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.
Posted by: Alex | September 22, 2012 at 11:27 PM
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.
Posted by: Kim Krawiec | September 23, 2012 at 08:58 AM
Oh dear. I have some trips next week that if they are delayed will blow the whole trip....
Posted by: Tamara Piety | September 25, 2012 at 11:07 AM
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.
Posted by: Kim Krawiec | September 25, 2012 at 05:04 PM