Here's why AA aircraft taxi so slow....
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,918
Here's why AA aircraft taxi so slow....
... because of the absurdly long challenge/response Taxi/Before T/O check list we have to do. And I mean challenge and response down to the runway items. We (F/Os) also have to adjust a whole bunch of stuff when there is a runway change... And finally, unlike at most other airlines, the Captain starts both engines, and he has to taxi slow to do that - he also has to make the "Prepare for TO" PA to the F/As.
I just read the absurd posts by Aviatr4AA (he's not a real AA pilot) and just wanted to clear some facts here. We are not anti SWA, in fact I have several friends there. I do my part just like any other airline pilot to help out the traffic flow, and if ATC wants me to slow down or speed up to get another aircraft spaced evenly, no prob! I (and most of my AA cohorts) don't voluntarily use up the whole runway to make someone else go around. We hussle off when we can, safely.
We've had our nasty share of accidents/incidents, and realizing that, we are operating a lot more conservitively these days. If we are taxiing slow, you can be sure there is a good reason.
Please don't let that troll Aviatr4AA skew your judgment of us, he is nothing but a flame baiter who doesn't even work for us. We are just like any other airline pilot group, mostly very professional with the usual 2% whackos.
73
I just read the absurd posts by Aviatr4AA (he's not a real AA pilot) and just wanted to clear some facts here. We are not anti SWA, in fact I have several friends there. I do my part just like any other airline pilot to help out the traffic flow, and if ATC wants me to slow down or speed up to get another aircraft spaced evenly, no prob! I (and most of my AA cohorts) don't voluntarily use up the whole runway to make someone else go around. We hussle off when we can, safely.
We've had our nasty share of accidents/incidents, and realizing that, we are operating a lot more conservitively these days. If we are taxiing slow, you can be sure there is a good reason.
Please don't let that troll Aviatr4AA skew your judgment of us, he is nothing but a flame baiter who doesn't even work for us. We are just like any other airline pilot group, mostly very professional with the usual 2% whackos.
73
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: G2 gear slammer
Posts: 308
Well this is a little insight for sure. BUT why is AA's checklist any different or THAT much of a difference, to anyone else? Nice try but I am not convinced just yet...
With that being said I will always be behind you guys, but I don't mind. Keep up the good work.
With that being said I will always be behind you guys, but I don't mind. Keep up the good work.
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,918
Captains have to start engines. On the MD80, when we go out on one engine, the CA has to start the second engine, and that means using his right hand to hold the start switch for 45 seconds - while he's taxiing with his left hand - and that takes a little coordination. This results in slower taxi speeds.
Captains also have to make the "Prepare for Takeoff" PA to the F/As. While they're only supposed to say it verbatim, a lot of captains give a whole spiel that sometimes takes 30 secs, and since they're taxiing, this causes them to slow down as well.
Do you see where I'm getting at? AA's procedures are very geared toward ancestral worship, "because that's the way we did it on the Electra", or whatever. I'm not saying it's right, just giving you folks some enlightment on what goes on here.
73
#4
Good info to know... Sounds like something that the ALPA pro standards, safety, and training committees should be working with the company/FAA on.
If more pilots filled out ASAP reports about the unsafe distractions during taxi (particularly if they may lead to situational awareness issues from being "heads down), then things will change.
IMHO, the captains job while on the ground is the TAXI. Anything systems or PA related (unless as at a full stop or under positive control of a tug) should be handled by the FO.
If more pilots filled out ASAP reports about the unsafe distractions during taxi (particularly if they may lead to situational awareness issues from being "heads down), then things will change.
IMHO, the captains job while on the ground is the TAXI. Anything systems or PA related (unless as at a full stop or under positive control of a tug) should be handled by the FO.
#6
aa73
Hey,
It seems our procedures are very similar. I am at Commutair and its all challenge and response, right down to T.O final items. The captain always taxi's, starts the engines, makes the PA announcement, etc. They even do the exterior preflight. Its interesting but, we still taxi pretty fast.
It seems our procedures are very similar. I am at Commutair and its all challenge and response, right down to T.O final items. The captain always taxi's, starts the engines, makes the PA announcement, etc. They even do the exterior preflight. Its interesting but, we still taxi pretty fast.
#7
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