'Blue cleaning crew

[stillaboo]

Just caught the Jet Blue CEO (yeah, I fogot his name already ) on '60 Minutes II'. Saw some video of 'Blue pilots cleaning the plane, along with a station manager.

Do JB station managers and pilots normally clean the cabin after a leg, or was this something special for the cameras?

I do know the CEO does FA duty sometimes.

-Boo!

 

[Redtails]

Yes, pilots and station managers regularly clean the planes during the turns. Our jumpseaters (even offliners) also know the drill. The only time the flight crew doesn't clean is if the aircraft RONs.

 

[stillaboo]

And we wonder why JB does so well. Man, I once suggested to my Captain that we help out the girls in the back when we were late and quick turning. His response, "pilots don't clean airplanes. FA's do."

I can understand not wanting to do it (especially if you ever were an FO on the Beech), but, if it helps the company . . .

Thanks for the reply. Can't wait to work for you guys, even if I have to clean

-Boo!

 

[Gulfstream 200]

good for you guys!

So long as all your "pilot stuff" is done, why not help out and get the thing ready to roll again!!

good attitudes!

By the way, best darn airline I ever rode on. I once rode you guys to Long Beach. Shared the hotel shuttle with the crew. When I said I flew in on JB, your Capt asked how the ride was, thanked me for flying JB, and said how proud they were of thier company. I never mentioned I was a pilot or anything....just a real class act.

 

[DanielWebster]

Pilots cleaning airplanes???

Way to go guys. Keep lowering the bar. Why not throw some bags while you're at it. Or better yet, on your days off, why not go in and stuff V-files. Pretty soon JetBlue pilots will have to learn to hand out chips and pour drinks in order to pass the type ride.

I was never trained in any of that in FLIGHT school. Way to use that PILOT license B6 guys.

 

[SpeedBird]

This One's For You Danny Boy!

Nice post rumplestiltskin!

 

[Blue Dude]

In spite of the impression you get from 60 minutes, JB pilots are not required to clean the cabin. Some pilots don't, most do, time permitting. Why? I could give you some smoke about saving some time on turns and saving some money on cleaning staff, but that's only peripheral. In fact, usually the pilots are busy saying goodbye to the customers, making a lunch run or performing a walk around, which doesn't leave much time to do much more than a handful of rows before the cabin is clean.

So why do it? Team building. The cabin crew doesn't see the pilots much at all anymore, us being locked in the cockpit 99% of the time, and there's nothing that breaks down walls faster than getting your hands dirty for a couple of minutes. It does wonders for communication and leadership when you demonstrate, even for a token two or three minutes, that you're not too good to help out in some small way.

You still feel that's degrading the pilot profession, Daniel Webster? There's more to being an airline pilot than flying the plane. Back to school for you.

 

[Skank]

Danny,
It has nothing to do with our pilot's license. By the way, Danny Boy, everyone here with one of those licenses get a whole lot of stock options. Check the stock price, my little Einstein, and you'll see why we do whatever we can. It's called ownership. Something you'll never understand.

 

[Eagleflip]

I agree with BlueDude's assessment of the cleaning issue.

While I am provoked with those of us who refuse to clean (I have heard "you'll notice that I don't clean...I was hired as a pilot..." from one of our Captains, for example), it simply isn't all that hard, lengthy or dirty. We leave any really nasty stuff (biohazard type) to the Pros from Dover, and that seldom happens in the first place.

To sum it up, I use a philosophy that has worked well for me during my married life and most of all through fatherhood:

"If cleaning my jet (or insert any not-so-fun task here) is the worst thing I have to deal with today, then it's not a bad day..."

Remember the big picture, Daniel Webster. It's about enjoying your job!

 

[Networ-King]

Don't let this idiot get to you guys..... just look at his profile. Hey webster, why don't you let us know who your work for and when you PFT..........yeah, your probably one of those guys that has had a 121 blanket under him since your FLIGHT school days. Get a clue, you idiot........ I don't know if anybody remembers the baggage handlers strike in Tenerefe South in 99. Thats when those guys would put one bag on the belt watch it make it to the cart then put the next one on...... that was for a 180 plane...... man the guys eyes were huge when he saw me jump in there with the captain and unload the whole plane. Great workout and the look on their faces was priceless....... help clean the airplane was the easy part.......gotta do what you gotta do...... Webster.... go back to school and stay there....... your probably one of the best examples of bringing the idustry down.

 

[skirt]

So why do it? Team building. The cabin crew doesn't see the pilots much at all anymore, us being locked in the cockpit 99% of the time, and there's nothing that breaks down walls faster than getting your hands dirty for a couple of minutes. It does wonders for communication and leadership when you demonstrate, even for a token two or three minutes, that you're not too good to help out in some small way.

On the United Shuttle we used to all pitch in to get the job done. Sometimes it was the only way to get the plane out on time, because we had 25 minute turns. We had a great esprit de corp on the Shuttle. Never once did I here "that's not my job". If help was needed in the cabin or ramp, it made a huge impact if the pilot's lent a hand.

