Classic! I'm going to print this one out and add it to my copy of the "Gatehouse PA Flowchart". I've shown that one to my crew every time we get a delay, they all love it! ;)

Perfect PA flow chart

Obviously, don't be doing any PA's (required or otherwise) when it could be a distraction and cause you to screw something up.

I ran into this issue last year when an F/O I flew with brought it up to me. He pointed out that the FOM has specific wording for the Before Takeoff PA and that adding anything else while taxiing would be a violation of sterile cockpit. I thought that was a reasonable interpretation at the time... so I changed the way I was doing it.

Then, on another trip not too long after that, I flew with another F/O who was doing a pretty elaborate schpeel for the Before Takeoff PA. I pointed this out and he didn't agree with my interpretation. He seemed to be well connected with a lot of the line check airmen and he offered to call one of his buddies to ask about this... so I encouraged him to do that, as I was interested in the official Delta "answer." The line check airman he spoke with told him that it was okay to include things like welcome aboard, time enroute, weather, etc. and that this came straight from the chief line check pilot. So I went back to doing it the way I had always done it, which includes telling what number we are for takeoff, how long I expect before we'll be airborne, and then the standard script from the FOM.

Honestly, I can see this argument both ways. But like someone else pointed out... we don't have SOPA/SMAC at Delta. The intent is to inform the flight attendants that takeoff is eminent so that they can let us know they are ready. As long as that is the result and we don't ramble too much during this PA, I don't really see a problem.

Shouldn't you do all that "Welcome aboard Delta, the route, flight time, wx, I'm a Top Gun Instructor but my F/O is only a FLAP..." crap at the gate, prior to pushback?

Then when you are taxiing, all you have to say is,

"Hey fat ladies, SIT DOWN!"

Can you explain that last line? You don't work as a crew on a flight?[/QUOTE]

Excessive toolishness can result in IGYYSOB syndrome. Its happened before.

Here is the FO PA flow chart

START -> "Flight attendants please be seated for departure". -> Ask Captain if he wants you to say it again or call them onthe interphone -> End flow chart.

FAA says you can't make an elaborate PA while taxiing. The first guy was right that it's sterile cockpit violation. Of course, one FAA inspector may have a differing opinion, but why chance it? Do that feel good stuff at the gate before push.

One of the guys on the 88 who did this retired in Oct. I can't recall what he flew....maybe the same guy. The one who made it even worse IMO would include the fact that he graduated from MIT right before talking about his carrier landings. The give away that this is about to happen: When he asks what you did before coming to Delta within 30 seconds of meeting one another in the cockpit.

GMAB. Does the FAA ever jump seat on SWA? I welcome the folks, tell them where we are in the conga line, and not worry about it. If the FAA deems that a violation, so be it. I haven't had a problem in 14 years.

The black helicopters are thick tonight, aren't they?