As those of you who travel with American Airlines are no
doubt aware, the airline has been experiencing abnormal delays and cancelations
of late. According
to AA, the cause is a surge in pilots taking sick time and requesting minor
repairs, often at the scheduled departure time. Not
surprisingly, the pilots’ union denies the charges.
One
Mile at a Time blogs about a number of posts at the Airline Pilot Forums. This
thread caught my eye:
How is the operation running?
Just wondering how the metal is moving over
there.
— A bit sluggish…4 canx today at DFW for lack
of crews. Many delays and canx this week.
— 16 flights canx in MIA today for lack of
crews.
— The term sheet is being implemented as we
speak.And as always, the way to go is follow the FAR's to the letter, as well as company
rules… like giving T-storms 20 nm space, thorough pre-flights, conscientious
write-ups, economical taxi and flight speeds, meticulous check list procedures,
no-fault go-arounds, etc etc etc.Of course, fatigue is a hot-button topic w/NASA
and the FAA. Got to wathc those mental health issues too. And it's a good time
to finally get that carpal tunnel surgery.(emphasis mine)
Document
retention policy, anyone?
It doesn't really affect the content of the post, but the article that's linked under "not surprisingly" is actually from 1999 rather than current.
Hi Alex — yes, the reference is to the AA-Reno Air merger, when the court awarded AA more than $45 million dollars in damages due to the pilot union "sick out." Naturally, there could not be a court ruling yet on this week's actions. But the prior case must be very much on the minds of those who were around to experience it.
Oh dear. I have some trips next week that if they are delayed will blow the whole trip….
I'm in the same boat, Tamara. They have so far been very good, it seems, about accommodating people on other flights, including flights on another airline. But it's still a risk.