Looks like pilot error?

[Some Clown]

Last time I checked, ATC is a federally-funded organization and is therefore precluded by law from showing favoritism. Bottom line: ATC should not care one whit about any of this. If they feel a particular airline flight is being inappropriately slow, there are official channels to have that captain called to account.

What the federal law doesn't take into account is all the informal "bribes" accepted by the various tower facilities employees from SWA to insure this illegal priority. And I hope that the fallout from this investigation gets into these "bribes" accepted by federal employees.

Do you have any facts to back up these accusations? If so I would love to hear about them!

But accusations without facts can be called crying and whining. Do you need some tissue for your issue?

 

[KCFlyer]

Last time I checked, ATC is a federally-funded organization and is therefore precluded by law from showing favoritism. Bottom line: ATC should not care one whit about any of this. If they feel a particular airline flight is being inappropriately slow, there are official channels to have that captain called to account.

What the federal law doesn't take into account is all the informal "bribes" accepted by the various tower facilities employees from SWA to insure this illegal priority. And I hope that the fallout from this investigation gets into these "bribes" accepted by federal employees.

I didn't know Oliver Stone posted on this board. Maybe ATC has been getting tired of complaints being laid at the feet of "air traffic delays". If they can get one plane to the gate instead of delaying two planes because the one in front insists on taxiing down a really long, straight, open taxiway no faster than "a brisk walk". And I've watched AA jets at DFW taxiing in from 13/31, passing by Founders Plaza with just us spotters, watching...not another aircraft anywhere near... at that "brisk walk".

 

[nycbusdriver]

Do you have any facts to back up these accusations? If so I would love to hear about them!

But accusations without facts can be called crying and whining. Do you need some tissue for your issue?

Nothing we say on an internet forum counts.

If the investigation gets this far, there will be accounts given under oath that vindicates me.

No tears here, but maybe you can use that tissue to wipe the blinding crap out of YOUR eyes.

 

[Some Clown]

I didn't know Oliver Stone posted on this board. Maybe ATC has been getting tired of complaints being laid at the feet of "air traffic delays". If they can get one plane to the gate instead of delaying two planes because the one in front insists on taxiing down a really long, straight, open taxiway no faster than "a brisk walk". And I've watched AA jets at DFW taxiing in from 13/31, passing by Founders Plaza with just us spotters, watching...not another aircraft anywhere near... at that "brisk walk".

Maybe they are trying to make up for the pay cuts by increasing block times?

 

[Rhino]

NYC, not sure what you mean that SWA "bribes" ATC. Are you saying ATC can be had for 'peanuts'?

 

[Busdrvr]

NYC, not sure what you mean that SWA "bribes" ATC. Are you saying ATC can be had for 'peanuts'?

Never, but I do understand that they can be had for beer....

Just curious, are you denying that SWA (or it's surrogates)has given beer to controllers as a "thank you" in the past?

 

[Rhino]

Bus, I have no idea what you're getting at.

I honestly don't see any difference in how the various carriers interact with ATC or vice versa. Even at STL some thought ATC favored TWA, but I never saw it. ATC has a vested interest in running a safe, efficient operation, as do we all.

 

[E-TRONS]

Ya know E-trons, I have no beef with you personally or your background for that fact. I've been around the block a few times myself in the 14+ years I worked in the business. But what I DO have a beef with is people living in glass houses casting stones.

And that being said, how can you be so sure they were exceeding Turb Pent Speed? I mean seriously here... Come on...

Anyway I hope you and your's have a Happy Holidays!

No stone throwing intended...just DEBATE. Of course I have no way of knowing the actual Turb-Pent Speed on the LUV flight in question. I just thought it was a bit unusual...and tossed my thoughts into the soup pot!

I have learned one important thing over my career....pay attention to the outsider views of your company. Because you just might discover something that wasn't all that visible to you on the inside. Just some food for thought.

Happy Holiday wishes to you too!

 

[luvn737s]

Bus, I have no idea what you're getting at.

I honestly don't see any difference in how the various carriers interact with ATC or vice versa. Even at STL some thought ATC favored TWA, but I never saw it. ATC has a vested interest in running a safe, efficient operation, as do we all.

You don't?! WN (which after MDW must stand for "Whoa Nelly!") files a route then whines (WhiNe) for direct to the arrival gate, goes like hell and causes all the rest of the traffic that wasn't able to get direct due to traffic convergence to slow down or turn so that a space can be made for WN to fit into the flow.

If preferential routes (NRP for instance) were assigned maximum and minimum airspeeds there would be less need to accomodate those who choose to stray from them. Direct should be reserved for 1) Free flight, whenever that occurs 2) very late at night or 3) Lifeguard flights.
By accomodating WN at every request, the money they earn comes out of mine and all other airline's pockets.

 

[Some Clown]

No stone throwing intended...just DEBATE. Of course I have no way of knowing the actual Turb-Pent Speed on the LUV flight in question. I just thought it was a bit unusual...and tossed my thoughts into the soup pot!

I have learned one important thing over my career....pay attention to the outsider views of your company. Because you just might discover something that wasn't all that visible to you on the inside. Just some food for thought.

Happy Holiday wishes to you too!

Thanks for the Holiday wishes!

