Originally Posted by
SkyHigh
You are right. The FO position is not always low stress. Often they are held captive to abusive individuals who like to use the crew as punching bags. In addition FO's are occasionally pared arrogant old timers who are loosing perspective and think that they do not have to follow the rules. As a new FO you are nearly powerless to save yourself.
If a captain makes an off color remark to a FA they risk harsh punishment. How is the "new guy" First Officer suppose to march into the chief pilots office with complaints about rouge long time captains? What system is there in place for the FO to raise questions about their superiors without facing retaliation or consequences? The FO is told that they are to speak up but really no one cares. They have no power and no input on anything.
The overbearing undertone from airline culture is for First Officers to sit there quietly look cute and competent but don't touch anything.
SkyHigh
Correct me if I,m wrong here ,have there not been instances where F/O,s have had to take control because of an incapacitated Cpt?yes.
And sure there are Cpt Queegs but that number is so finite and I have only had to deal with this type on 4 occasions in 20 years so thats pretty good .
As far as input we are encouraged to do so and the power is the Cpt,s he is after all ultimately responsible for the a/c.
You can teach monkeys to fly!