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.

FMI: www.usairlinepilots.org, www.usairways.com