You're right about paying attention to your company. As I stated before in a different thread, I have always stayed abreast of events inside the company to which I am employed.

I have dodged layoffs and shutdowns during my time in this ever changing business. And I can tell you from first hand that SWA is changing. In some ways good and some ways not so good. The not so good is something those of us should try to keep happening. But as we grow as a company things are bound to change. But I for one am GRATEFUL for the chance to be part of this awesome group.

I can tell you that I don't see many things that are pushing the limit. The things that people have quoted have been of opinions and frankly they don't carry much merit.

All of you can say what you want about us being coolaide drinkers and towing the company line. But when you are told that you are VALUABLE as an employee, it makes you proud to be associated with that company.

Unfortunately I was out for 6 weeks with a work related injury and the Company sent me a get well card that was signed by Gary and Colleen but who knows if it was really them, it was the thought that counted.

Every year on my anniversary date, I get a card from the Company telling me Happy Anniversary. And birthday cards?, Yep, we all get them too.. This Airline cares about their people and the people CARE about their airline. That if that my friends, is drinking coolaide, I say gimme a bigger cup!

I really hope the airline industry turns around and we all can be secure in our futures no matter who we are employed by.

 

[KCFlyer]

You don't?! WN (which after MDW must stand for "Whoa Nelly!") files a route then whines (WhiNe) for direct to the arrival gate, goes like hell and causes all the rest of the traffic that wasn't able to get direct due to traffic convergence to slow down or turn so that a space can be made for WN to fit into the flow.

If preferential routes (NRP for instance) were assigned maximum and minimum airspeeds there would be less need to accomodate those who choose to stray from them. Direct should be reserved for 1) Free flight, whenever that occurs 2) very late at night or 3) Lifeguard flights.
By accomodating WN at every request, the money they earn comes out of mine and all other airline's pockets.

Sometimes it's not the pilot that requests that...a good friend of mine is a controller at Kansas City Center. The day before my wife and I left to go to Vegas, I saw him at a function at my daughters school and jokingly asked him to do what he could for our flight. On board the aircraft the next day, the pilot came on and annouced that we were leaving Kansas behind, then mentioned my wife and I's name and said that (name witheld) at Kansas City Center said to tell y'all hi...and we'd like to say 'thanks' as well".

 

[Rhino]

luvn, requesting direct is the only intelligent approach. It saves gas and time. If traffic flow does not permit direct routing, then ATC won't approve it.

When given direct we still fly Econ/LRC to conserve fuel.

You should try it sometime. Your airline would be less unprofitable.

 

[NewHampshire Black Bears]

Thanks for the Holiday wishes!

You're right about paying attention to your company. As I stated before in a different thread, I have always stayed abreast of events inside the company to which I am employed.

I have dodged layoffs and shutdowns during my time in this ever changing business. And I can tell you from first hand that SWA is changing. In some ways good and some ways not so good. The not so good is something those of us should try to keep happening. But as we grow as a company things are bound to change. But I for one am GRATEFUL for the chance to be part of this awesome group.

I can tell you that I don't see many things that are pushing the limit. The things that people have quoted have been of opinions and frankly they don't carry much merit.

All of you can say what you want about us being coolaide drinkers and towing the company line. But when you are told that you are VALUABLE as an employee, it makes you proud to be associated with that company.

Unfortunately I was out for 6 weeks with a work related injury and the Company sent me a get well card that was signed by Gary and Colleen but who knows if it was really them, it was the thought that counted.

Every year on my anniversary date, I get a card from the Company telling me Happy Anniversary. And birthday cards?, Yep, we all get them too.. This Airline cares about their people and the people CARE about their airline. That if that my friends, is drinking coolaide, I say gimme a bigger cup!

I really hope the airline industry turns around and we all can be secure in our futures no matter who we are employed by.

=========================================================

(some) "CLOWN",

Your (above) post shows that you appear to be "chilling out" a bit(GOOD for all concerned) !!

I am NOT saying WN is UNSAFE.

(BELIEVE IT OR NOT)I've flown WN 3 times more than my own carrier(AA) since I've retired !!

When people (who have never flown WN) ask me about them, I always say, "well you can count on 4 things"

1. Clean Planes
2. "SAFE A/C" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Low fares
and
4. "CORNY" F/A's

Nonetheless, It appears to me, (And NOW the FEDS)that "PART OF" Wn's CULTURE(pilots) is increasingly coming under microscopic examination !!!!!!!!


NH/BB's

 

[Some Clown]

=========================================================

Howdy NHBB,

I never needed to chill out. Maybe I just didn't come across the right way. I just don't like people trashing my employer. If I felt it was justified, I would be bashing with you.

But just about every case that has been brought up here has been of opinion of the poster. Not specific regulations or SWA procedures that were broken or exceeded.

Sadly sometimes these opinions and baseless comments are taken as fact by our journalistic friends.

Anyway, for what its worth sorry I came across wrong.

 

[NewHampshire Black Bears]

some clown,

Thank you for the clarification !!

I admire you for your loyalty.

Like AA(or any airline) nobody needs accidents of any sort.
Hopefully(for WN) this "string" will end with MDW.

If for some reason it does'nt, well, the scutiny would be brutal.

(but again) here's my "vote" for ultra safe sky's !!!


NH/BB's