B717 (Formerly MD-95)
Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
We were running behind; Captain's last leg; loaded up and punch in the numbers for ACARS weight and balance. ACARS informs us that we are 800 LBS overweight. I tell the Captain while he is calling for a push clearance and he tells me that [we] will be fine we will burn the extra fuel on our way to ATL. Now off the gate I explain to the Captain that the ACARS isn't giving us numbers because we are 800 LBS overweight. He tells me to enter a false fuel number that is 800 below our actual fuel. I said something about that being a bad idea; but did as I was told. ACARS gives us numbers (that are bogus because we lied to ACARS). I insert the fake numbers. In my head I'm trying to figure out how to stop this mess. I start one engine. I begin the start of the other and the Captain aborts the start. I said 'I figured you would want both to burn the extra fuel.' He explains that we should go out on one because 'I am worried that we might need the extra fuel.' I said something like 'So we are overweight; we have inserted fake numbers; we will need the fuel that is making us overweight. I think this is stupid and unsafe.' (according to some CRM video 'stupid' and 'unsafe' are supposed to be buzzwords that get people's attention). Captain then tells me to resend the ACARS for a FULL POWER TAKEOFF. I insert numbers. Captain then tells me to go to Flaps 20 and change the V-speeds to Flaps 20 numbers from the TLAR. I say something like; 'So we are going to use fake numbers in the box; readjust them for a Flaps 20 T/O from the TLAR; and not burn the extra fuel?' We argue a bit and I finally say; 'I want to go on record and say that this is a bad idea; it is dangerous; and illegal.' Captain begins to answer and I state; 'Listen you are going to do what you are going to do. I have stated my position. You are choosing to override my opinion.' Captain then decides to pull off at the end of the runway...until we burn off the fuel. Note: 16.2 is what we needed with a 236 LBS burn during taxi. Ramp was 17.0 or so. After looking through the performance section the Captain finally called our Dispatcher; got new numbers; etc.... I should have done more at the gate. I'm not stupid; I understand that weight and balance is a rough guess; the plane would have flown etc. I see my Captain's position; but completely disagree. I handled the situation as best I could but in hindsight I should have shut the whole thing down at the gate. I'm glad we took off with good numbers; Dispatch involvement; and an amended release.
B717 First Officer disagreed with Captain's plans to enter false fuel numbers in the ACARS weight and balance and readjust takeoff flap setting and speeds.