I wont mention the flight details, in case this isn't strickly by the rules.

A recent flight was delayed because the pilots were arriving late on another flight. The FAs and a non-rev captain entered the aircraft and the pax then boarded about 15mins later.

During boarding the non-rev captain was standing at the cockpit door welcoming the pax. About 30mins after everyone was seated, the flight crew arrived. The non-rev captain showed them his ID and a couple of print-outs from the little printer in in the cockpit, and then went back to sit down in coach.

We pushed back from the gate less than 10mins after the rostered flight crew entered the aircraft.

While taxiing, the captain apologized for the delay, and thanked the other UA pilot that had saved them at least 15mins in programming the computer. ^

^^ to that pilot!

While it worked out nciely for that flight, I can't imagine such a thing is SOP. Anyone with a fake ID badge reporgramming a trip computer?! Wouldn't sit too well with me and I'd hope that the actual crew would spend some time to make sure everything was kosher.

He was in uniform (although I suppose that would be easier to fake than the ID).

Perhaps the printouts contained information which informed them of that key data? No experience here (non-pilot) but I do often find it quicker to read than type....

While likely not SOP, I do admire the non-rev pilot for taking initiative, both in speeding up aircraft departure as well as welcoming its pax.

Pat

I've ridden many jumpseats (before 2001!) and this programming is straight-forward, but you have to know what you're doing, of course. The printout would have verified that the correct information is in place... and obvously it's the pilot-in-command's responsibility to verify all's OK. I don't see any risk here.

Definitely the right spirit!!! Sounds like the kind of thing you'd see on WN. Ultimately it's still the pilot's responsibility to make sure things are done right.

Wow. Nice! ^

Now imagine if the Union found out.

After this incident I would be surprised if any airline tolerated deadhead crew loading FMS programming or any other aspect of pre-flight preparation.

Interesting read, but hardly a similar situation.

Agreed. All you have to do is pull up the LEGS page on the FMC to tell if the correct waypoints were entered and that any required vertical restrictions were in there. I'm sure the pilots rechecked the data before departing, but this procedure undoubtedly saved time, as the entry of a route can be time-consuming, as it also involves inputting projected winds aloft. I am certain as well that weights were checked and the resultant V speed calculations looked at; in any case, it is SOP for the two pilots to crosscheck the entries. Plus, you have to do this in two FMCs. Good for this guy in taking some initiative. ^

That was just purely disturbing......

co-sign for the pilot helping out with the checklists!!! ^ ^ ^

Why would the union care?

These are unions you're talking about after all - they care about the most mundane and minute details that no one would possibly imagine. But mostly because anything out of the ordinary threatens "order."