Shortly after 9/11 the Shuttle shut down and we were back to the "old way". Recently, on a tight turn, I went back to help the cabin cleaners and was growled at by the lead cleaner. He said "I don't do you job, so please don't do my job. If we're short staffed, then that is management's problem. This flight will go out late". Knowing that a pissing contest would ensue if I pursued, further delaying the flight, I went back to the cockpit frustrated.

No teamwork at United now. Gee, JetBlue does not even have cabin cleaners. Who is making money? Who is losing money? I think much of it is lack of teamwork and attitudes.

Frustrated
Skirt

 

[Neubyfly]

!

At TWA it was not exactly "culture" to help the FAs clean but, myself and many other pilots would help, time permitting.

Why not? None of us are too good to not help our co-workers. Besides, there is nothing more uncomfortable than sitting in a first class seat, reading a free newspaper while the FAs try and clean around you. IF the turn is short or one is late, HELP OUT!

 

[DanielWebster]

pilots and station managers regularly clean the planes during the turns. Our jumpseaters (even offliners) also know the drill.

I can guarantee you that if I was jumpseating on JetBlue, I would not clean the f*ing airplane when we landed. And I don't believe that many other pilots do either. I fly planes, I don't clean them.

You guys ever wonder how the cleaners union feels about you stealing their work?

 

[AKAAB]

You will never be required or expected to help us clean our airplanes if you are a commuter. As long as you have basic manners, you and your comrades will always be welcome on my plane. I won't hold a grudge against you because you are simply a product of the culture you were raised in.

I'd wager to say at least 50% of the commuting pilots and 80% of the FA's at least clean up the row they were sitting in before leaving. It's a courtesy on their part and we greatly appreciate the gesture.

As for our pilots helping clean, it's simply one of the best leadership tools I have in my bag. If I'm willing to come out and help clean, then that helps inspire my team to excel. If I find a lav particularly unkempt, I don't order an FA to clean it. I let them see me do it. It doesn't lower my status or authority. Rather, it helps exemplify the importance of everyone taking responsibility for our success. If I'm afraid of catching cooties, then I put on the rubber gloves (blue, of course). I'm not too worried, though. I seem to recall getting multiple "cootie shots" when I was kid.

AKAAB

 

[AKAAB]

As for the cleaners union...there isn't one. We contract for cleaning RON aircraft. It's the most detailed cleaning we get each day and our vendors are doing a good job. If we had to wait for a cleaning crew to come on board at every turn, we would be facing long turns that would negate a large part of our operating efficiency. If we lose operating efficiency, we wither. Then, the contract cleaning crews would be looking for work.

Our model works quite well.

AKAAB

 

[radiofly er]

Years of college, challenging checkrides, hard work, dangerous missions for what....................................CLEANING AIRPLANES? Degrading.

 

[C172Heavy]

I think it is great to hear that the pilots help out in the back. Obviously Daniel Webster is an idiot.

Whatever you pilots do, please DO NOT let the FA's help out when flying the plane!

 

[DanielWebster]

I think it is great to hear that the pilots help out in the back. Obviously Daniel Webster is an idiot.

Like your opinion matters, Mr. 200 Hour, C172Heavy!?!? Can you say "geek."

When you get some flight time, maybe you'll understand that pilots are not paid to clean f*ing airplanes. It's time we take back this PROFESSION.

What am I telling you for? You probably still rub one out everytime you see a King Air taxi by.....

see ya, jr.

ps. nice 'funny' at the end of your post. Yucka-yucka! Duh.

 

[FlyDeltasJets]

Re: This One's For You Danny Boy!

Nice post rumplestiltskin!

Sppedbird, my main man!

Welcome back!

 

[JayDub]

I can guarantee you that if I was jumpseating on JetBlue, I would not clean the f*ing airplane when we landed. And I don't believe that many other pilots do either. I fly planes, I don't clean them.

You guys ever wonder how the cleaners union feels about you stealing their work?

I don't know, or care, who is union or not. Do you really think members of a cleaners union gives a $h!t whether or not you belong to a union? If you think they care, you are sadly mistaken.

I make the most money of any other crew member, which I earn by being ultimately responsible for that aircraft. In other words, I am the leader (or at least I am supposed to be). Leadership 101; never ask anyone to do something you wouldn't do yourself. I think it's sad pilots are held in much less esteem than what they used to be. I personally believe the "it's not my job, you do the dirty work" type of Prima Donnas is what is ruining this profession. It may seem from your perspective, your attitude is appropriate. Ask yourself for just one minute how you'd feel if you were on the other side of the door, trying to make a twenty minute turn work (especially when it was supposed to be 40 minutes or more). Personally, I'd feel a whole lot better if the El Supremo felt my job was important enough to help out with, even if it was just for show.

