Originally Posted by
satpak77
For the mil guys
Lets say you have a non-combat mission, in other words fly supplies Point A to Point B in a non-war zone. Nobody is wounded, getting shot at, or being evac'ed. This is fly pallets of pallets Point A to Point B.
Mission is requested by a 4-Star General. Weather is bad at departure point and the AC/PIC tells 4-star that flight will be pushed back until tomorrow due to weather.
General says gee, isn't your jet equipped with radar son ? etc. What kinds pilots is AF producing now? Etc. AC/PIC politely stands his ground.
If this scenario (you get the point, the exact players or dynamics in the real world may be different) played out, is the AC/PIC's career "at stake" or is he called in to write memos or explain his decision, etc ?
Just curious
I have flown numerous "high profile" flights with officers of all ranks and political figures higher than General. I have turned back in flight due to mechanical issues and have canceled flights due to weather. At no point did I get any push back from anyone (except for one flight where the 3-star showed up late for the flight, and the 3-star's aide second guessed everything we did to get him back on time, but the aide just didn't understand).
Everyone else was disappointed in the bad news; however, I was professional and told them we've exhausted all avenues and that "it is not safe to continue flight or to go fly". All of them accepted my decision without question. After every one of these problem flights (except for the 3-star .... cough cough moseley cough cough), my crew and I received great praise from the distinguished visitor(s).
Does your scenario happen. Yes. Has it happened to me, no.