B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 151
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Company Policy
Gate was not prepared to timely receive our flight in an APU OFF configuration as mandated by company procedure. The ground power cable was not pre-positioned for our gate arrival and an estimated 4 minutes elapsed from setting the parking brake to getting ground electrics established. There was no attempt by ramp personnel to establish power until after the jetway was attached and main cabin door open facilitating passenger deplanement; which I was extremely uncomfortable continuing with our number 1 engine still running. Ramp personnel first attempted to connect the wrong cable to our aircraft further delaying the process.I was extremely uncomfortable with this delay and made the decision to start the aircraft APU after approximately 1 minute after gate arrival as it was immediately apparent that the ground personnel had not adequately and safely prepared for our APU OFF arrival and I did not feel it safe to continue the gate arrival process with number 1 engine running for this extended time.
B737 Captain reported new company procedure calling for no APU start on taxi in are causing some safety concerns.