EXCLUSIVE

D/FW AIRPORT - While American Airlines has always been fuel conscious, they don't paint their planes to avoid extra weight, the company's latest idea to conserve fuel has some worried that it's now cutting too close to safety.

"Not only are American Airlines and other airlines cutting their services, they're also cutting the safety margin down from what it used to be," said Denny Kelly, a retired airline pilot and aviation expert.

American sent a two page e-mail to its flight dispatchers on Monday telling them to conserve fuel when ordering planes to be fueled up or face "documented discussions" that could lead to discipline.

The FAA requires all domestic airline flights to have enough fuel to fly to its intended destination or to an alternate airport. Plus, planes have to have at least 45 minutes of reserve fuel on board.

American Airlines says on average, its domestic flights more than double the FAA requirement by carrying 100 minutes of extra flying time.

But the airline now wants to fly with less of a reserve, though a spokesperson did not say by how much.

Dispatchers worry extra fuel needed for delays and bad weather might not be factored in correctly as the airline tries to cut costs.

"It could be a big deal," Kelly said. "If the weather is perfect, the plane flies perfect and there's no wind, it's no big deal. But, how often does that happen?"

For passengers, less fuel on board means a greater chance an airliner will be diverted to another airport in severe weather or heavy congestion.

The company said its fuel costs have doubled since 2005 to $10 billion this year.

American Airlines has gone as far as replacing beverage carts with lighter weight ones to conserve fuel.

But flight dispatchers and pilots, who still get the final say on fueling, worry economics might soon take a priority over safety.

While the airline, its dispatchers and pilots agree safety remains a top priority despite how high fuel costs rise, some dispatchers say they feel intimidated by American's memo.

Dispatchers told News 8 that American has already conducted "documented discussions" with at least two dispatchers on Monday and Tuesday for over fueling jets.

E-mail jwhitely@wfaa.com