With all of this said the aircraft, crew and mission are my responsibility. I will take care of them before all else. Cleaning the aircraft rates after flight planning, mx issues, etc. Usually on a day-to-day basis, there is never a conflict. No more so than Delta's policy of having their pilots say goodbye to their passengers at the end of a flight.


Radiofly er:

Speaking of which, how do you feel about Delta's policy? Is saying goodbye to passengers also degrading since it doesn't strictly involve flying the airplane?


JayDub

 

[C172Heavy]

DanielWebster

It has nothing to do with hours flown, it's all about an attitude....and obviously yours sucks!

 

[FL000]

If you think cleaning airplanes is beneath you, it's not because you're a pilot, it's because you're a prima donna. Try doing some real labor sometime in your life and your attitude should change.

 

[B190Captain]

Like your opinion matters, Mr. 200 Hour, C172Heavy!?!? Can you say "geek."

When you get some flight time, maybe you'll understand that pilots are not paid to clean f*ing airplanes. It's time we take back this PROFESSION.

What am I telling you for? You probably still rub one out everytime you see a King Air taxi by.....

see ya, jr.

ps. nice 'funny' at the end of your post. Yucka-yucka! Duh.

Lighten up Francis!

 

[Cliff]

Re: Pilots cleaning airplanes???

Way to go guys. Keep lowering the bar. Why not throw some bags while you're at it. Or better yet, on your days off, why not go in and stuff V-files. Pretty soon JetBlue pilots will have to learn to hand out chips and pour drinks in order to pass the type ride.

I was never trained in any of that in FLIGHT school. Way to use that PILOT license B6 guys.

Can't help myself I gotta say it...

You are a dumb Ass!!!!

 

[skykid]

I clean the airplane bathroom everytime I go in there and pick up trash in the jetway and anywhere I see it in any airport. You wont believe some of the looks of amazement passengers will give you just by picking up a McDonald's wrapper in the concourse. You don't have to work for JetBlue to have pride in your job, but if they can get on t.v. showing they are team players and have pride, good for them. That stuff sells tickets. I didn't see that 60 minutes show but it sounds like better advertisement than a paid commercial.

 

[Brett Hull]

d@mn

It's people like DanielWebster and radiofly er that make me glad I went the corporate route.

Is cleaning your own house/apartment/car/etc...beneath you, too?

 

[Skank]

Well Danny,
Don't ever come groveling for a jumpseat if cleaning is beneath you. Of course, we wouldn't ask you to clean. But since our CEO, President, and just about everyone else does clean, you probably wouldn't want to jumpseat on such a demeaning airline.

 

[jointops]

Daniel Webster,

I'm assuming from the low number of posts you are new to this board. Going on that assumption, most people try to abstain from making derogatory comments concerning other people's choices and companies.

Certainly heated discussions arise, but in the end until you walk a mile in someone else's shoes, it's best not to sit in judgment. Anonymity is a mighty empowering tool to have on these boards, but most people show decorum and respect.

Leadership is commanded not demanded. Trite but true. And I assure you, JB pilots know the difference.

To everyone else, as usual happy landings.

 

[airbaker]

I hit many roadblocks after I was first furloughed from a major and tried to get into the corporate flying realm. One of the walls that I had to break down was that I'd still be able to give great customer service even though I came from the compartmentalized "airline culture". At my former airline I used to clean the airplane during quick turns and would often times be given a strange look from the captains. It's sad.

I cleaned the airplanes because I knew that if I was paying good money for a ticket (which in turn paid my mortgage) I'd expect a clean airplane. It's that simple.

Many of us pilot types are pretty type-A. I know that my house and car are always in pretty good shape; why not my airborne office? If folding a few seatbelts and removing a couple of newpapers from the seatpockets are beneath you, maybe you need to rethink your career. Flying airplanes isn't just about flying a nice CATII ILS, it's about teamwork. CRM does extend beyond the cockpit door.

JetBlue has a definate recipe for sucess; 99% of that comes from the attitude of the employees. I just wish I got on the JetBlue bandwagon back when I was based in JFK and it was called "newair".

Hindsight's always 20/20

 

[dgs]

OK, you all may think that the blue Kool-aid has gone to my head, but I've actually come to enjoy cleaning the airplane. After a few months of practice, I've got a pretty good system and I think I do a pretty fine job cleaning the rows and picking up things others may have missed. I did it at first "to be part of the team." No complaints about doing it. I was happy to help, set a good example, quicken the turn, etc.

Now that I'm a captain I have a different viewpoint on cleaning airplanes. I feel more responsible for the success of every leg I fly. That means doing my best to motivate the entire crew to do an excellent job. That means doing everything I can to ensure that our customers have a good experience--including a clean airplane. I thrive on the satisfaction I get when people deplane and say things to me like, "This was my first flight on jetBlue and I loved it." The satisfaction is both short term--kudos for a good flight, and long term--confidence that our customers will return (with all the rewards of company growth, job security, increasing stock prices, etc.). I certainly don't think it is below me to help make their experience the best I can and cleaning airplanes is an easy way to help ensure our customer satisfaction and long term success.