Originally Posted by
Guppydriver95
Not sure how long you’ve been a Captain, but zone doesn’t give orders to Captains. I’ve brought jetways back on the last flight of the day to get frantic pax on a few times, as well as directed agents to board Jumpseaters who were going to be left behind. You, as the Captain, have the final say of everything that happens on the jet from the time you show up at the gate until you release the crew at the destination. To abdicate your responsibility just because zone said so is just poor form. Btw, I’ve NEVER been called or questioned about such decisions. But the thought of explaining it to somebody doesn’t even move the needle during my calculus.
Wrong Answer! You can be ordered to fly. This isn't an unsafe aircraft or operation, so yes you can be ordered and you will comply. And you will be called on instances such as this now. Remember, a notice was put out by this for a reason, so the PIC doesn't make a command decision where you don't have all the information. It's great you came back to the gate to get 4 extra people on board, but you then screw 80 connections at your arrival station. Nothing prevents the PIC from inquiring first with zone and telling them you are flight planned quicker, and to confirm the decision to go. Heck, call the FODM right there since he will be in touch with the NOC. When the NOC tells you to go, what are you going to do now, big guy?! Still refuse cause you are the PIC? Again, they have information you don't, and that's what they emphasized with a notice that PICs must refrain from 'demanding' and 'purposefuly' holding up an operation because they deem it to be fit. This isn't about Captain's Authority's degradation. I'm all for protecting CAP's authority, because it's your airplane. But it's your airplane inside their operation. Your decision with lack of information could be screwing up the bigger picture.