Originally Posted by Lee A Carney
Could they not just shut the AC down prior to takeoff, but leave it on while the aircraft is parked at the gate?
You could but the engines would be at low power for taxi, doubtful they would have much effect on a full MD-80. It is possible as well to dispatch with one of their 2 aircon paks unservicable. They may have been running one for taxi..it won't really help. For sure they would be doing takeoffs with paks off.