It's not that this announcement shouldn't be made, just not 2 feet from the gate. Timing is everything in life, and the timing on this announcement usually stinks, because many times, even before the announcement ends, the seatbelt sign comes off as the motors are shut down. However, maybe that's what's needed based on the passengers' length of concentration.;)

what is an announcement??

The PA system in the SAAB is so bad that no one knows what the hell we are saying anyways

I don't let my F/O's make announcements anymore because of the bonehead things I have heard over the years. But one neat thing we have at United is “channel 9” which is usually set for ATC. But when we near level-off and I turn the seatbelt sign off, I ask the pax to join me on channel 9. I talk about the a/c, who is flying, and several other aviation things that you can never talk about over the P.A.
So those who don’t want to hear anything from me don’t have to and those that do get more than they asked for. Neat feature.

Do you let the F/O fly or does he just run the checklists? I guess you don't get your charm and wit until the 4th stripe. Would it be OK during a ground evac with you incapacitated for the F/O to make a PA announcement? Great, now looks like with Age 60 that I will get 25 years instead of 20 more years to get paired with you. Keep your beer money.

Can't I get your employee number so I can add you to my avoid list?

Bonehead F/O

The Vigilante
 

Heard a funny story from a F/A about the above situation --- might even have been true: A little guy disregarded that PA and dropped a heavy item on the head of a Very Large Passenger. The VLP grabbed the offender, raised him to the ceiling, and bounced him up and down a few times while shouting "DIDN'T she TELL you to STAY in your SEAT?" (Whole cabin paralyzed with laughter for several minutes).

I know, I know -- VLP did a very naughty thing. :p

Real Pilot - Really, your a pilot.
I would probably let you get me coffee. Think you can handle that.

That attitude of, "only the FO can make mistakes" and "I as the captain am perfect" is what causes accidents.

What if your FO was a Public Relations person?

In not letting him make PA's you would: 1. under utilize a valuable resource and 2. miss an opprotunity to learn.

Remember that no one is perfect and that there is always some one out there who is better than you at everything.

There is a reason why there are two (or three. or four) people up there.

What about this P.A.?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pysnp6-PdOs