Or better, allow FOs to make "normal" PA announcements. Special or abnormal conditions certainly MAY warrant the captain doing the announcements, but using a blanket policy of "I do all the announcements" is unprofessional and irrational, IMO.

Trying to rationalize it with "it's okay... I offset it by doing the preflight" is ridiculous.

You are using a shotgun when a rifle is needed.

I hated to let my F/Os make PA announcement because they were better than I was.

IMO, PNF should do the announcements. But then I only did the walk-arounds when I was in MSP during January and February when the temperature was between 70 and 80 F.

I kind of like AA's way - CA makes all PA announcements.... and I like it because it's kind of a time honored tradition from the good ol' days. Plus, it's one less thing we have to do as FOs. (We've already got enough to do, especially on the Mad Dog.)

Like bill gates said "The average computer user has the brain power of a spider monkey." I think we could relate this too passengers.

As a B6 commuter, once the hatch is closed, I’d rather the crew not say anything. It interrupts my TV show!

I'm a military guy, maybe I should start practicing my PAs now...

Anyways, I heard this one while flying on American Eagle a few years ago. "Ladies and genntlemen, if you look outside on the left side of the aircraft, you'll notice the town of Wedlock, Texas. Mary (our flight attendant) was born and raised just outside of wedlock."

Some people got it, most people were actually looking for the town. I thought it was quite clever.

Riddler

Well, I am not too concerned that the F/O will make a mistake or be too lone winded. I think that the passengers like to hear from the Captain. And there are specific things I want to be said, like thanking our flight attendances. If the F.O. really really wants to make the P/A’s when he/she is the non-flying pilot I would be OK with that. It is not as big a deal as I made it out to be. But I only had one F/O ask to make P.A’s, turned out he needed the practice.

Whatever
 

Boy, you must be a real JOY to fly with. I think we talked about you in our CRM training class the other day.

Nice leadership there, captain.:rolleyes:

Had a United A-320 captain do this once on a trip from PHX-DEN (TED flight). Before pushback, the Captain came out to the front galley, grabbed the flight attendant PA, and proceeded to make a very laid back (relatively quick) announcement with some interesting facts. Went something like this:
"...I am assisted by First Officer Johnson. He'll be doing the driving, I'll be working the radio's. Between the two of us, we have over 20,000 hours of flight time. In flight, we'll be crusing at 520mph, and we will burn 12,000lbs of gas during the trip."

I enjoyed the laid back announcement, and since it was before pushback, I liked how he through some interesting facts at us.
During the middle of our descent into Denver, the aircraft started down VERY fast and VERY steep. Seatbelt sign was not on yet. Suddenly we encountered SEVERE turbulence. Colorado mountain wave. Very violent. The girl next to me grabbed by arm and started freaking out. As a pilot with 100's of flight hours, and glider time in colorado mountain wave, I was still slightly concerned. Having looked the captain in the eye during his PA announcement was not only enjoyable to begin the trip, but very reassuring knowing he was incharge and going to get us down safely.

Thought I would share that.
P.S. I really like:
1. The UAL captains who chat on channel 9.
2. Pilots who make the announcement from the cabin. Good ole' Independence Air philosophy.

I was sitting in the back one day while still at the gate. The captain proceeded to give us a briefing in preparation for our 20 minute flight to SDF. In it, he proceeded to inform us which arrival we could expect and that we will be doing an ILS approach. Who cares??, just don't lose my bags.

I remember back in 99 or 00, a dal flight out of SLC, the flight crew leaving the cockpit door open, during taxi, all the way up to take off, was this normal for pre- 9/11?

The captains at FedEx I fly with are a cut above most of the guys I've seen post here. They let me make ALL the PAs, and often even do all the flying so I can concentrate on practing to make that perfect PA call. I think that on the job training is critical as I don't remember being given ANY training on making PAs in ground school or in IOE.

Sounds like you need CRM re-current training, you sound so nice yourself.

Now Now kids, If you want to **** and moan about this anymore, exchange phone numbers and get it over with!

That's awesome! In the corporate world, I'll even go a step beyond and let the FO familiarize themselve with the coffeemaker and other galley implements. Wouldn't want them to feel as if they weren't fully part of the team!

:D

I've found, without a doubt, the boxes are much more at ease when the First Officer gives the the breifing. ;)
When we do have human passangers it goes something like this; "Folks, we're next for departure, please return your flight attendant to her original up-right and locked position, thank you very much.":)
fbh

Good comeback, Captain. Hope your PA's are more creative than that--otherwise, maybe you SHOULD let your F/O's make the PA's.

;)

When you have one more stripe than me, then you can tell me what I should do.

Most passengers couldn't give a turd about flying, but I bet if you said something like, "Ladies and gentlemen: You're getting the WHOLE can of soda today instead of half of it!", you'd get their attention. :D

I've always thought that instead of seat belts, they should have bars that come down[like on amusement park rides]. The bar stays down until the ride is over.

Depending on the airline, pre 9/11, it was allowed/encouraged. When I was a 727 pax captain, I ALWAYS kept the door open so the FE could keep a casual eye on the PAX to ensure everyone in back was sitting down. The lead FA could easily converse with the FE since the beaver bench was just outside the open cockpit door.

9/11 changed all that of course....

I think one of my favorite PA's came when I was travelling as a jumpseater on a NWA flight. We'd stopped about 50 yards short of the gate. Instead of the usual "please remain seated" comment, the announcement from the FO was "Uh, folks, we've got a few indications up here that some of you have taken off your seatbelts... we still have about 50 yards to go, and we can't move the plane until everybody is securely buckled in..."

I had to suppress my grin when I heard all about 15 different seatbelts go "click."

Lockin' em in...
 

Ewww... I'm not cleaning YOUR plane!!! ;)

I think the lav is considered mandatory for most passengers on any flight over 45 seconds. Apparently they are unaware that the ones on the concourse work just fine....

Honestly when I jumpseat with you guys or on Brown, the PA's need lots of improvement. It's usually just a grunt at the most, and the sound of the gear doors breaking wind. I'd prefer some sort of 'good morning time to sit up straight and land' (and a hot hand towel) routine. ;)

You guys are ganging up on EDC757. Let the CA be the CA. Your job is to be the FO. I've heard some pretty rookie PA's on United, pre 9-11 too. I'm not saying all FO's can't perform good PA's, but some do need a little training and guidance. And as a disclaimer I let my FO's do PA's but I try to watch it when things aren't under normal ops.

I love the beaver bench comment!!!!! Of course some of those "male" stewardesses might object to that comment.