Originally Posted by
Bitme
That's absolute horse crap. Flying here (fdx) is like a good investment strategy; the closer to retirement the more conservative you should fly. Sorry, but with mgts track record of backing up their pilots you can't afford to let FOs have free reign as sad as that is or as much as you'd like to. Can't take the risk. Personally I have a pretty good feel of a guys competency beginning right at the preflight desk and as the man up progresses. All factors in how comfortable I am with an FOs "abilities". Luckily we have very very few that I worry about, but some Captains may have a different comfort level. Your buddy and you may not agree with said Captain's methods, but that's what seniority is about; when you get there do as you wish.
Using your philosophy, as you get near retirement, just call in sick and max your vacation so you don't have to "lay it on the line". I disagree with you. I let my F/O's fly. The only way there gonna learn to be a Captain here is to challenge themselves. I personally have enough confidence in my abilities to know when to "knock it off", thank you.
Furthermore, name me some times when "management" didn't back up thier pilots. I am confused, the only times I know of when pilots were disciplined, it was cuz they screwed up. I know of no "witchhunt" for pilots, nor any circumstance where discipline was delivered "unjustly".
I am sure that you are high on the list of desirable Capt's to fly with. But your right, your jet...your rules. I got no problem with that.