The Allied Pilots Association (APA) has raised concerns about the new operation protocol given to American Airlines' pilots. The union has stated that it does not oppose the protocol but does oppose the way it has been presented to pilots. APA argues that the airline has failed to sufficiently train pilots on the new protocol, stating that it may lead to future safety hazards.
Cockpit protocol
The new protocol American Airlines has created for its pilots is designed to streamline in-flight operations between aircraft. American Airlines operates numerous aircraft types, each having its own in-flight protocols. Pilots at American Airlines are assigned to a specific aircraft type which is the only aircraft type they fly. Pilots can choose to switch airframes if there is availability once they are at the airline. This requires them to undergo thorough training on the aircraft and its systems. It also requires them to learn new cockpit protocols specific to that aircraft.
These new procedures would have every pilot executing the same in-flight protocols throughout the airline regardless of aircraft type. The airline has chosen to implement such measures as it will make it easier for pilots to switch between airframes with less training required. A representative for American Airlines told Simple Flying that the new protocol will allow the airline to streamline pilot operations between aircraft. They stated,
"Our commitment to safety is unwavering, which is why we regularly update our Aircraft Operating Manuals to ensure they represent the latest and safest information for our pilots. These changes represent industry best practice and ensure improved crew coordination and consistency across fleet types so that our pilots can easily transition across different aircraft if they choose. These updates have been underway since 2021 and have been a coordinated effort with APA’s Training Committee. Additionally, the approach to familiarizing our pilots has been approved by the FAA."
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Opposing force
APA has made numerous statements cementing its opposition to the new protocol implementation. Representatives at APA have stated that they like the new protocols, but how it has been implemented needs to be corrected. The new protocol will require significant changes to current operations, which generally require several days of in-person or online training before being implemented into operations. American Airlines Pilots have reportedly received a bulletin, an updated operating manual, and a short video explaining the new protocol.
Executives at APA find the lack of effort to train pilots on new protocols alarming. Captain Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for ALPA, told USA Today the following concerning the new training,
"American Airlines Flight Operations management is attempting to circumvent robust safety-related pilot training by unilaterally imposing operational changes via bulletin,"
The pilot union recently released a statement on its website regarding its stance on the new protocol. The statement reads,
"While APA does not oppose fleet harmonization, we are steadfast in our commitment that pilots must be properly trained BEFORE operating with passengers.
"This attempt to train by bulletin, while ignoring serious safety concerns and well-established best practices, runs the risk of dramatically eroding margins of safety.
"Our commitment to safety is unwavering, which is why we regularly update our Aircraft Operating Manuals to ensure they represent the latest and safest information for our pilots,"
Leadership at APA has called upon American Airlines executives to ensure that pilots receive more training on the new protocol to ensure the highest level of flight safety.
What do you think of APA's opposition to American Airlines' new cockpit protocol? Let us know in the comment section.
Source: USA Today