With regards to the crewmember who wrote this, just remember it only takes about 10 weeks to train up a FA right off the street...but do you know many pilots at United who have been flying for less than 10 YEARS before they were hired?

 

Agree. But many of the silverbacks that commute to the base I do can't even lift their bags above their shoulders into the overhead. Not all, but some. Is that safe?

Again, agree

They may be trained professionals, but just like the fat bastard guys we fly with, do you think you could count on an old, overweight, out of shape FA to get an emergency exit open?

 

It would if'n he held some sort of high office inside the beltway. You, know... like the average airline pilot makes $200,000.00 per year kind of statement..

 

Well, the book answer is all of them since they have passed all their required training.

The real answer is about 95+%. But they don't have to be physical specimens. After all, the passengers are briefed to open over-wing exits on command. On my airplane where most of the senior FA's live, the emergency exits are powered.

On my last trip, the first class galley queen was about 65 years old, 6'1, 200 pounds. I think she could have dragged my fat butt off the airplane if necessary, certainly with some helpers. So yes, I do think they could save me if necessary. At the very least they are trained to keep their heads and recruit help. I mean after all, if you didn't think they could, how do you sleep at night?

And are you certain youth guarantees presence of mind and physical strength. Years ago, we had an evac and one of our 23 year olds panicked; was the first one out the door, screaming. I've seen some pretty delicate 25 year olds. They they were cute as hell. 5'4" 110 pounds. What kind of strength do you think they have? Have you noticed the muscle tone of a 22 year old Singapore FA? Do you think she drag you out of the cockpit?

So I guess what I'm saying is for the safety component of the job you have to look at the total person. Remember FA's are trained to recruit helpers and just coordinate the evac themselves, not play the role of he-man fire-fighter dragging kids down a ladder.

In the heat of the battle, in a real no **** situation, I'll take a crew of crusty, chain smoking, bourbon drinking, 30+ year veterans, thank you very much. You know the type: Homer Simpson's sisters-in law.

Now on layovers, that is a different matter altogether.

 

Well, we're going to end up going round after dubious round in a circular debate.

Do you seriously give the passengers credit for listening to and/or watching the safety demo? Also, does it make you feel better that those EE's are electrically powered, so that a silverback doesn't have to exert any physical force to open it up?

[QUOTE=WorldTraveler;657535]On my last trip, the first class galley queen was about 65 years old, 6'1, 200 pounds. I think she could have dragged my fat butt off the airplane if necessary, certainly with some helpers. So yes, I do think they could save me if necessary. At the very least they are trained to keep their heads and recruit help. I mean after all, if you didn't think they could, how do you sleep at night?[/QUOUTE]

Good for her.

Are you certain that age and seniority guarantees presence of mind and physical strength? Since we're telling stories, I'll relate one. Sonny probably know more details about this as he flew the plane at our former employer, although the incident may have been after his departure and my arrival. A turboprop went off the runway and into a ravine. With the angle of the aircraft, the viable way out was the overwing EE. And just like other turboprops, those EE's are right next to an engine. Well, the FA had the presence of mind, kept her cool, and was able to get everybody out that EE without them getting near the engine. Do you think the sheeple would have been able to do that on their own? Maybe, I'm doubting it.

Remember the Challenger that went off the runway in NJ a few years back? Granted, an FA wasn't required on that aircraft. I remember her getting recognition for getting the passengers off a plane that was burning up. If you remember the incident, did you ever see the pictures of her? Holy cow, not just a good looking girl, but a turbo hottie. Off the charts as far as typical FA's go. Her side job was a shot girl at a nightclub. Incase you're wondering, they don't hire ogres for that job.

What's the difference between the 23 drama queen you reference and he out of shape, overweight, "senior" drama queen? Not much if you ask me.

Don't disagree with that.

Do as you wish, I'll settle for the one that can operate the exits, stay cool, and handle the situations that may come their way. Regardless of age/seniority.

 

So, if the account (allegedly from a crewmember on this flight) where the Captain had been a total A for 4-days, was overheard screaming at the purser by the FO and bunk pilot, screamed "she's a terrorist" while on the ground at MIA is true, why in the world would the FO, bunk pilot, or for that matter the rest of the crew agree to continue on the flight out of MIA with this alleged "whacko"?

Doesn't make sense to me.

 

Ha, there are no pilots at United with less than 10 years at the company..the rest have been furloughed!

 

Management instilled fear? Just a guess.

 

...think about it. Choice A) Just tough it out for another hour and 20 minutes with Captain bonehead and you'll be back to base and on your way home, and next time you see his name you can trade or call in sick or B) Pull the yellow flag from your pocket and shut the trip down and now, "Here we go."

At my airline you can bet there would be a mediated debrief. There may even be a few phone calls from pretty high up the managerial ladder insisting that you fly while you're still in the jetway. They might even speak in vague generalities concerning the consequences of your action. They might yell and scream and threaten you with everything from your job to your life. Either way there will be extensive review. All of which will take your time off. Through that process, you will more than likely continue to suffer threats both subtle and blatant, to your job, your reputation and may even be threatened with legal action for causing the revenue/cost implications. More than likely you will have to travel out of base to HQ for meetings and some remedial sensitivity training because your grievance rep is looking to not make waves (perhaps desiring to appease the CP to continue on his own management entry track). Your grievance rep may even suggest that even though you were totally "in the right" you let them put a little record of discussion in your file, you know, just to document the whole thing, in case something like this happens again soon.

I just don't see a high percentage of forward looking line pilots willing to fall on their sword by getting involved for a flight attendant that gets sideways with the Captain. Blood is thicker than water. The average guy will take a strong stand on what we all easily perceive as safety (operation of the switches and controls) but personality disorders are just too ambiguous

 

Exactly so.

It's also entirely possible that the captain was both a complete A$$ and yet perfectly competent as a PIC, lot's of 'em around.