Personally, I wouldnt make a PA asking for help. If there was a serious malfunction with the jet AND an incapacitated pilot, I may. But to land and electric jet and get to the gate in normal weather without an FO is a nonissue. I probably would ask the lead FA if she knew of any nonrevs onboard to ask about their status. Then potentially have an FA sit up in the cockpit incase I need anything. But what is the point of having them on the radios? Most likely, in the declared emergencey situation, there wont be significant talking and you would end up telling them what you want said anyway. This isnt just Monday morning QB. Its an easy decision IMHO. To say "I would fire my pilots for making that decision" would make me want to quit if I worked for someone that controlling and judgemental. And as far as it being elitist to say that you dont want a commercial pilot or a guy with a thousand hours in various AC, I think that is ridiculous. After many hours in the same jet, it fits like a glove. I dont need someone to read me a checklist after I get the checklist for them, find the correct section and tell them to read it. Its easier to fly the autopilot, take your time and read it yourself. Again, having someone in the cockpit would be a nice backup in case you both had the fish.

I would not classify high time military pilots and civilian pilots with thousands of hours as "ordinary" passengers. They would be a tremendous help due to their experience. I think what most people are saying is that they wouldn't let a low time guy/gal or a person with no experience up there because they wouldn't really be that much help. And I def agree with that.

Great demonstration of CRM… Utilization of a crewmember in any capacity the Captain deems appropriate based on experience and level of competency, and maintenance of situational awareness with limited distractions.

Hope the F/O has a speedy recovery from his illness as well.

Nobody said every flight is a mission to the moon, but don't act like any jackass could do it, either. Top gun over here..

Having somebody like that 300 hr commercial rated FA up there, who probably hasnt flown in years was probably more of a hinderance then a help. It would be much better if the Captain just stayed a Captain instead of giving himelf an additional role as a flight instructor to some old lady who is enjoying the view.

Get real. Its not like Bob Hoover went up there to help out.

Honestly speaking, debating this even further is stupid without knowing the competance and recency of said person. I know current commercial pilots who still have trouble talking on the radio and handling the Cherokee that they got their PPL on, much less yet being anything more then a hinderance in the right seat of a transport category airplane. Nothing wrong with her sitting up there, but if anything was to come up it would probably turn into more of a pain then anything else.

Folks, let's please get our facts straight:

The CA did NOT make a PA asking for "any passenger with pilot experience". He specifically called the F/As over the interphone asking for any non rev AA or OAL pilots.

Great use of CRM.

You're right. I stand corrected. I was able to pull up my father-in-law who hasn't flown in 25 years.

About 15 years ago, I used to work for a company that marketed to pilots. You could buy the database from the FAA (through a 3rd party vendor) for mailings. We were told that database only had pilots with active medicals, which made sense since you didn't want to spend postage on mailings to pilots who weren't flying anymore.

It looks like the database on the FAA web site is more comprehensive than the one you can buy, or things have changed since that time.

Wise up Stanley.

The captain did good. The F/A did good. I'd rather have a newhire F/A watch my back than some corporate nut-job with a couple beers in his belly and a chip on his shoulder for airline pilots.

There is NO WAY, barring the most dire circumstances, I would elect to bring an otherwise unauthorized passenger into the flight deck to assist with flight duties - no matter how 'qualified' they are. Not to mention good judgement and (our) specific FOM guidance, the use of an XCM or flight attendant is prudent and indicated. I would rather bring up the last and only F/A anyday of the week rather than Joe Q Public.

I don't fly for an airline, but I do have some experience at large airports. I have a commerical and I have a MEI so I woud like to think I could easily assist the captain if I were called on to do so. Having said that, I would sincerely doubt any airline pilot would ever accept help from someone not employed by the company. The unknown is too dangerous. Still, I think it's a bit unfair to say an experienced private pilot or someone who holds a commercial couldn't operate the radios and checklists. JMO.

Airplanes that are certified for two crew, really only require one. If they truely needed two, then three would be required. If you are incapable of handling an aircraft on your own in an emergency, then you should not being sitting in the pilot seat.
As I said in my statement, I was referring to the inexperienced.

It's so easy,...even a cave man can do it!:rolleyes: She was just keeping the chair warm.
fbh