Despite the fact that technology has made businesses more connected than ever before, hopping on a plane is still a must for certain business projects. Now, though, airlines are leaning toward a practice that could put you and everyone else on your flight in a potentially perilous situation.
What are airlines up to? Pilot pushing.
Currently, roughly 20% of all flights end up being delayed. Weather, mechanical issues, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations on pilot hours, security concerns and other issues all contribute to business and general travelers getting into the air later than planned. Airlines want to minimize flyer frustration and paint a good picture of their brand by getting rid of the delays, so they’re asking pilots to do what’s known as “pilot pushing”.
On the ground, pilot pushing requests that pilots taxi their planes faster (that is, move them around on the ground at the airport in less time — we’ve all been there). Even this can be dangerous–pilots already can and do run into problems because of wind, obstructions and even other planes. Pilot pushing asks that pilots go faster in the air, too. In some cases, the requested speed might push the limits of what’s safe for the aircraft, or that might not be safe if the plane gets into turbulence.
American Airlines in particular has come under recent pilot pushing accusations, but other airlines have had issues as well.
Landing a Good Flight with Confidence
In the end, pilots can say “yay” or “nay” to a sped-up flight plan, regardless of what the airline might want, and most good pilots will not sacrifice safety in the name of the clock. Still, the very fact that they might have to push back against the airlines they work for raises serious questions about what airline executives are prioritizing.
If you are concerned about your business flight, double check the safety ratings and accident history for the airline you’re considering, talk with previous passengers and pilot union reps if possible and ask point blank if the airline engages in pilot pushing of any kind.
Culled from INC Magazine
