American Airlines ... Only 1 pilot?

It seems weird to me, if the regulation applies to American Airlines, why they wouldn't just say... YES! 2 Pilots always. That seems like it would be better for public relations, than providing a vague answer. If you're doing something the correct way, then you might as well say it with enthusiasm.

 

Follow up BS response:


September 28, 2023
Hello Mr. xxx:

Thank you for your most recent response. While I can understand your desire for specific feedback regarding our pilots, for privacy, we simply cannot share internal information.

For further information specific to your request, kindly reach out to the FAA directly.

We appreciate you very much, Mr. xxxx, and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you on board another American Airlines flight.

Sincerely,
xxx
Customer Relations

 

OMG what a bunch of BS you are not asking for pilot names ,addresses so what the hell does privacy have to do with it. My take if the reg doses't specifically say 2 pilots their only using one.

 

That's what I'm wondering. Wouldn't they just come out and say they're using 2 pilots, if they were???

 

They are just saying they follow the law/regulations whatever they are. It’s the same response they would send you if the rules changed to one pilot.

 

Hey, does this type of aircraft have 2 or 4 pilots, me and my buddies area planning on hijacking this type of aircraft in the near future and need to determine the number so we can overwhelm them. Oh by the way, how many sky marshalls are going to be on board.

Yeah, you might not be saying that .. but that is what they are reading into it. You're probably on another list now based on your inquiry.

Pre 9/11 they'd probably have told you. Now ... well, you are def. going to get the full probing when you fly now.

 

Well, they state the following:
Our rules regarding the length of time a pilot is on duty and the number of pilots on our aircraft is in strict compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards and, in many cases, are even more conservative

Someone above stated that the FAA requires 2 pilots. So it seems like they should just simply state that the FAA guidelines require 2 pilots, therefore we require 2 pilots. What's with the walk-around? Why beat around the bush?

 

Security.
Let's turn it around.
you get a phone call. caller asks how many adults are at home during the hours of 10am to 2pm. What do you do?

 

Reminds me of the movie "Stealth."

 

...... they say they are in compliance with the Reg (they indicate they may do more than comply with the Reg in fact) so, unless there is a reading comprehension issue they are (in corporate speak) saying they have AT LEAST two pilots on their flights.

 

Another thread Bruce (BTPost) would have had helped to answer.

 

If anyone is interested, I started another post about this on a pilot forum. I was curious how they would respond:

American Airlines - 1 pilot - Page 3 - Airline Pilot Central Forums

 

Didn't fly American, last weekend when work sent me to Richmond, VA, for a weekend meeting (rather, Delta down, United back). But seems that the FAA will decide what AA can, and cannot do, regarding manning in the cockpit.

 

.... and what did all the piloty folks say ?

 

@fl4848 I think you are trying to find a problem that doesn't exist.

 

Sorry it took so long,, met with the pilot Wednesday,, he said 2 pilots are required on all flights ,, 3 pilots if the flight is over 8 or 9 hours . And he does fly for American Airlines .

 

...... I went and looked at the thread and they too pretty much echoed what else has been said on the matter. AA says they follow the Reg and have AT LEAST two pilots as also reiterated by SB21 here.

 

So, I got back from my trip to Santa Fe. I took note on each flight to see how many pilots there were.

AA BOS > CO - 2 pilots
AA CO > Santa Fe (small plane) - Only 1 pilot!
United Santa Fe > Fort Worth - 2 pilots
United Fort Worth > Bos - 3 pilots

There was indeed 1 pilot on the small plane from CO > Santa Fe. I even took a picture after departing the plane. 1 pilot.