Pilot union alleges intimidation by US Airways over fuel loads

Jul 15, 2008 (AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION via COMTEX) -- LCC | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA), which represents pilots of US Airways (NYSE: LCC), has claimed that the airline's management is intimidating pilots in an effort to reduce fuel costs.

The union says that selected pilots are to be given 'training' if they exercise their judgment on determining fuel loads for their flights. The training apparently includes simulator instruction which, if not successfully completed, could lead to the pilot losing their licence.

USAPA spokesman Captain James Ray said that senior captains have been singled-out for adding what equates to approximately 10 to 15 minutes of additional arrival fuel on transoceanic flights.

Under US Federal Aviation Administration standards the adequacy of fuel loads is considered a critical safety determination that is left to the captain's discretion, the USAPA said.

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