A321
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
Aircraft was cleared to cross 27R by November Taxiway for departure on 27L. Aircraft crossed Runway 27R; held behind a similar Airbus aircraft near departure end of 27L on taxiway. Tower requested our aircraft to move up closer to aircraft ahead of us in order to accommodate other aircraft to cross 27R and hold on taxiway. Aircraft X moved up closer to aircraft ahead of us as directed by Tower. Tower once again requested Flight Aircraft X to move up even closer to aircraft ahead of us. Flight moved slight more forward and then notified Tower of fumes and did not wish to get any closer to that aircraft. Tower advised of aircraft that were caught on 27R trying to cross the runway to taxiway. When Aircraft X refused to move any further Tower requested Aircraft X to copy Tower's telephone number and call the Tower Supervisor. Captain complied and then notified Tower that he would call upon landing in FLL. Moments later; Tower notified Captain to call the Supervisor again and Captain replied it was company policy not to use cell phones in the cockpit. Tower than notified Captain to move aside and make way for other aircraft; Captain; now realizing that Tower was about to delay his flight due to not calling the supervisor; advised the Tower that his parking brake was on; therefore; he would use his phone and call the Tower Supervisor. Captain called the Supervisor and informed the Supervisor again why he did not wish to move any further forward. Tower Supervisor than asked the Captain if he had much experience in PHL; and that they never had this issue; additionally; that the aircraft behind his was close to his. Captain than replied to the Tower Supervisor; that was the Captains prerogative to get close; but he; as Captain of his flight did not feel comfortable getting any closer to the aircraft ahead of him due to the fumes from that aircraft. Discussion soon ended and the flight was placed back in line for take-off! Cause; the event occurred due to the Tower trying to accommodate as many aircraft as possible to cross Runway 27R and have them hold on a short taxiway. The problem with that is congestion. Reviewing the winds at the time; engine start-ups of various aircraft and power settings? It is obvious how fumes can enter the air conditioning systems of other aircraft. It was quite noticeable on my aircraft and discussed with the copilot who also had the same discomfort with fumes as the Captain. Suggestions have a little more understanding and respect for fights you may direct and heed the request of the individuals that operate the aircraft on the ground as well as in flight. I would have been more than happy to have everything stand still; have a Tower representative enter my cockpit and have him/her personally observe the congestion and fumes that we were experiencing due to their request to get as tight and close to other aircraft as possible. There are plenty of health hazards that surround us in our daily lives without having to add more to myself; crew and passengers. The engines of my aircraft take in the air from what is ahead of that aircraft and circulate that air within the aircraft cabin.
Air Carrier departing Runway 27L declined to move closer to the preceding aircraft for staging due to fumes prompting a request by ATC to call the Tower Supervisor; the reporter claiming ATC procedures and lack of environmental awareness caused the event.