APA - Allied Pilots Association
12/30/2022 | Press release | Archived content
Premature Changes to AOMs
Dear APA Pilots,
As you are well aware, management has scheduled significant changes to the Aircraft Operating Manuals (AOMs) for Jan. 3. The changes sometimes alter procedures during critical phase of flight and comprise a Fleet Bulletin that is more than 30 pages long.
APA input was not solicited in the planning or implementation of these changes. Our Check Airmen have not been briefed on the changes to ensure standardization and smooth implementation. Similarly, while our Line Operation Safety Operations (LOSA) volunteers were briefed on rationale, they have not received additional training on these changes in order to prepare them to audit our compliance with the new procedures. No fleet-specific study modules were required as a part of our recent fourth-quarter Distance Learning despite the contractual obligation in Section 6.E of our CBA. The ill-timed change is planned for Jan. 3, immediately after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.
In a letter to the FAA and a letter to management, APA has voiced its concerns regarding these procedural changes and made the case that changes of this magnitude must be implemented in smaller portions with APA's collaboration per our Safety Management System.
Per Section 6.E. of our CBA, Distance Learning must be used to ensure that our pilots have been fully informed of the changes, acknowledged receiving them, and have had time to clear up any possible confusion regarding the changes before they are implemented.
Instead, our management has only responded with a post on AA Pilots that states, "We hope you'll take some time to become familiar with these procedural changes."
Our commitment to safety will not be diminished, despite the ill-timed, premature manner with which management has chosen to roll out these new procedures. Furthermore, our pilots are not obligated to study these changes in their off-duty time outside of Distance Learning per our CBA. Therefore, if management insists on moving forward with the Jan. 3 implementation, ourpilots must be prepared to incorporate a review of these new AOM changes into post sign-in preflight planning on Jan. 3 and thereafter, and to take whatever additional steps you feel are necessary in order to ensure that you and your crew are prepared to safely operate your aircraft in accordance with the changes.
We trust that despite this distraction and other hazards presented by this ill-conceived "cost savings" plan, you will remain safe and carry out your duties in a professional manner. We will continue to press this issue with our management and continue to provide you updates and further guidance.
In Unity,
|
CA Ed Sicher |
CA Chris Torres |
FO Pat Clark |