Originally Posted by
ExperimentalAB
...and if you are unwilling to make a command-decision in the face of possible criticisms, then I'd say you are not fit for such command.
You are absolutely correct. 100%. Safety of your passengers is your number one responsibility as a captain. Those of you who compromise the safety of your passengers just so you won't face criticism shouldn't be in that position.
Yes I'm an FO with no captain experience. Thanks for all of the previous posts reminding me of that. I say there are always a few pilots in captain upgrade class who slip through the cracks.
I wonder where the airport manager was. How can a Mesaba gate agent make such a decision? Did she have the authority to let everyone off the plane to hang out in the gate area? I DID listen to the recordings posted on XJT's website. The Mesaba station ops person on the phone did not help things. But it seems like her hands were tied. The Mesaba ops lady should have transfered the XJT's hub manager to HER supervisor WAY sooner than 4 hours after the fact.