Originally Posted by
hans brinker
Most of the times when we are filed at a high cost index it's because flight time is close to block time, and the company wants to show good on time arrival. At least half the time we are able to push a few minutes early, have a short taxi, get airborne, and I can reduce to CI15 and still be early. Reverse is true too. CI is a great tool, but if it not updated dynamically the pilot will definitely ba able to beat it often.
I don't understand the logic or benefit of arriving early, as you say. I have to conclude that in order to arrive on time you were receiving updated CI's from the airline via ACAR's? and hence just entered the updated number into the FMS. If not you were just guessing. If you want to arrive early, (for no good reason) why didn't you just push up the fixed cruise speed in the FMS? (which makes very little difference unless its a very long sector) Once again how is any of that "beating the system" ? unless of course it gives an airline Captain a bit of an erection or wetness.....