Sink r8

I think an appropriate penalty for what they did, because of the intentional nature of it, should be steep. I also think the FAA erred by offering a verdict on these guys before due process was served. I also understand the story that's been put forth in the press exagerates their share of the blame, and omits several controller and human factor issues outside the aircraft.

So... I have to ask: isn't losing your income, your reputation, your savings, and your sleep for at least a year steep enough as a penalty? What would it take to make some of you people happy that they've been punished sufficiently?

Sink r8

Exactly...

syd111

What punishment do you see as fit?
As I keep seeing it one of the problems with our profession is the excuses we make everytime someone does something like this, land on the taxi way, off the end with a tail wind, hit the side of a mountain everytime I keep seeing some excuse. I am not the judge or jury but I don't think it helps our profession in the publics eye or the negotiating table.

Bucking Bar

Agreed.

Of course it was such an odd situation. Somehow the idea was reached the flight had been hijacked, which alerted every form of law enforcement as a matter of procedure. Now that several thousand Cops are in the loop, the secret was impossible to keep. It was exciting, they had to tell someone their "scoop." ( We should not forget that it was local law enforcement that made this thing blow sky high. )

After the media frenzy the FAA and NTSB both were compelled to act. They responded with the decorum and wisdom of the namesake on Gilligan's Island. But then, they work for Ray LaHood, so what do you expect?

The crew was honest, although the Captain gets himself no credit for complaining about the FO.

Delta's smart to stay out of it. I have an opinion, but I'm going to take a lesson from the smartest folks in the room and stay quiet about it.

Superdad

The thing that bothers me about cases like this is that you always end up with the crowd who things that any punishment is unfair. At first it seemed like they were taking responsibility for what they did, then later they were blaming each other, and now some are trying to blame controllers. I just want to see guys man up and take responsibility for their actions. Just stand up, and say "you know what, no one else is to blame, it was our fault." Ride the bench for a year and go back to work, just don't let those 2 fly together ever again!

alfaromeo

Maybe because they have many years of loyal service to NWA/Delta and they made a single terrible decision. They landed the aircraft safely and no one was hurt. They will lose a year's worth of salary which would certainly hurt me quite a bit. You don't treat people like disposable resources and throw them out when it is convenient.

Bucking Bar

So the question is, are these two still seniority list pilots after surrendering their Certificates?

Superdad

I don't think you can rest on "years of loyal service" as a reason to excuse any behavior. Especially when that behavior is intentionally disregarding company policy and placing the passengers in danger. Let's not forget that had it not been for the FA's breaking whatever spell they were under, it is a very real possibility that the next thing to have occurred to get their attention would have been the engines shutting down as they ran out of gas!

But I suppose even that wouldn't trump "years of loyal service."

Forgive me if I have little sympathy. When you are at work you do your job, save the crew scheduling tutorial for the layover.

Cargo Man

Welcome to the Hotel California….er uh, the World of Trash haulin.

Sink r8

I agree that you can't rest on "loyal service", but you can look at their record. I also think you're being rather melodramatic with the "engines running out of fuel" business.

I am definitely in agreement with you that it is fair for them to be punished, and that we're not in the business of being apologists for pilot errors. We must stand for something as a group, and not tolerate gross deviations.

The questions isn't whether they should be punished, or not. Noone on this thread said they should get a free ride. The only pertinent question is whether the punishment is sufficient.

I think it is.