Originally Posted by
Tomcat
I just don't get why this preflight thing is such a big deal. As a southie, I've always shared preflights with the Captain unless something special was going on that required his attention or we broke the 50/50 barrier. As one of two of the first south FO's to go into a north base on a north aircraft, I was more than happy to do tbe preflights. I still like walking around the ramp after 32 years of flying. It was just a cultural difference between north and south, no better, no worse.
Tomcat Et al,
What you are referring to is known in nuclear physics and certain Irish watering holes as the "Pre-flight Paradox." It is predominantly a forum based (and consequently internet driven) anomaly wherein a sole poster puts out something controversial which is then beaten back by the aroused multitudes. The sheer volume of refutiations ends up giving the original, and often solitary post and or opinion, far greater veracity then it would otherwise have.
In other words - Its not a big deal! Co-Pilots should expect to do all the walk-arounds. If a Captain wants to do one great - but don't expect it!
And furthermore I would like to point out that the majority of FO posters here not only agree with this but have spoken out in praise of the Captains and I agree. Both Delta and Northwest have a done a pretty good job of hiring the right individuals. With 12,000 Pilots we will always have a few "oddballs," hell even NASA can't screen to 100% - remember the astronaut that drove 800 miles wearing a diaper to confront her romantic rival?
So lets all take a deep breath and return to some juicy rumors of growth and world domination!
Finally, to all the Captains that think the FOs are whiny - remember the internet, and forums in particular, provides a very loud megaphone for even the most obscure and off base opinion. Hopefully the level of FO whininess is not much different than it has always been. Although there may be some societal trends that point to the "Me" generation hopefully it is minimal among airline crews.
Scoop