Do any of you find yourself flying with fellow pilots (CA or FO) who are overly paranoid and think the company/world is out to get them?

Flew with a CA recently who was probably the best pilot I have ever flown with. Was very smooth and flew the plane by the book. Other than his flying and ADM, he was extremely paranoid about everything. Some examples were:

1. Afraid to speak to the FAs. Would only talk when a flight related issue came up. Otherwise, he was convinced they would take something he said the wrong way and report it.

2. Afraid of Pax. Was convinced they had video cameras out and ready to catch any mistake we made and put it on social media. Didn't like making PAs and avoided eye contact in gate area.

3. Afraid of Gate Agents. Was convinced they were writing notes trying to pin any delay on him. Had an extensive notebook to record every move they made and what Zulu time.

4. Afraid of dispatch. If he had to call them, he would never use his name, only the flight number and tail. Not sure why.

Again, he was a fine aviator and I picked up some good techniques from him. I could go on with examples of the paranoia. Just curious if others have had any similar trips. Are pilots just programed to think this way?

I think theres a story behind each of these people. They got burned in the past in some way. Badly. I've flown with the type before and found them very skilled and knowledeable. So long as everything is being done as it should I wouldn't worry about it.

Not to that extent, but have had pilots that watched closely what they say and do as to not cause any reason to get a "call".

In my experience, some are just paranoid people, some have made a mistake and over-reacted when they got punished for it (IE said something edgy to/about an FA and got punished for it, now instead of just interacting appropriately they refuse to interact at all), and some got unfairly burned along the way and just choose to clam up. As long as they’re able to do their job without it causing communication/safety issues it’s not really anything to worry about.

It’s not paranoia if they’re really out to get you.

I like that!

Can’t blame some of them. There are some companies in other parts of the world that thrive on turning other employees in for discipline. It’s just the culture.

Once we had to divert after bad weather and the ramp shut down and I was stuck for hours with 50 angry pax. I felt it best to address them from the cabin and of course there are 2 or 3 cell phones pointed at my face. Ugh. I’m not the best public speaker either.


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Some people make the easiest job on earth so hard, I have never understood why?

Flew with a guy who on overnights slammed clicked and ordered room service because he heard of someone who was shot at a hotel this one time.
seriously cool guy and would have liked to have a beer with him but he simply wouldnt leave his room and when I told him I went out running the next day he almost pooped himself that I would do that.

Yeah I don't do that anymore.