Denny,

I was reading your posts on the WDR with interest. As a new captain constantly flying with new FO's, I find that the way to minimize big mistakes is controlling the introduction of little mistakes, especially early on. I haven't done the CQ CD yet, but there are other publications that don't need to be quoted here, which show that distractions right around pushback time lead to other issues.

I think we're paid to weigh all the information and procedures given to us, and come up with the solution that fits the experience of the aircraft, crew, and push crew, as well as conditions on the ramp.

I'm not good enough yet, that I can afford not to focus on the action outside the aircraft while we push; the FO's aren't good enough yet, that they can comfortably do something else while starting a Maddog engine (since all three of their hands are already busy), and tug drivers aren't yet good enough to guarantee that they won't make a mistake.

Maybe none of us will ever be that "good"? Maybe none of ever should try to be? Certainly, there is no tug driver out there, no matter their level of excellence, that will prevent you from having an accident on YOUR record if THEY do enough damage. I think the threshold for an accident is $50K. You can't buy a winglet for $50K, much less two.

Far from me to criticize others that have a different set of circumstances. It worked better when I was an experienced FO, with TO PERF loaded directly to the box. In my case, for now, I completely share your concerns, and I operate your way.