Tue, Jul 15, 2008
Says Training Program Penalizes Pilots For Adding Fuel
Reserve
US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) President Stephen
Bradford released a memorandum this week to US Airways pilots,
advising them of the airline's decision to initiate what the union
considers discipline in the form of unapproved "training."
The training is to be given to the airline's most senior
Captains who -- says USAPA -- 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/her
license.
In USAPA’s view, the threat is clear: adding fuel could
expose a pilot to career-ending license action.
USAPA Spokesman Captain James Ray says in most cases, the senior
Captains were selected for adding what the union says 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 pilot'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," said USAPA President Stephen Bradford. President
Bradford went on to say, "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."
USAPA represents over 5,000 US Airways pilots in seven domiciles
across the United States.
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