I’d just like to kindly remind people to not throw stones if they live in a glass house. I have several friends at ZW. They’re great people, and it’s a great company. Was the PIREP a little silly? Sure. Is the media taking it and running with it? Absolutely. The media is doing what the media does- sell fear. The article wasn’t about how the pilots successfully navigated hundreds of miles and safely landed. It was about words that a pilot said. And again, don’t get me wrong. It was a little silly. But I think very few of us 100% follow the P/C glossary 100% of the time. How often do you say fife or tree? Are you going to say that you have never once joked or bantered with ATC? Not once, ever? I don’t know the pilot. Maybe they have a weaker stomach and made the comment based off their own feelings.

Either way, did the PIREP make anything any less safe? Did/do you have any question in your mind about the conditions that specific aircraft encountered at that specific time? We prioritize safety and comfort, in that order. What if you had this PIREP and another one 20 miles away that said only half the passengers threw up? Which PIREP would you fly towards?

Never mind the fact that we live in a day and age where everyone is a reporter. Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter, and every other app out there would have been buzzing by the time the crew was done with the after landing checklist. Passengers would have interviews set up before they got off the plane. The PIREP may not have helped matters, but I personally don’t think it is as big of a deal as you make it out to be. Remember. The media THRIVES on doomsday scenarios. Doom and gloom. We’re a half step away from death. Yes. The pilot in question should also be reminded of that fact. I’m not denying that. But I do think this is being blown way out of proportion. As is your reaction, in my humble opinion. I could make the same remarks as you made about Guard shenanigans, unless you can 100% without a doubt guarantee that no UA pilot has EVER inappropriately broadcast over Guard. Or the negative publicity regarding the Dr Dao incident. Or the peacock incident. Or the time a pilot had to flush ammunition down the toilet on an international flight because he was an FFDO and forgot he had his stuff with him. Or the engine cowling falling off the Trip Seven enroute to the Islands. Or the issues UA faced with pets getting sick/dying because they were left on the ramp. Or the fact a person can Google search “United”, click on news, and have endless pages of news articles to read.

I LOVE United. The company has a very near and dear place in my heart. They’re why I got into aviation in the first place. Listening to United Channel 9 in family vacations is what got me interested in flying. So no. I don’t want their image tarnished. I really don’t. And yes, it is unfair the media (or general public) can not differentiate between two separate companies. It is also unfair the media sensationalizes fear. But it’s also unfair you chastise my friends and their livelihood the way you do. Remember, my friend. No one is perfect, and you’re not above being in a similar position at some point. Stay humble.