Pilots claim airliners forced to fly with low fuel

[phantom power]

As cash-strapped airlines pack more passengers on flights into ever-busier airports, pilots are filing internal complaints warning that airline cost-cutting on fuel supplies could be creating a major safety risk.

The complaints, compiled by msnbc.com and NBC News from a database of safety incident reports maintained on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration, reveal wide-ranging concern among pilots that airlines are compelling them to fly with too little fuel.

American Airlines expects to spend $9.3 billion on fuel this year, 39 percent more than last year, said Andy Backover, a company spokesman.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24034468/

[Yael]

1. Well now, theres nothing unnerving about that, is there.

[Submariner]

2. Those flying with their BOSE engine sound eliminator earphones

will be oblivious that they are falling out of the sky with no fuel. Poor unaware bastages. :o

[havocmom]

3. unless you are reading it while stuck in an endless holding pattern

at LAX or something.

[rsmith6621]

4. Yeppers.....This Is What I Do For a Living

.....that is true to a point........It is my job at my airline to construct the flight plan,do weights and balance,maintain the safety and regulatory issues per the FAA,caculate and order the fuel for the flight.

Yes.....my company is asking us to tighten up the amount of fuel we put on.However though the company has no enforcement ability over what I decide will go on the plane especially after the Captain and I have agreed that the flight can be safely operated with the amount ordered....If the company puts pressure on me or the Pilots we can file a ASAP report which the FAA may read...they don't want that.

The FAA requires I put the following fuel onboard.

Fuel to the destination...Fuel to the most distant alternate(weather requiring) and 45 minutes reserve. Also I must take in to consideration possible holding,Taxi times,terrain on the approach,winds enroute and missed approached.


Frankly I think the passengers need to pony up more for fares this would go along ways to stop this policy, fares are to low especially since flights are mostly full these days....airfares are still a great value taken everything into account.

[phantom power]

5. As I understand it, USAir is now requiring a fee for > 1 checked bag.

Which strikes me as really a fuel charge.

[rsmith6621]

6. bags take fuel

.....to haul.....so you better start packing light.