I think "toxic" is excessive. The culture is temporarily affected by the evolutionary process each pilot goes through, which is something between the five stages of grief, and Fifty Shades of Maddog. Perhaps fear delays the development of social graces a little longer.

It takes a while before you can sort of come to terms with the airplane, the sentiment everyone in the world hates you, and you finally notice a smell of acrid frozen sweat floating in the air that isn't yours. There is another person trying to tame the dog with you! It's a while longer before you notice that other person and you have a lot in common, and maybe you can figure out ways to cooperate against the dog together. Making your respective lives more pleasant while doing this is the next priority.

I think most guys are really trying, in both seats, but it's a bit of a learning curve. I think I change a little every trip, and learn something every leg. I spent a lot of energy making the FO not feel rushed, and comfortable speaking up, but now I'm coming back around to focusing on me to create a more pleasant environment, not just a safe environment. Takes a certain comfort level first.

The crusty old ER Captains I flew with look smarter and smarter every day, but they didn't become good in a day. With the incredible turnover on the 88, we all need to be a bit patient, and tolerant, in both seats. Don't know about other bases, but in New York, when things were steady-state for a while, and everyone had a little experience, the culture was excellent. I still feel that it is great today, and I'm having very good luck with the people I work with. I'm a little jealous of the guys flying the mini-dog, but it's not because of the people.