B737-700
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 165
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Company Policy; Human Factors; Weather
We decided before we departed the gate that we should have an alternate due to the current radar at MCO. Captain called Dispatch and was told that the weather was not going to impact the area and we did not need additional fuel or an alternate. We took his word on this. When we arrived in the terminal area; storms were everywhere in all quadrants and we had extended vectoring by ATC to avoid large cells. Once we were clear of the weather; we were visual and were cleared for a visual approach. At this time our fuel had hit the 5000-pound level. Approach was smooth and uneventful except that the tailwinds were fluctuating between six and eight knots. About 200 FT AGL; we hit a 10-knot tailwind and it might have gone higher as Captain touched down. Landing was smooth and uneventful. I was glad Captain landed instead of performing a go-around as the field was about to be turned around for north landings; which would have caused us to declare minimum fuel and depending how long for the airport switch; possibly emergency fuel status. Also; there were numerous storms in all quadrants around MCO that also could have delayed our return for landing. That situation was far worse than landing with a possible tailwind that exceeded 10 knots. We should not have been placed in this situation. Both Pilots determined that an alternate/extra fuel was appropriate but we succumbed to Dispatch and left without it. That put us in a situation where we had to quickly decide to risk a low fuel situation or exceed an aircraft limitation. Captain made the right decision.
On approach to landing on Runway 17L in MCO with surface winds reported as calm by Tower when receiving landing clearance. The winds on final were fluctuating and intensifying as we continued approach as there were storms in the area. We may have landed out of tailwind limits. Taking into consideration our fuel situation (landed with 4.9); I observed the winds fluctuating on final between nine to twelve knots of quartering tailwind. Considering the length of runway and dry conditions; I elected to land rather than go around and possibly put us into a fuel critical situation while navigating storms and waiting for the field to be turned around. Landing was uneventful.I called Dispatch prior to leaving to ask about weather offshore at that time but appeared headed toward MCO. The forecast did not require an alternate and Dispatcher assured me it was stationary and would be nothing but light rain if anything at field. In the future; I will ask for alternate fuel. While I understand the cost savings of not taking unnecessary fuel; Safety is paramount!
Noting weather west of MCO; B737 flight crew requests an alternate from their Dispatcher and additional fuel. The Dispatcher states the weather is stationary and the forecast is good; so no additional fuel. Upon arrival there are thunderstorms in all quadrants and the Captain elects to land with a tailwind greater than 10 knots rather than go-around with minimum fuel.