to hand out peanuts is one thing; mandating fuel loads that our captains are uncomfortable with is another,” Bradford said. “US Airways pilots are committed to exercising their ‘Captain’s Authority,’ as granted by the Federal Aviation Administration and will always ensure a fuel load that will safely fly our passengers to their destination, with all the reserves necessary to handle any contingencies related to the flight.”
Lisa Treon
7/15/2008
US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) President Stephen Bradford, on behalf of the union, has released a memorandum to the US Airways pilots which advised them of management’s decision to initiate what the pilots consider discipline in the form of unapproved “training.”7/15/2008
USAPA said this “training” is to be given to the airline’s most senior captains who, according to the pilot union, have been singled out for exercising their judgment on determining fuel loads for their flights. The “training” includes simulator instruction which, if not successfully completed, could subject the pilot to a loss of his or her license. The union said in its view, the threat is clear: adding fuel could expose a pilot to career-ending license action.
USAPA spokesman Capt. James Ray said in most cases the senior captains were selected for adding what equates to approximately 10 to 15 minutes of additional arrival fuel on transoceanic flights. Under the applicable standards of the Federal Aviation Administration, the adequacy of fuel loads is considered a critical safety determination that is left to the captain’s discretion.
The memorandum to the pilots was sent after the board of pilot representatives for the US Airline Pilots Association conducted a meeting on the matter. The memorandum stated, “Captain’s authority and the right to make decisions based on good, sound judgment should never be subjected to the winds of economics.”
“Making decisions on whether or not to hand out peanuts is one thing; mandating fuel loads that our captains are uncomfortable with is another,” Bradford said. “US Airways pilots are committed to exercising their ‘Captain’s Authority,’ as granted by the Federal Aviation Administration and will always ensure a fuel load that will safely fly our passengers to their destination, with all the reserves necessary to handle any contingencies related to the flight.”