Silence overheard on the PA

[Fly2Scuba]

Don't drive the commuters in the back nailbiting it to work or the pax trying to make connections to an early stress related grave; please make a PA if the aircraft is sitting in the same spot for an extended period of time (more than 5-10 minutes). Noticed lately on a couple occasions that many crews don't quite let everyone else on board know why or how long the wait might be sitting in one spot. Yea, my fault for living on the edge depending on a close to on-time arrival, but who doesn't every once in a blue moon. Anyways, it's definitely contibuting to the stress levels of many. With that knowledge, I always make a PA if anything is holding up the flight's progression. Thank you.

 

[WMUSIGPI]

sorry 38% less pay = 38% less effort... or in my case no pay = I don't show up at all anymore.

 

[ExAF]

Maybe

Here's what I've been hearing. 40% paycut = 40% less PAs. Many of the captains I flew with prior to getting furloughed said they don't make PAs any more. They just don't care.

 

[Clyde]

PA announcements!!!!! what the heck are u guys talking about???? what is a PA announcement?

PA = Package Advisement.

I always keep the freight well-informed of the flight's progress.

 

[Jetjockey]

Don't get married? That is bad advice. My wife has supported my aviation habit for a long time.

 

[Flyerjosh]

Perhaps another reason why the public is fed up about hearing about underpaid/overworked pilots? How hard is it to pick up the PA mic, and say 30 seconds worth of words about why the plane isn't moving.

Absolutely amazing. And airlines are wondering why more and more business travelers are finding alternate means of transportation (netjets/charter/whatever).

Put down the paper once every 15 minutes and let your people know whats going on. Not that difficult.

 

[gkrangers]

How often do the pilots actually know exactly what the wait time is?

How often does a 5 minute wait turn into a 30 minute wait?

I'm sure the passengers would be real pleased then.

 

[ExAF]

Duh

Perhaps another reason why the public is fed up about hearing about underpaid/overworked pilots? How hard is it to pick up the PA mic, and say 30 seconds worth of words about why the plane isn't moving.

Absolutely amazing. And airlines are wondering why more and more business travelers are finding alternate means of transportation (netjets/charter/whatever).

Put down the paper once every 15 minutes and let your people know whats going on. Not that difficult.

That's the whole point Josh...they have gotten to the point where they just don't care any more.

 

[twepilot]

When will some guys realize our pay is influenced by how many passenger we chase off...DUH!

RV

 

[800Dog]

When will some guys realize our pay is influenced by how many passenger we chase off...DUH!

RV

Or is our pay based on what those passengers pay for their ticket? You get what you pay for.

 

[XJohXJ]

Almost every flight I've been on in the last year, workin' or ridin', has been very close to FULL. The PAX are there!

Now, if we could only have a less hostile work evironment......or, even better....A workplace environment where we are (gasp) appreciated for the hard work we do, as well as for the sacrifices we make, and VALUED by our employers!

And, yes, we do need to make a decent, and even modestly comfortable living. Employee satisfaction will always be a precondition to customer satisfaction. It is simply basic human nature.

 

[xjlifer]

^^^^ What he said....close to 90% full at almost all airlines...the number of folks riding ain't the problem...what they pay to ride is. Hell if they raise the rates and run off 10% believe me everyone who works day to day in dis bisness would be happier

 

[Slice121]

It should never be cheaper to fly than to take Greyhound...sadly it often is. IAD to CLT last year is one example I personally know of.

 

[OPECJet]

After seeing our lines cut, 20 yr captains on reserve, and finally a double base closure screwing over about 50% of the seniority list, add me to the list that just doesn't give a damn.

Unless its really out of the ordinary, I'm staying quiet.

 

[Einstein]

After seeing our lines cut, 20 yr captains on reserve, and finally a double base closure screwing over about 50% of the seniority list, add me to the list that just doesn't give a dang.

Unless its really out of the ordinary, I'm staying quiet.

Please tell us who you fly for so we can avoid your airline and you. Bunch of whiners.

 

[800Dog]

Please tell us who you fly for so we can avoid your airline and you. Bunch of whiners.

Oh please. You know you will fly his airline if they have the cheapest ticket. You get what you pay for.

 

[xjlifer]

Typical day at xyj airlines...push late as the was no ground crew to be found...first pa.."folks we are all ready to go up here and as soon as we get pushed back we will get to to bum F*ck Iowa". Fly to bum f*ck Iowa...land and since we are early/late/on time..there is no gate...next pa.."folks we will get you to the gate as soon as it opens up please keep your seat belt on" get to the gate...wait 15 minutes for a jet bridge driver..next pa..folks as soon as we get a jet bridge driver we will be able to open the door". Finally the door opens and then you stand there and listen to how "I will never fly your airline again!!!"

