Tarmac delay only US pilots can probably answer
Since covid I have started flying from Europe to the USA but have a question that I can’t find the answer to with google.
I understand a tarmac delay starts when passengers no longer have the opportunity to deplane.
we had a cargo loading problem and the doors were open but the seat belt signs were left on (our SOP says all passengers on board belts go on).
Even though the main entry door was open throughout does the fact that we left the seat belt sign on mean passengers could claim they did not “have the opportunity to deplane”?
in my search I did find this reference to breaking the seatbelt sign rule.
It is a violation of 14 C.F.R. 121.317(f) not to have your seat belt fastened when the seat belt sign is on. Civil penalties up to $10,000 could be assessed.
Would be interested to know when US carriers put the seatbelt sign on before departure.
thanks