Originally Posted by
Mason32
You are missing the point. The CVR was sold to the airlines, the pilots and the public as a way to assist in accident investigations. The holdup to it in the first place was the arguement that at some point somebody woudl want to listen to them at times other than accidents under the guise of improving safety. These things were all discussed at the original implemntation, and everybody who wanted them firmly stated they would never be used in any capacity other than post accident investigations. Otherwise these things would never have made it into the cockpit.
Now, zip forward a few decades and now they want to use them to anonymously check for compliance and safety issues...
zip forward a few decades and they will want to listen to them to determine which pilots have poor attitudes which could pose a threat to safety.
Think that's an exageration? I'm sure if you asked the average citizen 45 years ago is Gays would be getting married they'd call you nuts. It's the principle of taking one small baby step at a time instead of draconian changes... eventually it will happen. The only way to stop this type of thing is to draw the line right away, and never ever give an inch.
We have told them how to improve safety. Stop the pilot pushing, stop scheduling reduced rest, have a sufficiant enough number of reserves, stop punishing pilots with loss of pay for removing themselves when fatigued....
instead, we're going to increase police style actions and basically say the beatings will continue until moral improves.
Mason -
Since I am agreeing with you - exactly HOW am I missing the point?
CVRs and FDRs and ASAP programs DO increase safety, mishap investigation, and training. They SHOULD NOT be used as a tool for management to abuse pilots and threaten jobs over. I think you just like to disagree with people, but this time you words are falling short BECAUSE I AM AGREEING WITH YOU! I don't know - maybe you hit the wrong button and meant to quote someone else. If these devices and this information was ONLY to be used in a safety enhancement related manner with no course for retribution I seriously doubt anybody would have a problem with it - or at least they shouldn't. I also come from a flying community where every little communication is poured over and the tapes are watched ad-naseum - and yes I can (could have) gotten in trouble by someone for breaking SOPs or 3710.
Maybe that is your beef with my statement now that I read your again. Do you NOT think that a review of CVR tapes or FDR data can be useful in safety? They should be used for those things I mention and not as some type of leverage in the workplace.
USMCFLYR