After four days of that I tend to get a little more quite on the pa.

 

[Airway]

Perhaps another reason why the public is fed up about hearing about underpaid/overworked pilots? How hard is it to pick up the PA mic, and say 30 seconds worth of words about why the plane isn't moving.

Yes this is exactly why the public is fed up of hearing about pilot salaries. If only pilots picked up the PA once in a while. It'd probably lower the price of oil, too. Good catch.

 

[kevdog]

If your company wants you to make PA calls under particular instances, you do it. If you do not have a work ethic, then quit your job and go back to selling lemonade on the street.

 

[bubbers44]

I have felt like one of the worlds biggest liars telling my passengers what ramp control said what the delay was for and how long, especially the how long part.

Still don't know what the solution is but staying quiet because of pay cuts isn't one of them.

 

[Crossky]

How often do the pilots actually know exactly what the wait time is?

How often does a 5 minute wait turn into a 30 minute wait?

I'm sure the passengers would be real pleased then.

NEVER.

Not very often.

Then they are too uptight. It's pretty simple, not rocket science. Give an estimated timeframe to the pax and state it as such. If you go over it so what, worse things could've happened. They should understand that. They are already slightly irritated anyway, they should appreciate that you are trying to help them with their travel plans.

The prima donnas in this industry kill me. This is a customer service industry folks. Hasn't anyone here ever worked a real day job that required you to be accountable to your employer hour by hour, budget by budget, and where your raise depended on your individual performance? This job is so cush compared to a normal 9-5 environment. Sure this has it's own set of demands, but the requirements are in black and white, not fuzzy and open to your bosses prejudice, favor, and interpretation like in the real world. At least note the difference, be thankful, and make an effort to fill in the customer service square during your duty day. We all make less than we used to and have worse benefits, but is that really a reason that justifys being less of a professional?

 

[Gofish]

If it is early in the morning or late at night, sometimes the best practice is to stay quiet or make your announcements quiet, short and sweet.

 

[Captain X]

Make a "welcome aboard" PA and include a general reference to any possible delays.

Once you've pushed back, if you haven't departed for 10-15 minutes, make an update PA and give them an ETD (you should have an EDCT by then).

If, right after you've made the update (or any PA telling of a delay), things shorten then you can make a "retraction PA" which always makes the pax happy and you can boogie.

If it looks like a delay is gonna extend, then make another announcement when you get that info from ATC or at 30 minute intervals.

Everytime I've seen this done I would estimate that 99% of the pax get off with smiles and thanks you's.

 

[FCPhotography]

Totally honest on the PA.

"We are late because we have no rampers. The company likes us to be understaffed so we can offer lower fares.

We are late because we have no jet bridge driver to pull up the jet bridge, they like the gate agents to be understaffed as well.

We are late because we have no rampers to put your bags in the cargo.

We are late because we ran out of FO's.

Our company is having problems finding pilots that want to work here.

Thanks for flying with us and we appreciate your patience."

 

[CaptainMark]

PA announcements!!!!! what the heck are u guys talking about???? what is a PA announcement?

 

[okcplt]

Now, if we could only have a less hostile work evironment......or, even better....A workplace environment where we are (gasp) appreciated for the hard work we do

.

Dude,

Pouring 20 yards of concrete is "hard work". Strolling thru the concourse pulling your rollerboard...er...uh carrying your backpack, then programming the FMS so the jet will fly itself to the destination is not.

 

[SEVEN]

Make the stupid PA announcement! It's your job. I know it sounds stupid, but you really do have to forget all the BS (not to mention knowing you're getting furloughed) and be a professional while at work. The morons that don't do thier job are like those imature idiots at McDonadls that spit in your burger because they hate thier job and are pissed off about something. Overall, my experience has been that most crews do the pa's even though they seem like a waste of time.

So for now: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Peace Out.

 

[CaptainMark]

OKCPLT...with 600 hours...i don't think you know what hard work is..the next time you depart ANC in a snowstorm and fly all night and shoot a VOR approach into subic bay, PI in heavy rain...then voice your opinion of what hard work is...your flight instructor is waiting for you...

 

[WMUSIGPI]

Nevermind not worth the pissin match.

 

[GuppyWN]

Mark, You've obviously never poured concrete!

Gup