Originally Posted by Jetjok

We all see your point and I'm sure we'll all agree that the F/O is an integral part of the Flight Crew, and not part of the "Cabin Crew." I don't think anyone was trying to present it any other way. That said however, there usually is a difference in aggregate flying knowledge between your senior Captain and your mid-seniority First Officer. If an f/o hasn't checked out as a captain, there's a good chance that if he tried to act as the captain, he'd fall short, if for no other reason, than there would be a number of details he would possibly miss, not so much the "flying the plane details", but more the planning type details. That's not to say that this particular f/o couldn't have done as good a job, but since he relinquished the flying duties upon being directed to by the Captain, we'll really never know. But in our industry, we can take solace in the fact that we all know what went on and that both front end guys did great.

JJ