Originally Posted by
PTravel
I think Captain Denny (his last name is Flannagan) is an example of "above and beyond" and not something I'd expect from every pilot.
This thread is not about just doing my job, it is about going "above and beyond." When I have time, I do my best to say hello to everyone getting on the plane. I also love to chat with my passengers during ground delays and in the boarding area.
Sometimes there's just enough time to get the plane set up so we can get you to your destination on time. In those situations, I'd think passengers are much more appreciative of the effort to get the plane out on time than taking time to say hello.
Originally Posted by
PTravel
I know that now, when you're out of the cockpit, the FAs have to form a phalanx to protect you from us...
Sadly, in the air this is true.
I do wish I could come out of the cockpit and chat when airborne, but I'd think many people would not like that image.
On the ground, however, this is not the case. The doorway is most often the most convenient place to stand. Furthermore, in the plane I fly, the forward lav is right next to the cockpit door and it is often used on the ground. So any false sense of "protection" the FA might provide is lost whenever someone uses the restroom and this doesn't bother me.
It just gives me someone new to talk to when I'm tired of talking to the captain.
Originally Posted by
PTravel
I did mean to use CAT. CAT is unexpected, turbulence you'll usually know about from ATC or other aircraft. If a pilot is uncommunicative, I don't know whether it's CAT, which, generally, will be short-lived, or the beginning of a long bout of moderate turbulence.
I guess I don't understand the situation you are referring to. Is it a minor bump or two, continuous chop, or a couple good bumps (towards the moderate side), without an explanation? In other words, when would you appreciate an explanation?
I try to strike a balance between too many PA's and too little. It's an art, especially on early morning or late night flights when I assume most people would rather be sleeping than listening to be going on and on about the route of flight. Am I incorrect in this assumption?
Originally Posted by
Helena Handbaskets
2) Why is the entire airline industry seemingly fixated on announcing preparations for landing with the phrase, "we'll be on the ground soon?" Of course it's not the case, but it implies that you're choosing your words carefull so you can't be criticized for excessive optimism if you don't get us on the ground by means of a safe landing. Why can't you just say, "we'll be landing soon?" It wouldn't matter if the "on the ground" phrase weren't so consistent, as if it's some kind of industry law or something.
You know, I've never really thought of that. ^
I'd surmise its just a bad habit that's spread around to many pilots (myself included).
"We shall be landing in about 20 minutes" is better, I'll remember that!
Thanks for all the replies!
Checko