The article begins with the author's personal experience, highlighting the risks of inadequate training for pilots transitioning between aircraft types, where only a "differences bulletin" was provided.
American Airlines is implementing new "Fleet Harmonization" Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across its fleet solely through a 36-page bulletin, bypassing formal simulator or online training.
The Allied Pilots Association (APA) strongly opposes this "training by bulletin" approach, citing significant safety concerns, lack of pilot consultation, and the potential for confusion during critical flight operations.
The author, a retired pilot and former check airman, criticizes this strategy as compromising safety for efficiency, advocating for comprehensive training for substantial operational changes.
After hearing the thwack of the cockpit door, I turned in my seat to see the captain standing frozen in position. He scanned the flight deck with wide eyes and then settled his focus on me in the right seat.
“Did you know that we were flying a 757 on this leg?” the captain asked with a sheepish expression.
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Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.
