Ryanair Plane Overshoots Runway at Prestwick

[IforB]

That loss of the old fashioned skipper is one of the things that worries me. The new generation of 3000hr RYR captains are far less likely to stand up to the management on things like this.

[khaosai]

Hi,

fuel is a major part of the costs involved in running an airline, but any capt sitting in the flightdeck of an airliner that does not carry extra fuel when required should not be in that position. Some however carry extra fuel regardless, which is not good either.

I would be interested to know what the percentage figure of fuel burned to carry extra fuel on the B737 is. On short sectors it cant be that much.

There are other methods of fuel saving, minimise APU usage, single engine taxi, idle reverse etc.

Its a very interesting debate on how many hours a pilot should have before flying turboprobs/jets and moving from left to right seat. Sometimes that decision will be dictated by insurance purposes or an airlines requirement.

[IforB]

There are many ways that airlines can minimise their fuel bills. We're currently evaluating the RR Fleet advantage system, that looks at a massive range of variables and comes up with procedures to save as much as possible. Easyjet use it and are saving between 1 and 2% overall. Quite a saving in real terms.

Crews should always be aware of fuel issues as a matter of course and only the most gash "pro" would ever just lob on fuel for the sheer hell of it. However, any organisation that censures it's crews for the fuel decisions that get made on a day to day basis is stupid. For a start it creates a "them and us" culture and conflict where none is needed, as well as opening them up to accusations of meddling in safety critical areas.

By all means have a policy about fuel (everyone does to be honest) but if you even think about disciplining Skippers for using their own discretion, then you need to have a serious think about the culture you are creating.

[IforB]

It sounds as if another RYR aircraft has ended up on the grass, this time at Liverpool. There are no reports yet and I hope all are OK.

Edit:

Seems like a spurious fire warning. Pax and crew evacuated, no injuries, no damage and no actual fire.

Edited by IforB on Monday 4th January 17:20

[JuniorD]

Some BA friends of mine used to have a laugh at our poor relation outfit as they (BA) apparently would shut down one engine at a time (on the 737 at least) whereas we would just chop both at the same time. 10 years on I wonder if the procedure has changed now that there is much less money to burn?

Edited by JuniorD on Tuesday 5th January 22:44

[IforB]

I doubt it. It's hardly a policy that makes the blindest bit of difference. Especially as many airlines are single engine taxiing now anyway. Including BA.

Edited by IforB on Tuesday 5th January 22:59